As divers we can become so focused on Catalina underwater. Of course,
it is the most beautiful side of the island. But Catalina does have a
beautiful dry, land side too. Catalina has only two towns, tiny Two
Harbors at the Isthmus and the much larger Avalon near the east end.
Diving the Avalon Underwater Park at Casino Point is almost a prerequisite for the serious California diver. Many divers have been to Avalon but few really know it. It is charming town that looks, acts and smells much as it did 30 years ago. This is by no means a complete guide to Avalon topside - just a few things that I have tried, taken to heart, and would be more than thrilled to do over again. Some of which I have.
STAY OVERNIGHT
If you have never stayed on the island, by all means do. Avalon is dotted with dozens of hotels and accommodations to fit every taste and budget. I have stayed right on the beach and up in the hills. Although both are great, I lean toward the hills. Try La Paloma (800-310-1505). It's up a bit of a hill but tucked into a nice little corner that is incredibly quiet and serene. On the beach, nothing is more centrally located than the Pavilion Lodge (800-633-4423) and there are no hills to climb. If you are diving, make sure the hotel you book with is "diver friendly," meaning simply they have a place for you to rinse and hang out wet dive gear. There are several in Avalon, including the two mentioned above.
THREE MUST-DO'S
If you only get to stay in Avalon once, there are three things you must do (other than dive Casino Point). First, rent a golf cart and tour the town and surrounding hills. The vistas are spectacular! Three hours is plenty of time to cover most of what's available. The golf cart rental agent will give you a map and show you where to go. I recommend the outlet at the Corner of Metropole and Crescent at the west end of town.
Second, go shopping. And this recommendation is coming from a guy! Items available vary from cheap trinkets to elegant sculptures. Keep an eye out for unusual marine related jewelry, Catalina tile, art prints, and funny T-shirts catering to divers. But, alas, I have to admit that what I like most about shopping is it generally involves eating at some point. A great daytime haunt is at the Catalina Cantina on Crescent. The food is hearty (stay with the Mexican variety) and reasonable, but the main attraction here is something different. If possible, try to get seats that face the walkway and water. The people watching is as good as it gets this side of Venice Beach. For dessert, nothing beats the half-moon cookies from the bakery inside the Metropole Marketplace. They are not always available but will make them up if you ask nice and are willing to wait a few hours. We always take home a dozen for the kids.
And finally, take in a movie at the only cinema in town - but, oh, what a theatre! Inside the Casino itself is an old fashioned movie theatre straight out of the 1930s. Art deco is everywhere. Before entering the theatre, look over the mermaid undersea tile art facade above the ticket booth. The beautiful decor continues inside with an exquisitely restored lobby. First- run movies are shown nightly. On weekends, the features are preceded by live organ music. Get to the theatre early and check out the acoustics. The ceiling reflects sounds so efficiently that you can hear even a whisper from several aisles away. For current movie showings, call 310-510-0179. If you cannot get away to see a movie, take a tour of the Casino. This will also afford you the privilege of visiting the elegant Casino Ballroom atop the theatre. The balcony overlooks the Avalon Underwater Park. Better than an actual tour is to attend an event in the ballroom, such as the Conservancy Ball or Jazz Festival.
NIGHTLIFE, EVENING DINNING
Nightlife in Avalon can be subdued, romantic, wild, or all of the above. Mid-week in the winter it is especially quiet and perfect for lovers who want to feel they have the most romantic town in the Pacific all to themselves. Popular night spots include The Landing on the west end of town with excellent Mexican food, El Galleon for good steaks and seafood, and a Karaoke as the evening accelerates or deteriorates, whatever the case may be. Another great choice is the Blue Parrot, a quiet restaurant on the second story at Metropole Marketplace that overlooks the bay. There are many more, but these are some of my favorites.
For the more wild, check out Luau Larry's or the Chi Chi Club, both bars that are good places for dancing.
EXPLORING THE INTERIOR
And then you have 75 square miles of island interior to explore. You can hike and bike (with special permits), but tenderfoots who want the adventure without the pain have two options. Santa Catalina Island Company operates a variety of inland tours in comfortable buses and coaches. The price is reasonable and trips are frequent. I recommend the Inland Motor Tour. Call 310-510-TOUR.
Option two is a jeep tour with the Catalina Conservancy. Small groups are taken in an open jeep to parts of the island rarely seen by visitors. Participants in this excursion have the greatest chance of seeing rare species like the island fox or up-close encounters with buffalo. Call 310-510-2595.
MINIATURE GOLF
I have one final recommendation that may seem silly. If you have the time, play the miniature golf course in the center of town. While I'm no expert on the game, I have played enough courses on the mainland (at the encouragement of my children) to know that miniature golf can be a truly boring game. But this course is fun and very challenging! There is not a lot of gimmicks, just a good dose of ingenious challenges to the use of kinetic energy.
Need more ideas and info? Contact the Santa Catalina Island company at 800-633-4423, or visit their website at www.catalina.com.
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