Catalina Museum

ABOUT THE CATALINA ISLAND MUSEUM The Catalina Island Museum was founded in 1953 as an independent nonprofit organization by volunteers concerned that the community’s heritage was slipping away with the passing of its elder residents. Today, we employ a staff of eight, assisted by dozens of volunteers that contribute hundreds of hours each year to collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the rich cultural heritage of Santa Catalina Island

Located on the ground floor of the world-famous Casino Building
Avalon

The Nature Center at Avalon Canyon

Featuring self-guided exhibits, hands-on activities for kids, a Resource Center, and host the popular Evening Nature Program lecture series and other events.

Visitors will learn about everything from the geology of the Channel Islands, to how species arrive on islands. Explored will be the concept of “biodiversity hotspots” (of which there are 200 in the world), and why Catalina is part of the one that stretches along the West Coast of the United States.

1202 Avalon Canyon Road, Avalon

Catalina Express
Daily boat departures to Catalina Island from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point.

The adventure begins on board Catalina Express where sitting on an outside upper deck, you can take in ocean breezes or keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of White-sided dolphins. Passengers on board Catalina Express can expect to arrive in Catalina in about an hour, from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point. Catalina Express offers year round service and the convenience of up to 30 round trips daily.

Reservations:
(800) 481-3470

Hiking on Catalina Island

Hiking permits are required by the Catalina Island Conservancy. They are free of charge, and available the day of your hike.

Hiking permits may be obtained at the Conservancy Office, 125 Clarissa ave, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas) call for more information on the Trans Catalina Trail (310) 510-2595 ext 100

Mountain Biking on Catalina Island

Due to the Island’s rugged interior, mountain bikes with all terrain knobby tires are required and riders must wear helmets that meet the safety standards set by either the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Snell Memorial Foundation. Bike Passes into the interior of the island are a benefit of Membership with the Catalina Conservancy as of January 1, 2009.

For more information call the Conservancy at (310) 510-2595 ext 100, they are located at 125 Clarissa Ave in Avalon. Freewheeler bike pass ~ join the conservancy and become a member and a freewheeler bike pass goes along with membership

Newport Landing Whale Watching-Newport Beach/Newport Harbor

Newport Landing offers Catalina Island Whale Watching cruises year round. Cruises depart at 9 am and have a 2 hour layover on Avalon at Catalina Island then continue, returning around 5:30 pm. These unique trips view all types of marine life from giant blue whales to huge numbers of grey whales, finback whales, minke whales, sperm whales, humpback whales, killer whales, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, risso dolphin, spinner dolphin, and dozens more. Our whale watching ship was built just for whale watching with seating and viewing options from almost any part of the ship. 65 feet in length the stability and comforts are great for those concerned with being on the ocean. A trip of a lifetime.