1- Warm Welcome
Ahoy Matey!Welcome to Catalina Island!My name is Captain Dane and along with the creators of Catalina Compass,We thank you for joining us today!Before we dive in, make sure the app is fully downloaded and your phone is charged.Ear phones are definitely helpful, Avalon can be a noisy little town!Our app uses your phone's location to play the tour automatically, just follow my voice to each stop. Our adventure will last about an hour. **We’re here for a good time, not a long time!**Now, let me set the scene for you… Catalina Island stretches 21 miles long and 8 miles at its widest point. Avalon, the quaint little town before you, is just 1 square mile and home to about 4,000 year around residents.I do have to say, this place is quirky! We have a casino with no gambling, a 3rd street but no 1st or 2nd street, a bird park with no birds, and fish that fly!Today we’ll begin our tour at Old Ben Park. Check out the beautiful bronze statue of Ben,the famed sea lion who called Avalon Bay his home in the late 1800’s.He welcomed visitors, delighted locals, and playfully pestered fishermen for a bite of fish over the course of many years. Today, just like Old Ben, we welcome you to Avalon.Alrighty then, Anchors Away!Let’s stroll along the bay towards the Green Pier.As you walk, look ahead, to the right and you’ll notice the cream colored wall with the spiraled ends, this is the serpentine wall.Let’s follow it as it snakes its way along Crescent Avenue.Our first stop is the colorful tiled building at the corner on the left. Once there, we’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind the vibrant tiles that add so much character to our charming town.
2- Tile Trivia
CAPTAIN DANE"As we pause in front of this dazzling, tile-covered gem, let’s hear from Robin Cassidy, our local tile expert. Robin has personally replicated and replaced much of the Catalina tile you will see on our tour today..ROBINThank you Captain Dane! Hey friends!Let’s take a moment to admire the face of this colorful building. It is covered with a full display of original island made tile.The Catalina Pottery Company, Founded in 1927, produced brick, tile, tableware and decorative pottery using the island’s very own clay.Once you start looking, you'll spot the decorative tiles everywhere around town. They brighten up walls and splash magic on fountains.Can you find some of the unique gems on this building?Check out the two very small marlin tiles on each side of the entrance; these rare pieces have withstood the test of time. Look up! See the lion heads at the top of the tiled columns? These one of a kind pieces are definitely hidden in plain sight!Isn’t it amazing that the same clay used to create the decorative tile you see in front of you is the same that lined the old streets of Avalon and also produced the roof tiles atop many of the buildings in Avalon?Here’s a fun fact: It’s said the roof tiles around town were shaped by draping the slabs of clay over the legs of the factory workers!Avalon’s history is so interesting! Back to you Captain, I'll catch up with you again later.CAPTAIN DANEThank you Robin, that was fascinating!Let's continue walking, following the serpentine wall toward the pier.Now that you know a bit of Catalina tile history, be on the lookout for tile as we walk through town.We’ll meet at the foot of the green pier and share a little secret about this unique curved wall we have been following.
3- Serpent Secret
CAPTAIN DANEAlright, mates, hold onto your hats because we’re about to uncover another hidden gem! Before we head onto the pier, let's pause and check out the end of the wall we have been following. Why, you ask? Well, It’s named the Serpentine wall for a reason!Feast your eyes on the intricate brick and tile inlay at the end of the wall in front of you—surprise! It's the head of a giant Sea Serpent! Remember those spiral tops we saw earlier? Those are actually the serpent's tail. Pretty cool, right?Here’s the kicker—most visitors stroll right by this marvel without even noticing it. But now, *you* are in on the secret! Another Avalon treasure hidden in plain sight!If you need a bathroom break feel free to hit the pause button now, the restrooms are located up the stairs, on the right side of the green building just ahead of you.We’ll wait right here for you.Now, let's step out onto the pier and continue walking as we dive into its history!Did you know that this very pier was built way back in 1909 and stretches a whopping 407 feet into Avalon Bay?The pier was constructed to alleviate the bustling congestion on Avalon Beaches. Imagine those days - the beaches teeming with rowboats, racks of drying fish, and even cheeky sea lions eagerly waiting for handouts!Today, the pier remains a hub of activity. It's home to the Catalina Island Visitors Center, the Avalon Harbor Department, LA County Lifeguards, and Avalon’s official weigh station for sport fish.Fun fact! The pier was purchased by the City of Avalon a few years after it was built for $5 whole dollars and then fittingly named the pleasure pier.As we continue our journey, we will stop just past the Avalon Boat Stand on the right side where there are some benches facing the ocean.
4- Historic Homes
CAPTAIN DANE Ok let's stop here a minute, Feel Free to grab a seat as we show you two historic island treasures and tell you the stories behind them. Look up to the top of the hill across the bay, notice the large white home above all the others? That is the Wrigley Mansion.Wrigley, the genius behind Wrigley's chewing gum and owner of the Chicago Cubs, purchased the island in 1919. He built his mansion home soon after, as an escape from Chicago's cold winters. Wrigley chose the location for its perfect sunlight. It is the first spot to receive the morning sun and the last spot to receive afternoon light before the sun dips behind the mountains.In 1985, the mansion was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and today operates as a bed and breakfast.Now look down the hill from the Wrigley mansion to the charming Queen Ann style home with the red coned roof. That is the historic Holly Hill House. Originally called Lookout Cottage, it is a true Avalon gem and one of the oldest standing residences in Avalon.Construction on Lookout Cottage began in 1888 by a civil engineer named Peter Gano and took about two years to complete.Gano used nothing but his loyal horse, Mercury, and a clever pulley system to hoist all the building materials up that steep hill. Can you imagine that?There are whispers of a heartbreaking twist in the Holly Hill house story. The story says Gano built Lookout Cottage for his fiancée who then jilted him just after he finished the construction of the home. Because of that, It is rumored that no woman was allowed to enter the home while he was alive.In 1983, this little piece of history was also rightly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. What a testament to its enduring charm and stories it holds. The Holly Hill house has always been a private residence.Let's continue down to the end of the pier and walk around the green building at the end. You may want to stop at the end of the pier to snap the perfect photo. We’ll meet you again on the way back down the pier towards town, on the other side of the pier.And remember…*** when you're out of planks, you're out of pier!**
5- Bells & Books
CAPTAIN DANE Ahoy again mateys, Let's pause for a moment here on the right side heading back down the pier just past the Dive Shop.Look across the bay to the large circular building on the ocean then follow the ridgeline up the hillside to the lone arched tower across the bay. There, elegantly perched, is the Chimes Tower building.Have you heard the bells chime yet?The Catalina Chimes have been ringing out every quarter hour since 1926.They were a gift to the town of Avalon from the Wrigleys who wanted to add a special harmony to the town they loved. The Chimes have been captivating residents and visitors for decades, filling Avalon with their timeless melodies.Now, just to the left of the Chimes Tower, you'll notice a large, white adobe structure, this is the Zane Grey Pueblo. Also completed in 1926, the home is rumored to have cost a whopping $50,000 at the time. It was built by the famous novelist and fishing enthusiast Zane Grey to resemble a Hopi Indian dwelling. Quite the unique retreat for writing and relaxing!Fast forward to 2019, and this historic pueblo underwent a massive renovation, transforming it into a modern-day hotel. The cost? A staggering 5 million dollars!Inflation! **They say money talks, but mine just waves goodbye!**Let's continue walking off the pier and take a right when you get to the end on to Crescent Ave, AKA Front street to us locals.
6- Front Street Facts
CAPTAIN DANEThis main street is called Crescent Ave due to the half moon shape of Avalon Bay.This charming street is pedestrian-only, so if you ever see a golf cart here, they're definitely lost and could use our golf cart tour!You might be wondering why there are so many golf carts in Avalon. Well, these nifty little vehicles are actually street legal here on Catalina, with the aim of easing traffic congestion.Fun fact - Each household is allowed one golf cart. There is a 20 year wait list to bring a full size vehicle to the island.Here are a few more fun facts about our unique town: We have one school, one police department, one city fire department, one gas station and one library. We also have one grocery store and one post office and neither one of those delivers!Avalon truly is a small town in every sense of the word.* It is so small, in fact, Golf Carts don't even need to use turn signals!—Everyone in town already knows where you're going!**Let's continue walking to the fountain you see up ahead to meet again with Avalon’s tile expert and our friend Robin.
7- Fountain Fun
ROBIN -Hello again! I hope you are enjoying our town! Welcome to the heart of Avalon!Just to your right, you’ll see the town stage, this is Avalon’s hotspot for local events and celebrations……. Look to your left and check out the beautiful, tiled fountain!Take a moment to soak it all in!The towering palm trees, the sparkling blue bay, have you heard the chimes toll? —Avalon truly is a feast for the senses…..Ok, let’s get back to the tour! and talk about this beautiful fountainIn 2015 I had the distinct pleasure of bringing it back to its 1930’s glory.The tiles on the middle tower were reproduced at my studio by yours truly!I duplicated many of the original designs to keep with the unique, original style of Catalina Tile.Now, here is a fun tidbit about the fountain. Let’s take a peek inside. See how the walls inside resemble a whimsical, tile-covered quilt? When the fountain was originally built, city workers raided the local Catalina tile factory for discarded pieces and oddballs, and it worked out perfectly. Beautiful chaos, hidden in plain sight! Can you believe those are original Catalina tiles?Do you want to create your own Catalina Tile with me at my Studio? Check out my website SilverCanyonpottery.com or look for a link in this app.Thanks for hanging with me! Back to you Captain Dane, Over and out!CAPTAIN DANEThank you Robin! Your craftsmanship is amazing! Let’s continue on toward the Casino, as you walk, take note of tiles everywhere you look!We will meet again at the next building located on the ocean side of our walk.
8- Time Travels
CAPTAIN DANEWelcome to the site of the Historic Steamship Pier, this location was the gateway for millions of visitors who once stepped off the iconic SS Catalina.Let’s continue walking the length of the buildings as we dive into her story.The S.S. Catalina, known as the “Great White Steamer” was built by William Wrigley in 1924 for a cool Million DollarsFrom the roaring ‘20s until 1975, the 300 foot steamship ferried more than 20 million passengers between Los Angeles and Avalon Harbor! That’s more passengers than any other ship, anywhere!Boarding the “Steamer” was to step into an era of elegance and excitement! Passengers were surrounded by glistening teak and luxurious leather seats as Big Bands played swinging tunes.Despite the Steamer’s glory days, by the early 1970s, advances in watercraft made it challenging for the steamship to compete. She retired from service in 1975, leading to years of uncertainty and neglect and her eventual sinking in 2009.The SS Catalina is forever enshrined in Avalon’s heart with respect and admiration.Islanders have cherished memories of welcoming the “Steamer”. Speedboats would circle the huge ship, dragging water skiers who danced across its giant wake…..while closer to shore, children dove for coins that were tossed overboard by generous passengers!As we circle the end of the building and patio, let’s head over to the green railing overlooking the ocean.Here, we will reminisce with island born Chip Upton, who fondly remembers the thrill of diving for coins as a child.CHIPThank you Captain Dane, that was a long time ago but I remember it like it was yesterday.Every day, the arrival of the Steamer was the highlight of the day for us kids. A gang of us would jump in the water and swim up alongside the ship, all shouting together “Throw a coin!” “Throw a coin!”Tourists threw coins overboard and we dove after them as they sank to the bottom, fighting each other for the quarters. Tourists literally threw handfuls of coins, I think they had as much fun throwing the coins as we did diving after them!We quickly discovered that stashing the coins in our cheeks was a much better option than stashing them in our masks. Our masks would get knocked off by a wayward elbow causing the coins to fall again which would begin a whole new diving frenzy.It was a great summer ritual and is a fond memory! We would make enough money from the coins to buy lunch AND play pinball at the arcade, what more could a kid want?Thank you Chip, sounds like everyday was an adventure as a kid here on catalina!Let’s continue on our journey towards the Via Casino building where we’ll uncover some interesting architecture……….
9- Amazing Arches
CAPTAIN DANE Let’s stop here, notice the unique shape of the Via Casino entryway?Look up to the arched Chimes tower on the hill above, then look to your left and notice the arched entry to the elegant building across the street, formally called the El Encanto. Take a moment to admire these three architectural gems—they were all crafted during the same era as the iconic serpentine wall and fountains, giving Avalon its magical Early California ambiance.Look to your left in front of the El Encanto building, and you'll spot the Sombrero Fountain, aptly named for the sombrero on top! I bet you can guess who created the tiles on this fountain!Though it no longer functions as a fountain, it's still a stunning piece that adds to our town's charm. Notice the circular inlay on the ground around it? It's made using local Island beach rock and original Catalina brick. Another unique touch that makes our town so picturesque.As we walk through Via Casino, let's stop inside for a moment, and look through the arches toward the ocean, here is another photo op! – the colorful tiles and that beautiful frame are just begging for a snapshot! Take a moment, soak it all in, and capture the view.Once you're ready, we'll make our way to the Tuna Club, the large white building on the ocean in front of us.Please note the restrooms across the street, feel free to pause here and meet us again at the Tuna Club
10- Fish Fanatics
CAPTAIN DANE Let’s stop in front of this historic building with the leaping tuna and tell you its story.The Tuna club was built in 1898 and founded by avid fisherman Charles Holder.Back then, the fishing around the island was so phenomenal that tourists were hauling in massive catches and leaving them to rot on the beach! Dr. Holder saw the fish numbers dropping and found a way to turn the wastefulness into a responsible sport through membership to the Tuna Club,The club was exclusive—only men could join, capturing specific fish species with specified line weights. As the world’s first big-game sportfishing club, The Tuna Club was listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1991 and set the standard for ethical angling worldwide.Let's stroll over to the railing past the Tuna Club and take in the ocean view. Can you spot any bright orange fish in the water below? The colorful garibaldi are the state fish of California and are another hidden treasure to watch for. From above they look just like large carnival goldfish!Let's keep walking toward the next building while we hear a poem from our friend Chip.Chip is an avid fisherman and quite the jokester!CHIP Aye, Aye, Thank you Captain Dane!I do love fishing…..Do you know what they say about fishing? It’s just one jerk waiting for another!Anyhow, on with the show!This verse is called Behold the Fisherman’ and pokes a little fun at them.Behold the fisherman, he rises up early in the morning and disturbs the whole household.Mighty are his preparations. He goes forth full of hope!When the day is far spent, he returns, smelling of strong drink and the truth is not in him.OK,my job here is done, enjoy the tour! Over and out Captain!DANE Thank you Chip! That was great! Funny Guy huh?Let’s stop here at the Catalina Island Yacht Club, one of the oldest on the West Coast.It was founded by members of the Tuna Club, with a little push from their wives as a gathering place for All to balance out the male-only, sport-fishing world of the Tuna Club.Officially inaugurated in August of 1924, the Yacht Club signaled the start of a new social era on the island, welcoming both men and women, creating a more inclusive community, by invitation only of course!Now, let's continue our journey towards the most legendary building on the West Coast.The Catalina Casino opened its doors in 1929 to celebrate a decade of Wrigley ownership. There was no charge for admission into the ballroom and guests eagerly awaited the grand opening. Just imagine the event goers back then, dressed to the nines, walking the same meandering path you're on right now, eager to swing the night away to the vibrant tunes of the big bands
11- Catalina Casino
CAPTAIN DANEAs we approach the Catalina Casino, you'll find yourself captivated by the magnitude of this stunning masterpiece!It’s crazy to think that all the building materials were shipped from the mainland, except for the locally crafted roof and floor tiles, that were made entirely from native clay. The structure itself was created using wooden forms and poured cement. An amazing feat for the time.Here’s another interesting fact, Wrigley designed the Casino with ramps rather than stairs. This innovative idea was taken directly from his experience with Wrigley Field at the Chicago Cubs stadium. The ramps allowed large numbers of people to move more efficiently, making the Casino a marvel of both beauty and practical design.Though it towers like a 12-story building, it houses just three extraordinary floors.Downstairs, the Avalon Theater, one of the earliest venues designed for sound movies, seats over 1000 people. Its 50-foot domed ceiling is an art deco masterpiece, adorned with wildlife, mermaids, adventurous explorers, and twinkling stars.The middle level mezzanine houses a beautiful bar, a handy coat check area, several lounges, dressing rooms and restrooms rumored to be haunted..Upstairs, the 20,000-square-foot ballroom is an engineering wonder. It’s so well-insulated that theatergoers below won’t hear a peep of music or the 3,000 dancers above! The entire floor is encircled by an external balcony where guests stroll between dances, soaking in the stunning views of Avalon Bay."We have more fascinating stories to share about the Casino! Let's continue our journey and meet in front of the grand foyer.As you walk, don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for those orange Garibaldi.
12- Art & Architecture
CAPTAIN DANE OK mate, let’s cross the street here and get ready to be amazed!As impressive as the Casino is from afar, you truly begin to appreciate its elegance and meticulous craftsmanship upon stepping into the foyer. Can you believe this magnificent building took just over a year to build? That’s just crazy considering the island’s logistics!The imaginative ocean scene panels you see here along with the splendid theater murals inside, are the brilliant creations of John Gabriel Beckman.Beckman met with Wrigley to discuss the murals over lunch, and just two days later, dazzled him with his 'Aquarium Deco' sketches? Talk about impressive!Even more incredible, these murals were painted directly onto the concrete and completed in just three months! In 1986, the beloved Mermaid mural in the center was carefully reproduced in tile, ensuring its lasting beauty.The exquisite design of this foyer isn't confined to this entryway; it extends throughout the entire building. From the shimmering bronze chandeliers above you to the classic Tiffany chandelier in the ballroom, the Catalina Casino truly is a spectacular landmark and an architectural marvel.One more fun fact - Despite its glamorous name—derived from the Italian word for "a social gathering place"—there’s never been any gambling in the Casino so you can put that out of your mind as we continue to stroll around this vast building.Speaking of gambling, do you know how to make a small fortune from gambling? Start with a large fortune.
13- Diving & Deeds
CAPTAIN DANEOk, Let’s make our way over to the green railing overlooking the ocean, between the palm trees ahead. As we glance to the left, you'll see a quaint cove known as Descanso Beach. This beautiful bay once showcased the famous Hotel St. Catherine, renowned for its swanky pool, star-studded accommodations, and a dining room that could seat a whopping 1,200 guests.Today, it’s reimagined as Descanso Beach Club, featuring magical event spaces and a ‘Seasonal, breezy, seaside restaurant and bar’ - Try saying that 3 times fast!Alright mate, let’s keep our stroll going with the ocean on our left and discover another unassuming wonder just ahead – the Catalina Underwater Dive Park.Depending on the time of year, you might see a vibrant scene before you: folks in wetsuits busy with their equipment, getting ready to jump in the ocean! Or, you could have this big space all to yourself. Either way, it is likely there are several divers under the water. The Catalina Dive Park is an underwater paradise ready to be discovered anytime of the year.Located on the left down the stairs and bordered by buoys, it is the first nonprofit underwater park in the country and is ranked as one of the top 10 dive spots in the world. With its towering kelp forests, year-round temperate water, excellent visibility, and diverse marine life, this park is a must-see for ocean enthusiasts. Even Jacques Cousteau was a frequent diver here!****The dive park is unique in the fact that divers enter from the shore instead of a boat, here’s one for you……………What type of plant is a diver likely to see when exiting a shore dive on a rough day? A face plant!As we continue to stroll around the Casino, it is clear this building was one of William Wrigley's greatest projects. Just look up and notice the intricate detail on the balcony!Wrigley is responsible for much of what you have seen today, but he was not the first owner of the island.Catalina’s history stretches back 7000 years, starting with the Pimungan Indians… We'll talk about them in a few minutes.For now let’s begin in 1542 when Spanish explorers arrived and named the island “Santa Catalina”.It later changed hands from Spain to Mexico, and finally to the United States in 1848. Despite its changing ownership, the island remained a largely untouched haven for whalers, sheep herders and fortune seekersCatalina’s transformation into a tourist destination began in 1887 when George Shatto bought the island, envisioning a bustling retreat. He named the town Avalon and constructed a lavish hotel, though financial troubles put a halt to his plans.In 1891, the Banning Brothers took over, founding The Santa Catalina Island Company to continue Shatto's vision. A devastating fire in 1915 derailed their plans, forcing them toabandon their dreams.It was William Wrigley who was finally able to establish the island as a flourishing tourist destination that people have been enjoying for over 100 years.Fun fact: Wrigley bought his first shares in The Catalina Island Company without ever having visited the island! Once he finally saw it and fell in love with its beauty, he spent about $3.5 million to buy the entire island. The rest as they say, Is History!Now, let’s head back to town, following the same scenic path along the shore…
14- Ancient Artifacts
DANE Let's take a moment at this beautiful tiled monument honoring Catalina's Native Islanders.Named 'Bay of Seven Moons' after Avalon Bay's original name, this tribute is framed with island crystals and local stone. The tile and sculptures depict the islanders using soapstone bowls, crafted right here on Catalina.Let’s dive into the rich history of Catalina’s Ancient Islanders who lived here over 7000 years ago. It is believed that the Native Americans living on Santa Catalina called their island Pimu and themselves Pimungans.The Pimungans flourished in all the coves we inhabit today, relying on the ocean’s offering of fresh fish, eel, and abalone to complement the island acorns that formed their dietary staples.One of their remarkable achievements was mining and crafting the island’s abundant soapstone into valuable cooking vessels, which they traded with other Channel Island and mainland tribes. Expert seamen, the Pimungans skillfully paddled their plank canoes across the challenging waters to trade their valuable goods.Archaeologists have uncovered ancient island middens filled with the Pimungans' discarded tools and bowls. These artifacts tell tales of their everyday life, revealing that by 2000 B.C., about 2,500 Pimungans called the island home.As we continue our stroll to town, imagine the vibrant life of the Pimu tribe.Their simple, fulfilling way of living echoes through time, reminding us of Catalina’s long human history. The spirit of the Pimungans lives on in our hearts through our shared love for our beautiful island home.
15- Artistic Adventure
CAPTAIN DANEAs we continue to make our way back into town, take a moment to check out the vibrant historic scenes in the colorful tiles on the wall to your right. Aren’t they stunning? These masterpieces are some of our favorite island art, perfectly capturing the unique essence of our enchanting island.We'll dive deeper into these fascinating tiles on our ‘Art and tile tour’, but for now, let’s enjoy the journey as history unfolds before your eyes, it’s like walking through a living, breathing storybook!
16- Anchors Away
CAPTAIN DANEEver wonder how boaters get to shore? Nestled between the Yacht Club and the Tuna Club, you'll find a charming little pier. From April to October, this pier turns into one of Avalon Harbor's four buzzing dinghy docks, thanks to the floats that pop up at the end. It is often filled to capacity in the summer months, but come October the floats come out and boaters need to head to the Casino or Pleasure Pier to dock their dinghy.Avalon Harbor boasts over 360 privately owned moorings. Think of them as super-expensive parking spots for boats—the smallest one might cost you $250,000! Owners get first dibs, but when they're not using them, the Harbor Department assigns them on a first-come, first-served basis. The owners don’t make any money from this; they just get the privilege of using them whenever they want. **It’s true what they say—a boat is a floating hole you pour money into!**
17- Fond Farewell
CAPTAIN DANEAs we head back through Via Casino and return to town, we want to thank you for joining our Catalina Compass tour today. Don’t forget, there's a fun quiz on our app to test your newfound Catalina knowledge. And please share your favorite tour moments and tag us in your best photos on Instagram!Before we part ways, we’d like to encourage you to wander back to the tiled fountain in the center of town for one last photo opportunity. While you're there, why not toss a penny into the fountain and make a special island wish?Our wish for you is that you enjoy the remainder of your time on Catalina, have calm seas on your trip home, and smooth sailing on the journey of life. May you always remember our charming little island with a smile. Cheers! Over and Out.
QUIZ
Thank you for exploring with us on the Avalon Bay Discovery adventure! Now test your knowledge with the fun quiz below. After you finish, we would love to hear from you! If you loved your tour please be sure to click on the links below for a 5 Star or send us an email with what we can do better!!
