What can you expect when you visit Santa Catalina Island? While many tourists and new residents expect to see beautiful scenery, not many are prepared for the warm hospitality of the island. From Avalon to Two Harbors, the island community is festive, close-knit and very welcoming. Much of this warm community atmosphere is the hard labor of one William Wrigley Jr. who built the dead island from the ground up, after tumultuous times of war. His family watched the town progress into a tourist attraction and a naturally beautiful area of land. To this day, the Catalina Island Conservatory oversees land development and water, fauna and flora protection.
Santa Catalina has a wide variety of roaming animal life, including bison, Bald Eagles, and plenty of evolutionary miracles like alligator lizards and new cricket-like insects. Colorful flora life includes malva rosa, wild apple and many other delights. Much of the life you find here is exclusive to the island. Bison roam freely here and will occasionally wander into beach areas. They are harmless, and their population is controlled by local authorities.
Though it’s hard to look away from the beautiful scenery, make plans to attend local community events, such as the Annual Conservancy Ball, the Annual Flying Fish Festival and the 4th of July Parade, Fireworks Display and Dinner at the Casino Ballroom. Avalon and Two Harbors also have their own calendar of events, some of which include costume parties and dancing.
The major centerpiece of the island is the Santa Catalina Casino Point on Descanso Beach. In addition to a casino, the property also has a theater, a museum and a circular ballroom, a unique creation that remains the largest of its kind worldwide.
Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy a few hours on the water. From kayaking to boating to fishing and swimming, the island is an aquatic paradise all around.
