People have been living on Santa Catalina Island for at least 7,000 years. Archaeologists excavating on a limited scale at Little Harbor on the seaward side of the Island for the past 40 years keep coming up with earlier and earlier dates. They find evidence of increasingly complex material cultures with a strong maritime adaptation. These earlier groups of peoples exploited the rich resources of the sea–from abalone and other mollusks, to small and large fish, and marine mammals such as sea lions.

The semi-arid Island offered limited plant resources, so the Islanders traded sea products and, in later years, steatite for their other needs. The Islanders made the 20-mile voyage to the mainland (and to the other Channel Islands) in well-crafted plank canoes. Steatite (an easily carvable rock that does not crack when put in the fire) from Santa Catalina has been found in both mainland and Island sites throughout Southern California.

Over the millennia, as peoples migrated through California, different groups of Native Americans would have made their homes on the Island. For several thousand years before European contact, the Los Angeles basin and the Southern Channel Islands (Santa Catalina, San Clemente, and San Nicholas) appear to have been inhabited by peoples of linguistic affinity–the Takic branch of the Uto-Aztecan language family. Various areas would have had their own dialects (more or less mutually unintelligible) of the same language family and would have shared other cultural traits.

The material culture of these hunter-gatherer peoples would have varied with the environment throughout the basin, but the maritime adaptations on the Islands and the immediate coast had much in common. In fact, the material culture on the Northern Channel Islands (Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel) and adjacent mainland coast showed many similarities as well, although the peoples were of a different linguistic stock and physical type.

At the time of first European contact, it is thought that the people living on Santa Catalina Island called their island Pimu and themselves Pimungans (or Pimuvit). They were excellent seamen and paddled their plank canoes skillfully across the sometimes treacherous channel to trade. After Spanish colonization, their apparently flourishing population declined drastically with the introduction of new diseases to which they had little immunity. As the mission system altered the economic landscape of Southern California, the Pimungans’ trade and social networks were disrupted.

In the aftermath of this enormous culture shock, their society could no longer sustain itself. By the mid-1820s, the few Pimungans left had migrated or were moved to the mainland. The Pimungans, along with other Native American groups that were in the sphere of influence of Mission San Gabriel, came to be referred to in the European community as Gabrielinos. There are people living in the Southern California area today who have Gabrielinos among their ancestors. Some are actively involved in researching and preserving their traditional culture.

Spanish Discovery

The Pimungans of Santa Catalina Island paddled out to greet the Spanish galleon that bore the explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo to their shores on October 7, 1542. Just 50 years after Columbus first sailed into the Western Hemisphere, the Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) had authorized an expedition up the coast of California in search of a passage to the Far East. The Pimungans were invited aboard ship and gifts were exchanged. It is not known which cove the Spanish ship anchored in. Cabrillo, of course, claimed the Island for the King of Spain. The visit was duly noted in the ship’s log and the Island was given the name San Salvador, after Cabrillo’s ship. Cabrillo sailed on up the coast after about half a day.

Except for the possible occasional sighting of the yearly Manila Galleon sailing down the coast on its return to New Spain from The Philippines, the Pimungans were left in peace until 1602. On November 24, the eve of St. Catherine’s Day, the ship of the second Spanish explorer, Sebastian Viscaino, sighted the Island. Viscaino renamed it Santa Catalina in honor of Saint Catherine. His party stayed a day or two longer than Cabrillo and explored a bit on foot before sailing on. An Augustinian friar with the expedition said the first Catholic Mass on Santa Catalina. Relations with the Pimungans were amicable, although the Islanders became distressed when the sailors shot some Ravens, which held a special place in their world.

Otter Hunters

The Pimungans began to feel the Spanish influence shortly after a series of Missions were built along the coast, starting in 1769, when Spain began to fear the encroachment by the Russians and English. No mission was built on the Island itself, but the Pimungans began to have other visitors. A staunch believer in the prevailing Mercantilist Theory, Spain did not allow its colonies to trade with foreigners. However, sea otter were plentiful around the Channel Islands and Russian and American sea otter hunters were eager to obtain their pelts, which brought high prices in China. By 1805, Russian, American, and Aleut otter hunters began appearing in Island waters in defiance of the Spanish government. The Spaniards did not have enough ships to patrol their territory, so the hunters were able to camp undetected and hunt.

Smugglers

Yankee and English merchant ships soon began to appear as well, having sailed all the way around The Horn of South America laden with manufactured goods. They knew that the government of New Spain did not keep the California outposts well supplied and that the Friars and townspeople would often trade leather and tallow and even otter pelts for manufactured items although it was against the law.

When New Spain revolted from its mother country and became Mexico in 1820, California became a province in the new country. The Mexican government allowed trade with foreigners but levied a tariff on all goods imported into the country. (As there was no property or income tax at the time, this was their primary means of raising revenue for running the government.) However, the Mexican government still did not have enough ships to patrol the California coast.

Smugglers would put part of their cargoes ashore at Santa Catalina and then appear at the customs port to pay duty on the remaining cargo. They would then receive permission to trade up and down the coast–which they did, coming back to Catalina to replenish their stock with undeclared goods. Several smugglers blatantly set up warehouses on the Island and were admonished and fined by the Mexican authorities. The trade was still leather and tallow (and otter skins while the supply lasted) for manufactured goods. The leather and tallow was taken back to the East Coast or England to be turned into manufactured goods and perhaps journey around The Horn again.. By this time, the surviving Pimungans had left the island.

Mexican Land Grant

Santa Catalina Island was awarded by Mexican Governor Pio Pico to Thomas Robbins as a land grant in 1846, just four days before the United States invaded California. Robbins was a naturalized Mexican citizen who had been living in California for about 20 years and had performed various services for the government, mainly as a ship captain. Paying for services with land was customary, but ownership was provisional. To maintain his title, the grantee had to use the land. Robbins established a small rancho on the Island, but sold it in 1850 to Jose Maria Covarrubias, just two years after California became a part of the United States as the result of the Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo.

Ranching, Mining & Military Occupation

In 1849, the news of the discovery of gold brought people from all over the world to California. The landowners in the former Mexican province had been promised that under the new American government they would retain title to their land grants, but they had to prove ownership. Cases often took years to resolve before the Land Commission. With title in doubt, squatters often moved onto land and laid claim by virtue of possession. On Santa Catalina Island, various squatters laid claim to different areas and began running sheep and cattle. Several coves still bear the names of these early squatters–Ben Weston Beach, Howlands Landing, Gallaghers Beach, Johnsons Landing. At the same time, in Santa Barbara on the mainland, men were buying and selling portions of the Island. The various sections were eventually purchased by James Lick of San Francisco and his title was confirmed by patent in 1867 (when it was finally decided that Robbins grant was legal).

In the meantime, Santa Catalina had had its own little mining flurry as the digs in the northern part of the State began petering out. Prospectors appeared on the Island in 1863 and actually found silver in some quantity, mostly at the Island’s west end. In January of 1864, a company of Union soldiers from Fort Drum in Wilmington arrived on the Island to survey its resources and suitability as an Indian reservation. Native Americans in the northern part of the State were resisting encroachment on their lands and the commander of the Army of the Pacific hoped to be able to remove them from their homes and place them on the Island. The Secretary of the Interior, who had jurisdiction over Indian Affairs, did not approve the proposal, and the soldiers left the Island by September of the same year.

While in residence, the Army had evicted all questionable squatters and miners, leaving only those who were well established. When James Lick asserted his ownership in 1867, he evicted all squatters and miners who declined to enter into a lease agreement with him. For the next 20 years, Santa Catalina Island was inhabited by sheep, cattle, and a few herders. It was visited from time to time by fishermen, often Chinese or Japanese, and the annual crews of sheep shearers. As time passed, the lovely coves began to be dotted with tents in the summertime as the more adventurous mainlanders sailed across the channel to picnic on the shore and escape the heat of California’s inland valleys. Santa Catalina Island was developing into a vacation destination.

The post A Brief History of Catalina Island appeared first on Catalina.com.

To get into the Island’s interior you need a Conservancy permit, a mountain bike, and strong legs. It’s a 1500 foot, two mile climb to the summit above Avalon! The unspoiled hills are worth it though, and you can make a day trip to the beaches on Catalina’s windward side (see Map of Catalina).

Bike Rentals in Avalon

Rentals of single, multi-speed and tandem bikes at hourly, daily and weekly rates are available in Avalon. Parts, repair and sales are also provided. Only the 21-speed rentals can be taken beyond Avalon, into the Island’s interior. This requires a permit form the Conservancy (see below).

Interior Access

Bike Permits

To ride beyond Avalon, into the Island’s interior, you need to purchase a permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy. These permits can be obtained at:

• Conservancy House in Avalon – 125 Claressa, 310-510-2595. Open 9-5 daily, closed for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.
• Catalina Airport – 310-510-0143
• Two Harbors Visitor Services – 800-626-1496.

Permits cost $50 for individuals and $75 for families (including spouse and minor children), and are valid from May 1st through April 30th. Only annual permits are sold, no day passes are available. Accident, liability and life insurance are included with the permit. Only mountain bikes are allowed, and riders must wear helmets. Riding is limited to the primary road from Avalon to Emerald Bay. Riding on secondary roads, service roads and hiking trails are prohibited.

Bringing Bikes to Catalina

Cross-channel carriers will transport bikes for a fee. Catalina Express charge $6 each way, Catalina Passenger Service charges $7.

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Catalina Island’s interior, 88% of the island, is owned and managed by the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. The interior is covered with broad valleys, isolated coves, pristine beaches, two thousand-foot peaks and near-vertical shoreline palisades and is home to thousands of species of unique native plants and animals. It is in the Conservancy lands that Catalina Island Fox, the Beechey Ground Squirrel, and Catalina Island Quail traverse the hills freely. These animals are endemic to Catalina and are found nowhere else in the world. Bald Eagles, which have been re-introduced to the island, soar above the coves. North American Bison, brought as movie “extras” in 1924, may also be seen and are very popular with visitors.

The Catalina Island Conservancy

In 1972, members of the Wrigley family established the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy as a private, non-profit organization dedicated solely to the conservation and preservation of Catalina Island. With more than 42,000 acres and 48 miles of coastline under its charge, the Conservancy’s legal mandate is to preserve the island’s native plants and animals, its biological communities and its geological and geographical formations of educational interest. Equally important, the conservancy also manages the island’s open space for controlled recreational purposes.

The Conservancy also owns and operates Catalina Island’s Airport-In-The-Sky, Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden, and the Nature Center. The Conservancy provides a ranger service both on land and along the shore to assist visitors and assure the security of the interior.

Hiking, Biking, and Camping

There are many options for exploring Catalina Island’s vast and beautiful interior, including sightseeing tours, Jeep Eco-tours, and shuttle buses to the Airport-In-The-Sky. For the more adventurous types, hiking, biking, and camping are fun choices.

A number of hiking trails allows hikers to explore Catalina’s interior. Due to rugged terrain, mountain bikes are required and riders must wear helmets.

Bicycle permits may be obtained at the Conservancy Office, 125 Claressa, 9:00am- 5:00pm daily (closed for lunch Saturday and Sunday). Permits are also available at Catalina’s Airport-in-the-Sky and Two Harbors Visitors Services during their regular hours of operation. Biking permits require a fee; hiking permits are free.

A shuttle bus service, from Avalon to Two Harbors, operates year-round and makes stops at campsites and trail heads in the interior.

Two Harbors

Two Harbors is a rustic resort village located at Catalina Island’s isthmus, 23 miles by land or 14 miles by sea, west of Avalon. A popular destination for boaters, transportation to Two Harbors is also available from San Pedro, and bus service connects Avalon and Two Harbors.

Recreation opportunities at Two Harbors include hiking on ocean-view trails, snorkeling and scuba diving at nearby world-renowned sites, ocean kayaking among secret coves, mountain biking along ridge roads, pleasure boating or just plain relaxing on a sandy beach. There is one restaurant and one general store. The Banning House Lodge is the only hotel in Two Harbors, but there are a variety of camping options. Theme weekends and parties throughout the year offer fun-filled family activities.

For more information, contact Two Harbors Visitor Services at (888) 510-7979.

Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden

If you don’t have the time to venture into Catalina Island’s interior, a visit to the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden in Avalon is a great alternative.

The Wrigley Memorial honors the memory of William Wrigley Jr., who lived from 1861 to 1932. With its commanding view of Avalon Bay, the Wrigley Memorial is the centerpiece of the Botanical Garden. It was built in 1933-34 with the goal of using as much Catalina materials as possible.

The idea for a garden came from Mr. Wrigley’s wife, Ada. In 1935, she supervised Pasadena horticulturist Albert Conrad, who planted the original Desert Plant Collection. Santa Catalina Island’s temperate marine climate made it possible to showcase plants from every corner of the earth.

In 1969, the Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation expanded and revitalized the garden’s 37.85 acres. Along with the new plantings came a new attitude. In the same way that the Wrigley Memorial uses primarily native building materials, the Garden places a special emphasis on California island endemic plants. (Plants, which grow naturally on one or more of the California islands, but nowhere else in the world.) Many of these plants are extremely rare, and some are on the Endangered Species list.

In 1996, the Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation merged with the Catalina Island Conservancy. This was a natural combining of two important ecological organizations, both dedicated to the protection and restoration of Santa Catalina Island.

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, year round. Adult admission is $3, children under 12 are free. It is located one and one-half miles up Avalon Canyon Road. The walk is pleasant, passing the Golf Course, the town’s ballpark, and the Hermit Gulch campground. Public transportation is also available.

For information about the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden, Catalina Island’s interior, or the Catalina Island Conservancy, call (310) 510-2595 or visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.

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Catalina Ironwood

Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus
20,000 years ago, this unique sub-species of ironwood tree grew abundantly on the mainland. Now, this tree exists nowhere else in the world but Catalina.

Catalina Mahogany

Cercocarpus traskiae
The rarest of the Catalina endemics. Only seven of these small shrubs or trees occur naturally in a single canyon.

St. Catherine’s Lace

Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum
Grows on dry, rocky slopes throughout Catalina’s interior. Changes with the seasons – from white in the spring, to beige, light brown, then deep russet in the fall.

Catalina Live-Forever

Dudleya hassei
The only Catalina endemic which is a succulent. Look for it on the slope at the foot of the Wrigley Memorial.

Catalina Manzanita

Arctostaphylos catalinae
When the manzanita fruit ripens, its color resembles the brilliant wine-red bark – and the ground squirrels love it.

Catalina Bedstraw

Galium catalinense ssp. catalinense
A perennial herb found mostly on rocky outcroppings on the lee side of Catalina.

Toyon or California Holly

Heteromeles arbutifolia
Also called Christmas berry, because the clusters of holly-like berries remain red through the Christmas season.

Catalina Cherry

Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii
The large-pitted fruit is not particularly tasty, but was still an important fresh fruit of the Catalina indians. Used today as an ornamental tree for landscaping.

Lemonade Berry

Rhus integrifolia
The plant’s sticky lemony residue was also used by the Catalina indians for a refreshing drink.

Catalina Currant

Used in landscaping as a native ground cover for shady areas. Extremely fragrant.

Yerba Santa

Eriodictyon traskiae
This evergreen shrub has a pungent fragrance and sprawling growth habit. Yerba Santa occurs on Catalina and in coastal Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Wild Tomato

Solanum wallacei
A member of the deadly nightshade family, the large, purple-black berries are certainly not to be eaten – they’re highly poisonous! The Wild Tomato also occurs on other Channel Islands and Guadalupe, off the coast of Mexico.

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Other important numbers are for the Isthmus Harbor Department: (310) 510-4253 or VHF channel 9 for all areas outside Avalon, the U.S. Coast Guard: (310) 732-2044 or VHF channel 16, and the L.A. County Lifeguard-Paramedic Rescue Boat: 911 or VHF channel 16.

Avalon

• Latitude 33.20.83/Longitude 118.19.42
• Course Settings: From: magnetic reverse distance, course nautical miles San Pedro Breakwater 174 354 21.7 Long Beach Breakwater 183 003 23.5 Long Beach Marina (East Breakwater Light) 187 007 24.5 Santa Monica 152 332 41.0 Pt. Vincente 152 332 24.0
• Mooring Fees: Moorings are on a first come first served basis
  Boats 39′ and under $27 per night
  Boats 40′ to 49′ $35 per night
  Boats 50′ to 59′ $45 per night
  Boats 60′ to 69′ $58 per night
  Boats 70′ to 79′ $71 per night
  Boats 80′ to 89′ $82 per night
  Boats 90′ to 99′ $96 per night
  Boats 100′ and over $109 per night

Services in Avalon

• The telephone number of the Harbor Master is (310) 510-0535. Staff is on duty 24 hours a day. www.cityofavalon.com
  Avalon Harbor monitors Channel 12
• Note – Avalon is a no discharge area. No sewage, whether treated or untreated, may be discharged. This law is strictly enforced. The penalty is one year’s expulsion from the Harbor and a $500 fine. There is a free pump-a-head station near the casino on the west side of Avalon bay, by the passenger boat landing. You can also call Head Pumpers (310-510-3215, VHF 68) and 714-351-1476 who will come to your boat.
• Diesel fuel and gas are available at the fuel dock next to the Casino. Summer hours are 7 am-6 pm daily. Winter hours are 8-10 and 2-4 Monday thru Friday, 8-4 on weekends. Call (310) 510-0046. Beer, ice, soft drinks and snacks are sold at the nearby Casino Dock Cafe (open 7:30-4 weekdays, 7-6 weekends).
• Trash is picked up twice daily during the summer and on weekends throughout the year by service boats. Trash should be placed in plastic bags available from the Harbor Master’s office and the service boats.
• Fish weigh-in is available on the pleasure pier. Sharks are not permitted.
• Water is available at the fuel dock and at the pump-a-head station floats.
• Casino Way Showers, opposite the Tuna Club. An attendant sells tokens, which cost $1 each. To enter the showers costs one token; each 5 minutes of shower time costs an additional token. Towel rental is available for $1 each. You can also drop off your laundry here, for washing, pressing and mending. Ice is available. Phone (562)889-4920.
  Summer hours: Monday – Thursday 7 am-6 PM Friday – Sunday 7 am-7 PM
  Winter hours (after Labor Day): Monday – Thursday 7 am-9 am, 3 PM-5 PM Friday 7 am-9 am, 3 PM-7 PM Saturday 7 am-7 PM Sunday 7 am-5 PM
• Pleasure Pier Rinse-off, next to the public restroom at the base of the pier. Open air showers intended for swimmers; Free open 24 hours.
  There is no landing fee in Avalon, or anywhere else in Catalina. There are dinghy docks throughout the harbor for dinghies 14 feet and under. Dinghies can be left for no more than 72 hours; after this time a citation will be issued necessitating a court appearance. Do not leave valuables unattended.
• Repairs are available from several sources:
  -Sherrill’s Marine Services – (310) 510-0618
  -The Repair Barge – by the Casino
  Call Marine Repair on VHF channel 16 in Avalon or VHF channel 9 outside Avalon.
  - Discount Dive and Marine 310-625-9862
• Boat Equipment and Supplies are available from:
  -Pebbly Beach Marine Center – (310) 510-9588
  -Sherrill’s Marine Services – (310) 510-0618.
• Shore Boats monitor VHF channel 9. To the Pleasure Pier the charge is $4.75 per person/per way (inside or out).

Moorings Around The Island

Over 700 moorings located west of Whites Landing are operated by the Isthmus Harbor Department. These moorings are available on a first come, first serve basis. Charges are based on the vessel size and the length of stay. For more information or a boater’s guide contact the Isthmus Harbor Department at (310) 510-4253.

Below is a list of anchorages and moorings around the island. Most often are in isolated areas with striking views.

• Little Harbor – One of the Island’s most beautiful harbors, with access to hiking trails and camping facilities (call (310) 510-7265) including showers, toilets, fire rings, and piped water. No moorings, but anchorage for 10-15.
• Catalina Harbor – Mooring for 96, and anchorage for 235. Continuing into the Isthmus there are toilets, fire pits, and picnic facilities on shore. Camping is not permitted.
• Parson’s Landing – Space for camping with fire rings, barbecue pits, and toilets. Call (310) 510-7265 for reservations. Close to westend hiking trails. Anchorage for 10 but no moorings.
• Emerald Bay – 99 moorings and anchorage for 5-10 boats. A beautiful bay with good skin diving nearby.
• Howlands – 40 moorings.
• Big Geiger Cove – Anchorage for 10 with 3 more anchorages and 1 mooring located nearby at Little Geiger Cove.
• Cherry Cove – Named for a grove of Catalina cherry trees growing up the canyon. 103 moorings but no anchorages
• Fourth of July – 42 moorings; no anchorage. As might be expected its name is a reference to its use as a site for holiday celebrations passed.
• Big Fisherman’s Cove – Home to USC’s Marine Science Center. Facilities here (dock, ramp, and 2 moorings) are for researchers only: do not use them.
• Empire Landing – Anchorage for 20. The 2 moorings are private. There is a quarry here on the site of an old Indian one.
• Ripper’s Cove – Anchorage for 5-10. Good swimming and diving.
• Little Gibraltar – Anchorage for 7-10 boats.
• Goat Harbor – Anchorage for 5-10 boats.
• Buttonshell Beach – Anchorage for 10; 7 moorings.
• Hen Rock Cove – Anchorage for 10; 24 moorings. Another good skin diving area.
• White’s Landing -17 moorings, anchorage for 16. The island’s widest sandy beach.
• Moonstone Beach – Anchorage for 12; 38 moorings.
• Willow Cove – Anchorage for 4.
• Toyon – 9 moorings; anchorage for 6.
• Hamilton Beach – 36 moorings. Within view of the Hamilton Cove condominiums. Very close to Avalon.
• Descanso Bay – 47 moorings. Even closer to Avalon. No beach landings are permitted but there are several dinghy docks nearby.

Boat-In Camping

Two Harbors administers a number of primitive beach campsites, accessible only by boat. There are no man-made improvements in these coves, so campers will need to bring their own equipment (or rent it from Two Harbors with advance reservations) including porta-potties. Campers also need to remove all that they bring with them. The locations include:

• Starlight Beach
• East Starlight Beach
• Paradise Cove
• Ripper’s Cove
• Lava Wall Beach
• Cabrillo Beach
• Willow Cove
• Frog Rock Cove

For more information on cost and availability call Two Harbors Camping at (800) 785-8425.

Weather

Weather information is available from several sources. From L.A call (805) 278-0760 for marine weather. By radio, updated round-the-clock by the National Weather Service, VHF channel Wx-1; or, from FAA LA use beacon band 332 kHz. Note that the trip across the Santa Barbara/ Catalina Channel may be difficult at times; wave heights vary greatly according to the weather. So too, during the winter months changes in swell-direction may occur due to the Santa Ana winds, affecting the safety of anchorages.

The post Boating in Catalina appeared first on Catalina.com.

The Wrigley Memorial honors the memory of William Wrigley Jr., who lived from 1861 to 1932. Although best known as the founder of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, largest manufacturer of chewing gum in the world, he also played an instrumental role in the history of Catalina Island. He truly loved the island, and with undying enthusiasm and energy, he brought numerous improvements: public utilities, new steamships, a hotel, The Casino building, and extensive plantings of trees, shrubs and flowers. William Wrigley Jr.’s greatest legacy was his remarkable vision and plan for the future of Catalina Island — that it remain protected for all generations to enjoy.

With its commanding view of Avalon Bay, The Wrigley Memorial is the centerpiece of the Botanical Garden. It was built in 1933-34 with the goal of using as much Catalina materials as possible. Quarried Catalina stones can be seen in the reinforced concrete construction — the facade having been sandblasted to hide the cement and highlight the native crushed stones.

The blue flagstone rock on the ramps and terraces comes from Little Harbor, on Catalina’s “back” side. And the red roof tiles and all the colorful handmade glazed tiles used for finishings came from the Catalina Pottery plant, which was in operation from 1927 to 1937. The marble inside the tower was quarried in Georgia.

The Garden

The idea for a garden came from Mr. Wrigley’s wife, Ada. In 1935, she supervised Pasadena horticulturalist Albert Conrad, who planted the original Desert Plant Collection. Catalina Island’s temperate marine climate made it possible to showcase plants from every corner of the earth.

In 1969, the Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation expanded and revitalized the garden’s 37.85 acres. Along with the new plantings came a new attitude. In the same way that the Wrigley Memorial uses primarily native building materials, the Garden places a special emphasis on California island endemic plants. (Plants, which grow naturally on one or more of the California islands, but nowhere else in the world.) Many of these plants are extremely rare, and some are on the Endangered Species list.

The Memorial Garden is particularly concerned with the six Catalina endemics – plants, which grow naturally only on Catalina Island. The Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation maintains a special interest in the preservation of all Catalina endemics, including the rare Catalina Ironwood.

In 1996 the Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation merged with the Catalina Island Conservancy. This was a natural combining of two important ecological organizations, both dedicated to the protection and restoration of Santa Catalina Island.

Hours & Directions

Hours
The Gardens are open daily from 8a.m. to 5p.m., year round.

Admission
Adult Admission is $5, children under 12 are free.

Getting There
The Memorial and Gardens are one and a half miles up Avalon Canyon Road. The walk is pleasant, passing the Golf Course, the town’s ballpark, and the Hermit Gulch campground.

Catalina Island Conservancy
P.O. Box 2739
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2595

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Construction on the airport was completed in 1946. Prior to this time the Island was accessible only to amphibious aircraft. The runway was built by blasting away the tops of two mountains and using the 200,000 truckloads of rock to fill the gap between them.

• General information number for the airport and terminal is (310) 510-0143. Call 800-255-8700 for weather information.
• Landing hours & fees Please contact the airport at the above phone number for current hours and fees.
• No fuel is for sale.
• The Runway Cafe, with both indoor and outdoor seating, is open from 8:30 am until 4 pm daily. Try the famous buffalo burgers! Call 310-510-2196 for info.
• Catalina Island Nature Center is a open-air exhibit about the flora and fauna of the Island, its geology, and the history of its early inhabitants. It’s run by the Catalina Island Conservancy. There is a lovely garden featuring native Catalina plants and cacti, and showing all five of the Island’s native plant communities.

Weather

The airport is often closed because of low cloud cover or other inclement weather. Call in advance to check conditions. For updated Catalina airport weather information call (800) 255-8700 from anywhere in southern California. You can also call the Airport Automated Weather Observation Services at 310-510-9641

Ground Transportation

By Bus

The Airport Shuttle Bus to Avalon (310-510-0143) provides transportation on a regular basis.

Catalina Safari Shuttle Bus provides transportation from the airport to the village of Two Harbors (14 miles) stopping along the way at Little Harbor campground. Call 310-510-7265 for additional information.

By Foot or Bicycle

The Airport is 10 (road) miles from Avalon, connected by a picturesque paved road that follows the ridge. There are several closer destinations for a walk. Try the beaches at Rippers Cove (4-1/2 miles, steep descent) and at Little Harbor (7 miles), where there is also a campground. The nearest campground is Black Jack Camp (3-3/4 miles). Camping on Catalina Island is permitted only in officially designated areas. Hiking permits and biking permits are required for either activity in the interior of the Island and are available at the airport.

General Aviation Information Page

The post The Airport in the Sky – The Santa Catalina Island Airport appeared first on Catalina.com.

Travel By Sea

Catalina Express

Fastest Fleet Afloat! Most trips are about an hour. Up to 30 daily departures. Year-round service. Departures from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point (1 hr. 30 min. service from Dana Point) to Avalon and Two Harbors. Eight high-speed vessels offer comfortable, airline-style seating, cocktail service and friendly cabin attendants.

• Reservations/travel schedules please call: 310-519-1212 or 800-618-5533.
• Groups: 310-519-7971 ext. 4.
• Berth 95, San Pedro, CA 90731
• www.catalinaexpress.com

Newport Flyer

Depart from the historic Balboa Pavilion in Newport Beach. We serve Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego residents. Crossing time is only about one hour on the luxurious catamaran, Catalina Flyer. We do packages with most Catalina hotels and offer Group and Senior rates. Sightseeing tours available for purchase on board. Speed—Service—Luxury. Reservations required:

• 949-673-5245 or 800-830-7744
• www.catalinainfo.com

Charters

Avalon Shoreboats/Island Navigation

Water-taxi service in Avalon Harbor and surrounding areas. Land transp. also avail. Ask for group & charter rates.

• 310-510-0409 or 310-510-2888 or VHF Radio Ch 9
• www.catalinaadventuretours.com

Catalina Classic Cruises

The largest boats and lowest fares. Scheduled service from San Pedro to Avalon. Full service snack and beverage bar. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

• 800-641-1004

Catalina Freight Line

Provides year round freight service to and from Catalina Island.

• Berth 184, Wilmington, CA 90744.
  • 310-549-4004
• Pebbly Beach Road, Avalon, CA 90704
  • 310-510-0248

GO-C-SU Travel

For all your travel needs international, air, hotels, tours, cruises, packages including complete Catalina packages. Notary and small business accounting services available also.

• 310-510-0804

Travel By Air

Island Express Helicopter Service

The FASTEST way to Avalon, only 15 minutes. Serving Long Beach and San Pedro Boat Terminals. Try the Day in Paradise Package.

• 1-800-2-Avalon

Island Hopper/Catalina Airways

Air Service between San Diego and Catalina 7 days a week in single and multi-engine airplanes. Year round. Call for more information and reservations.

• 858-279-4595

Travel on the Island

Catalina Adventure Tours

Executive style bus trans. with air cond. charters/group rates available. Call for ticket locations or to make reservation.

• 310-510-2888 or 562-432-8828
• www.catalinaadventuretours.com

Catalina Transportation Services

Taxi and Shuttle service around Avalon. Private Charters in 7-passenger vans into the island’s interior. Visit Airport-in-the-Sky for lunch or dinner, see Shark and Little Harbors, or travel to the quaint village of Two Harbors. Charter our vintage Rolls Royce with a white-gloved chauffeur for special occasions.

• For taxi service call: 310-510-0025
• For charters and general info, call 310-510-0342 (M-F 8-5; after hours 510-0025)

Catalina Safari Bus

Explore the island. Scheduled bus service between Avalon & Two Harbors, stops at picnic sites, beaches, trails, campgrounds and airport. Group rates, passenger & baggage charters available.

• 310-510-2800

Island Rentals

Gas-powered Yamaha golf carts. Gives you a chance to see Avalon and its beautiful surrounding hills at your leisure. Open year round. Located under the Holly Hill House at

• 125 Pebbly Beach Road
• 310-510-1456

Tram Charters

Trams available for private charter. Transport your wedding guests, clients or employees to various locations in Avalon (including the Wrigley Memorial).

• 310-510-2000, ext. 1223
• www.scico.com

Travel To/From Airports

Elite Airport Shuttle

Nonstop shuttle to and from airports to Catalina Express and Island Express Helicopter service. Charters available for reservations. Discount with groups.

• 310-266-4170
• www.eliteairportshuttle.com

Karmel Shuttle

To/from boat terminals to Airports • Hotels • Residence • Businesses • Van • Sedan • Limousine • Coaches. Individual & group packages.

• www.karmel.com
• 1-888-995-7433

Whether you travel by sea or by air, we hope you’ve found the perfect way to get from LA to Catalina Island.

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You’ll find plant life you can’t find anywhere else. And animal life that’s just as rare. Keep your eye out for Catalina Island fox, quail, buffalo, and even bald eagles as you hike along well-marked trails, bike over mountain roads, or let a tour bus do the work. Commune with nature overnight, and then some, at one of Catalina’s secluded campgrounds. You haven’t met Catalina Island until you’ve met the Interior. (Permits Required)

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