Duration
50 minutes (approx.)
Los Angeles · experience
Catalina Island: Avalon & Mount Ada tour
A guided open-air tram through Avalon’s scenic overlooks and Mount Ada, with naturalist commentary on Catalina Island’s history — once already on the island by ferry.
50 minutes (approx.)Open-air vehicle, maximum 22 travellersFrom €41
The experience
Avalon’s scenic overlooks and Wrigley-family history, by open-air tram — once already on Catalina Island.
This is a guided scenic tour of Avalon itself, not the ferry crossing — travellers reach Catalina Island independently first, then join this open-air tram for elevated viewpoints over the town and harbour, narrated by an onboard naturalist covering the island’s ecology, development and Wrigley-family history.
The route passes the Buena Vista overlook and Mount Ada, built by chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., along with the Catalina Casino and views most visitors would not reach on foot in a short stay — a compact, well-reviewed introduction for a day trip or cruise stop.
Group
Open-air vehicle, maximum 22 travellers
Languages
English
Format
Open-air covered safari vehicle with a naturalist guide.
Meeting point
Catalina Avenue & 3rd Street, Avalon, CA 90704 — a short walk from the Green Pleasure Pier.
Pickup and drop-off
Not included on the island; ferry transportation to Catalina Island itself is separate and not included in this tour (Catalina Express or Newport Flyer, booked independently).
Who this suits
A good choice when it matches the way you want to use the city.
- A first visit to Catalina Island on a day trip from the mainland.
- Cruise passengers with a short window in Avalon.
- Travellers who want the island’s history and best viewpoints without a long hike.
Itinerary
The route at a glance.
The guide and exact sequence are confirmed on the day. Times below are a useful indication of how this visit is normally structured.
- 1Start
Meet in Avalon
Catalina Avenue & 3rd Street, a short walk from the Green Pleasure Pier.
- 2Ongoing
Scenic overlooks & Mount Ada
Buena Vista overlook, Mount Ada and the Wrigley Mansion, with naturalist narration.
- 3Pass by
Catalina Casino
Seen from the vehicle on the return route.
What the visit includes
The practical detail before you choose a date.
Highlights
- Elevated viewpoints over Avalon and its harbour
- Mount Ada and the Wrigley family’s history on the island
- The Catalina Casino, seen from the road
- Naturalist narration on the island’s ecology and development
Included
- ✓ Open-air safari-vehicle tour
- ✓ Onboard naturalist narration
- ✓ An experienced driver
Not included
- • Ferry transportation to and from Catalina Island (book separately — Catalina Express or Newport Flyer)
- • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Before you go
A few essentials for the day.
- Ferry travel to Catalina Island is not included and must be booked separately — arrange it well ahead, as sailings can sell out.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Children under 5 need their own seat/car seat.
- No storage for wheelchairs, strollers or luggage on board.