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Tucked into a hillside, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island’s biggest town (pop. 4,000) could be mistaken for a charming Greek fishing village. This relaxed getaway was a favorite for old Hollywood, and September and October are the best times to visit, now that the summer crowds have died down.
The waters around Catalina are clear and teeming with aquatic life, making it perfect for divers—snorkeling and scuba diving are both available. If you prefer to stay dry, take a submarine tour during the day or at night. Alternately, see the island from above, via a zip line tour, which drops from 500 feet to 60 feet above sea level.
The Catalina Casino and Theatre are art deco landmarks in Avalon and a guided tour is a fascinating peek into Catalina history. (Here, “casino” means a place to gather, rather than a place to gamble.) You can also still watch movies nightly in the theater, considered one of the most spectacular movie theaters in the country, with huge murals along the walls and high ceilings. After your movie, pop into Luau Larry’s, a tiki bar complete with pupu platters, for a nightcap.
The preceding post is part of the LAist Fall Guide, sponsored by Lexus.
