One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Enjoy the Remnants of Summer with a Weekend at Avalon
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.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
