See Catalina’s shoreline, wildlife, and history without a long hike. The Wrigley Motor Tour offers accessible viewpoints, local stories, and wildlife sightings in about two hours—perfect for a half-day on Avalon.
See Catalina’s shoreline, wildlife, and history without a long hike. The Wrigley Motor Tour offers accessible viewpoints, local stories, and wildlife sightings in about two hours—perfect for a half-day on Avalon.
Book with The Avalon Theatre
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Avalon Theatre · Avalon, California
The Wrigley Motor Tour departs from The Avalon Theatre - 1 Casino Way, Avalon CA, and unspools as a compact, two-hour pulse of Catalina Island’s coastal character. From the harbor’s edge you’ll pass the round, art-deco sweep of the Catalina Casino and climb narrow roads that look down on glassy blue coves and steep sea cliffs carved by Pacific swells. Key features include Avalon Bay, dramatic coastal bluffs, rocky promontories, and several viewpoints where giant kelp beds break the surface. Wildlife is a highlight: keep an eye for the endemic Catalina Island fox, the free-ranging Catalina bison descended from early film-era animals, and seabirds wheeling above the reef. This motor-based outing is uniquely suited to Catalina because the island’s limited road network and private land parcels make guided interpretation and local access essential. Local guides layer natural history—plants adapted to island drought and wind—and human stories: the island’s transformation under William Wrigley Jr. after his early 20th-century purchase, the Casino’s role as a social hub, and the maritime history of Avalon Harbor. That combination of geology, ecology, and civic history makes the tour a high-value primer on why visitors return to Catalina. Practicalities are straightforward: schedule about 2–2.5 hours (structured listing shows 2h 4m), meeting at The Avalon Theatre; the tour notes wheelchair accessibility and assistive listening devices. The operator’s cancellation policy is strict (No Refunds or Exchanges), so plan accordingly. Pricing tiers listed include General Admission and discounted categories; confirm current rates when booking through the referral link. Why book it? For travelers who prefer scenery without long hikes, the Wrigley Motor Tour compresses Catalina’s best viewpoints into one accessible outing, with photo stops, concise ecology lessons, and easy logistics from Avalon’s downtown. Good for families, older visitors, and anyone wanting an orientation to Catalina before exploring trails, snorkeling kelp beds, or taking a boat charter into deeper water. Bring layers—ocean weather changes fast—and binoculars for wildlife viewing. This motor tour is a practical and scenic first step into Catalina’s mix of island wildlife, coastal geology, and human history; it’s an efficient way to understand the place and decide where to return for a longer adventure. Many visitors pair the motor tour with a waterfront lunch, a walk up to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden on the island’s interior, or an afternoon snorkeling trip through kelp beds to see garibaldi. The tour is compact enough to fit into a half-day island itinerary, leaving time to hike ridge trails. Because vessel schedules and island services vary seasonally, confirm your return boat or flight and current pricing. The meeting point listed is The Avalon Theatre — arrive early to secure your spot and check mobility accommodations. Book early for availability.
The meeting point is The Avalon Theatre - 1 Casino Way, Avalon CA; check your booking confirmation for exact start time.
The structured listing shows 2h 4m; plan for roughly 2–2.5 hours including stops.
The listing notes wheelchair accessibility and assistive listening devices—contact the operator in advance to confirm specific needs.
The operator’s cancellation policy is listed as No Refunds or Exchanges—confirm timing and logistics before booking.
Wildlife sightings are common—look for the Catalina Island fox, bison on the lower flanks, and seabirds—but sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Yes, outdoor viewpoints are photo-friendly; always follow your guide’s instructions and avoid disturbing wildlife.
The Avalon Theatre is a historic movie palace located in Avalon, California on Santa Catalina Island. The theatre programs classic and contemporary film screenings, special events, live scores, and expert discussions that celebrate cinema and local history. Housed in the Avalon Casino complex, the venue hosts curated showings such as 3D screenings of Universal Monsters, centennial presentations of The Phantom of the Opera, modern blockbusters like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and community-oriented documentary screenings. The Avalon Theatre presents unique cinematic experiences with attention to film history and presentation quality. Guests can attend screenings that include rare archival footage and live musical accompaniment; the Phantom of the Opera event features live music from Michael Mortilla and commentary from Academy executive Randy Haberkamp. The 3D Screening includes a world premiere score, rare 3-D photos, and expert discussions. Other programmed titles have included Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Hollywood's Magical Island, and Frankenstein, demonstrating a range from genre classics to local history. Located in downtown Avalon, the theatre is accessible to visitors arriving by ferry or private boat and serves island residents and tourists. Programming emphasizes preservation, education, and entertainment, partnering with historians, musicians, and film professionals when possible. The Avalon Theatre maintains a reputation as a cultural hub on Catalina Island, offering memorable film events in a historic setting. Visitors should check event listings and ticketing information for specific screening dates, times, and special presentations. Concessions, local exhibits, and accessible seating improve visitor experience during screenings.
Book with The Avalon Theatre