Chimes Tower is one of Avalon's iconic landmarks on Santa Catalina Island. Built in 1925 by Ada Elizabeth Wrigley, wife of William Wrigley Jr., using chimes created by the J. C. Deagan Company of Chicago, the chimes continue to ring today and add an enchanting touch. A walk to the the tower provides a stunning panorama of Avalon and its picturesque bay.
#178 Catalina Casino
The Catalina Casino has been one of the most iconic landmarks in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island since 1929. Casino in Italian means 'place of gathering' which can be quite confusing in English today as gambling does not exist. The Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival architecture helped to create the look of the city. It continues to serve as the island's movie theater and grand ballroom. The theater can seat 1,154 while the ballroom can accommodate up to 3,000 dancers.
#72 Wrigley Botanical Garden
The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is a 38 acre garden on the edge of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. It is a memorial for William Wrigley Jr., famous Chicago chewing gum tycoon. He purchased most of the island in 1919 and dreamed up a vacation spot and focused efforts on island preservation. The gardens showcase endemic plants found only on California's Channel Islands and was conceived by Wrigley's Wife Ada. The memorial was designed by Bennett, Parsons & Frost famous for Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. Though no longer buried here, the Gardens & Memorial are filled with Wrigley's Spirit.
#12 Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is a magnificent island off the coast of California. Part of the Channel Islands, it was first inhabited by Native Americans for thousands of years. The island has had many lives from hunting, smuggling & movies but was turned into a thriving tourist destination in the 20's by William Wrigley, Jr.
Catalina's main city Avalon is most definitely enchanted and photogenic. It is a city reminiscent of the Mediterranean and has a population of about 3,700. 88% of the island is now protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Whether you visit for the day or a week, Catalina Island is the place to relax and enjoy the sun.
