WHY Avalon?? It’s not everyone’s cup of tea

Question

Well, Avalon was a huge disappointment for our family. I had it in my head that the island was very beautiful and would be great for nature lovers. My fault for not reading any negative reviews first. Avalon felt more like a cruise ship on land. Avalon is the most touristy place I’ve ever been to. Throngs of people, including the cruise ship people who stop in for the day. We didn’t see anyone other than ourselves in outdoor adventure clothes. Quite the opposite. There were lots of loud frat boys and giggly girls. People were always drinking beer at 8 am for breakfast. There were SO many smokers just throwing their butts all over the ground. Very trashy people.

The shops were not interesting, so we just couldn’t figure out what people do there all day and night, other than walking around with giant Modelo beer cans and drunkenly cruising around aimlessly on golf carts.

The town is overrun with merry makers joy driving golf carts too fast, and inexpertly, so walking wasn’t very pleasant. We were shocked to find that all the golf carts are gas powered, not electric, so the fuel odor was very strong since there are hundreds of golf carts all over the place. The restaurants are terrible. We read all the reviews and searched everywhere, but never had a good meal. Even the lobster roll at the Lobster Trap restaurant was a disappointment because, at $30 for a small sandwich, I would have preferred plain bread (its sandwich bread, not a true “roll”) because the bread was soaked in garlic butter so I couldn’t taste the lobster. That was a shame, because once I disposed of the bread, and could actually taste the lobster, it was actually quite good. Even the “upscale” restaurants were not tasty. Don’t make dining a big part of your trip.

The hiking was very basic. Nothing worth photographing. I was expecting so much more beauty. It was hard to reconcile the image of Avalon with the reality. I really felt like we were on a low end cruise ship with every ugly American on board with us.

Forget about exploring the island. On our first day we realized that Avalon was not the place for us, so we tried to get to Two Harbors, on the other side of the island. About a 50 minute drive, but at $260 each way in a taxi, we decided against it. The boat that is advertised as a 40 minute ride at a lower cost, actually only runs in the height of summer, not the last week of April when we were there. Very strange since the temps here in late April were perfect for exploring and hiking. The hiking on that side of Catalina seems much, much better than around Avalon. But getting there was so prohibitive, we finally gave up on the idea.

We travel a lot and I can honestly say that Provincetown, Massachusetts is a whole lot more enjoyable than Avalon. Also not a nature lover’s paradise, but a super fun downtown with great art galleries, good restaurants, not all outrageously expensive like on Avalon, and much more of a civilized type of visitor. Door County, Wisconsin, is a peninsula, and has outstanding nature, gorgeous beaches and forests, limestone cliffs and bluffs, tons of silent sports like kayaking, and very educated, artsy locals making the “vibe” much more upscale than on Avalon.

If you’re like us and are expecting beautiful vistas and nature lovers around, you probably won’t like Avalon, either. We are going to camp at Two Harbors next time and are hopeful that it will be better suited to what we’re looking for.

Answer

Avalon on Catalina Island can be a very mixed experience depending on what type of trip you are looking for. While it is the most well-known town on the island, it is heavily oriented toward cruise ship tourists and general sightseeing rather than serious nature or hiking enthusiasts.

Many visitors are drawn to Avalon for its charming streets, waterfront, and accessibility, but it can feel overcrowded, especially if cruise ships are in port. The town has a lot of golf carts, which are mostly gas-powered, and heavy tourist traffic can make walking less pleasant. Dining options exist, but reviews are mixed and prices are high for the quality offered.

If your primary interest is outdoor activities, hiking, and experiencing nature without crowds, Avalon may not meet expectations. The hiking trails around Avalon are generally short and easy, with limited scenic variety, making them less appealing to serious hikers or photographers.

Two Harbors: Located on the west end of Catalina, this area offers a much quieter, more natural experience with better hiking, less crowded beaches, and a true outdoor adventure vibe. Transportation to Two Harbors can be costly by taxi, but in summer months, boat service provides a reasonable alternative.
Camping and Nature Exploration: Two Harbors is ideal for camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and more immersive outdoor activities. It is significantly less commercial than Avalon, making it better suited for families or groups seeking a nature-focused experience.
Alternative Comparisons: Places like Provincetown, Massachusetts or Door County, Wisconsin, offer a better balance of natural beauty, arts, culture, and less rowdy tourist crowds, which may appeal more to visitors who were disappointed by Avalon.

In summary, Avalon is very much a “tourist town” with a lively, sometimes rowdy atmosphere. For travelers seeking peaceful nature, serious hiking, or scenic vistas, consider basing yourself at Two Harbors or other less commercial parts of the island. Dining and shopping in Avalon are not likely to be highlights, so plan accordingly and focus on activities that suit your interests.

WHY Avalon?? It’s not everyone’s cup of tea

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