Avalon’s green Pleasure Pier attracts visitors and locals alike
Catalina Island’s Moorish-inspired architectural wonder is known throughout the world – its red tile roof and distinctive circular shape creating a landmark that instantly identifies Catalina’s place. While the Catalina Casino is Avalon’s most iconic landmark, it is far from its only one.
The Avalon Pleasure Pier, with its unique vibrant shade of green, is a magnet for visitors and locals alike. In the summer months, an extension is added to its 400-foot length, providing additional wharfage for water taxis, tour boats and Avalon Harbor patrol boats. Whatever the time of year, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll, offering wonderful views of Avalon, the scent of salt air and the susurrus of the sea.
Avalon Seafood, at the end of the pier, and Eric’s, at the foot of the pier, are both perfect spots to grab a beer and bite – and take part in some serious people watching. The pier is also home to several businesses, including Catalina Adventure Tours and Catalina Discovery Tours, both of which offer semi-submersible excursions to Lovers Cove. Island Water Charters, which offers parasailing and tubing adventures, makes it home here, as does Catalina Divers Supply, the island’s oldest dive shop. Joe’s Rent A Boat rents skiffs, paddleboats and paddleboards. You’ll also find Los Angeles County’s Baywatch Avalon lifeguards, the Avalon Harbor Department and – a must visit for any visitor – the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce’s Visitors Services Center, which offers a wealth of information.