Left to right: Denise Morris, Alissa Morris and Dwayne Morris. Photo by Pat Maxwell courtesy Catalina Island Conservancy.
Discover Wild Catalina
There are many ways to discover the natural side of Catalina Island. Multi-day hikes, volunteer vacations and camping at remote beaches are a few of them. Just up Avalon Canyon Road from the waterfront is another.
The Catalina Island Conservancy operates the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon, a wonderful spot to immerse yourself in the natural history of Santa Catalina. As one of California’s eight Channel Islands, Catalina is home to many species found nowhere else on earth. The Nature Center offers an easy way to explore that biology as well as the geologic and biologic forces at work on the island.
Originally constructed and operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, the Nature Center at Avalon Canyonis now open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers activities for scientific exploration for all ages. Videos, hands-on exhibits and a resource center are all available to foster learning about the island. There is no admission charge.
Getting to the Nature Center involves a 20-minute walk along the Catalina Island Visitors Golf Course. The gentle slope provides a mild workout or it’s a quick taxi, trolley or golf cart ride.