The weather in Avalon on Catalina Island is usually spectacular. But for those occasional days when the rain does fall, here are some fun things you can enjoy until the sun comes out again.
1. Take a walking tour of Catalina Casino. Step back in time as you meander through one of Catalina’s most well-known landmarks. The General Admission ticket gives you an overview of the Casino's history and architecture, at your own pace. The guided Casino VIP Backstage Tour lasts about 60 minutes and offers a more intimate look at this historic icon. Purchase tickets online or at the Casino. View Catalina Casino tour hours and availability.
2. Roller Skate in the Wrigley Ballroom. Enjoy the Catalina Casino in a more active way with roller skating in the famous Wrigley Ballroom. Lace up a pair of our vintage-style roller skates and take an eight-cylinder spin around the circular dance floor—just as William Wrigley Jr. imagined for the original Sugarloaf Casino in 1926.
3. Catch a movie at Avalon Theatre. One of the first movie houses in America built for "talkies," the historic Avalon Theatre, is located on the lower level of Catalina Casino. Take in first run and classic films in the Avalon Theatre on Friday and Saturday evenings. Visit the Avalon Theatre for a list of current showings. Tickets can be purchased at the Casino Box Office.
4. Enjoy dinner (before your movie). Stop by Avalon Grille for dinner with world-class wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Located at the corner of Crescent & Catalina, Avalon Grille offers dinner and Happy Hour menus with great harbor views and a distinctive ambiance. View Avalon Grille menu and hours.
5. Visit the Catalina Island Museum. Located on Metropole Ave., the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History offers a permanent exhibit that traces the storied history and culture of Catalina Island. Temporary exhibits featuring art, photography, and other artifacts are displayed throughout the year.
6. Explore Lover's Cove Marine Preserve. Depending on sea conditions, the Undersea Sub Expedition and Glass Bottom Boat Voyage - Catalina's longest-running tour - typically operate when it's raining and are great ways to explore the wonders of Catalina's unique marine environment without getting wet. View all Ocean Tours.
7. Take a tour through the Catalina Island interior. Go on the narrated Skyline Drive tour where you can see spectacular vistas, deep canyons, and quiet ocean coves. On your visit to the Airport in the Sky and the Conservancy Nature Center, you will have 30 minutes to enjoy the views and displays.
8. Grab an umbrella and stroll along Crescent Ave. There, you'll find a variety of stores you can duck into and shop for a great selection of island memorabilia and gifts to take home. Be sure to stop by Shops at the Atwater for hot coffee, a latte, or something from the grab-and-go breakfast menu at Bistro at the Atwater.
No matter what you choose to do on a rainy day in Avalon, the beauty and charm of Catalina Island always shines through.