Catalina Island Firsts

Catalina Island has a long history of firsts, dating back to the 1850's. The Banning Brothers and the Wm. Wrigley, Jr. were pioneering entrepreneurs in transportation and hospitality, among other enterprises. It's not surprising that Catalina was the first to use and create several forms of…

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Catalina by Air

Arriving on Catalina Island, visitors are intrigued by the island’s topography, with its dramatic hills soaring above the coastline. That dramatic terrain can be best appreciated from above and experiencing Catalina by air is an ideal way to see this spectacular Southern California island. Catalina…

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Chicago Cubs on Catalina Island

Today, spring on Catalina Island unfolds with subtle signs—green hillsides, intricate wildflowers, and warmer days signaling the shift in seasons. But in the early 20th century, Avalon announced spring’s arrival with grand celebrations—and the return of a beloved team. From 1921 to 1941 and again…

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An Island Paradise for Thousands of Years

It’s no surprise that life on Catalina bears little resemblance to what life on the island was like a thousand years ago. Unlike the Southern California mainland however, it’s relatively easy to peer through the veil of time and imagine life here. This island has been inhabited for at least 8,000…

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Wrigley Ocean Marathon

In the summer of 1926, Gertrude Ederle, a young woman from New York had become the first woman to swim the English Channel. Her accomplishment set off a major American craze for long distance swimming. In the winter of 1927, William Wrigley Jr., owner of Catalina Island, decided to sponsor a swim…

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Celebrating Film on Catalina Island

Located just offshore from the worldwide capital of film production, it’s no surprise that Catalina Island and Hollywood have a love affair that goes back to the earliest days of movie making. Legendary filmmaker D.W. Griffith made one of the first films on Catalina Island, 1912’s Man’s Genesis…

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William Wrigley, Jr.

A century ago, a man fell in love with an island. That love affair lasted for the rest of his life and became a legacy he passed on to his descendants. Thanks to that enduring passion, a community was fostered, a unique ecosystem was protected and a seaside resort was promoted to the entire country…

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