Catalina Island Oddities

We have...

• A Casino with no gambling - The Catalina Casino was built in 1929 as a place of gathering.
• A bird park with no birds - Avalon Bird Park, once a famous spot, closed down in 1966.
• A post office with no mail delivery - Residents pick up their mail at the post office. 
• A 3rd Street, but no 1st or 2nd streets - Learn more about the naming of Catalina's streets.
• A mausoleum with no body - Wm. Wrigley, Jr. was briefly interned at the Wrigley Memorial before being moved to Glendale, CA.
• Barracks with no soldiers - The Union Barracks, dating back to the Civil War, are still standing in Two Harbors.
• Birds that swim
• Fish that fly - Have you ever seen a Flying Fish? Take one of our tours this summer.
• There are no stop lights on the island
• There is a 20+ year waiting list to own a full-size vehicle - Most residents travel by golf cart.
• There is a wandering herd of non native bison that roam the island 
• Buffalo Milk is the island cocktail of choice

Speak Like a Local

"Overtown" - How locals refer to the mainland

"Front Street" - Officially known and found on Google maps as Crescent Ave.

"The Hills" - Interior or Backcountry of the island

"Interior" - Any part of the island not in Avalon or Two Harbors, which is about 88% of the island

"The Flats" - Streets located in the lower half or flat area of Avalon

"The Mole" - Not a subterranean animal but wher the passenger ferry boats dock