Green Pleasure Pier

Avalon flourished as both a tourist resort and fisherman’s paradise under the ownership of the Banning brothers, who owned Catalina Island and formed the Santa Catalina Island Company in 1894.  By 1906, the harbor beach in Avalon had become crowded with boat stands, launches, rowboats, people, racks of drying fish, and sea lions waiting for handouts.  To relieve congestion in the harbor, and free up the space on the beach, a new pier was built, running parallel to Avalon’s Steam Ship Pier. The Steam Ship pier was built in 1887 and stood until 1967, welcoming thousands to Catalina Island aboard the S.S. Avalon and S.S. Catalina.

The Banning's new pier was destroyed by a storm in 1908, but rebuilt the following February by the Freeholders Improvement Association of Avalon. The group submitted an application to the War Department to build a pleasure wharf, which would be constructed and maintained by the Santa Catalina Island Company. Permission was granted and the pier was completed the same year. In 1914, ownership of the pier was transferred to the City of Avalon for just $5. It was named the Pleasure Pier in 1915.

By 1919, William Wrigley had purchased the island and the Santa Catalina Island Company. Dorothy & Otis Shepard, who were hired by William Wrigley's son, P.K. Wrigley, were enlisted to “improve the rustic look of the city.” The pair's color choice for the pier was the stand out shade of green known as “green pier.” From then on, the pier became known as Avalon's “Green Pleasure Pier.” 

The Green Pleasure Pier is home to Avalon’s official weigh station for sport fishermen. Today, the Green Pleasure Pier is still a hub of activity.  It is home to Love Catalina Island’s Visitor Center, where you can find visitor information seven days a week.  You can also book tours, water activities, visit the dive center, fish, and enjoy several great places to eat on the 407-foot pleasure pier.