SENIORS ENJOY ANOTHER COOL TOWN



Filed under : Family Travel, United States

Seniors Discover Avalon, California

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I recently came across the 50 Coolest Towns in America. Well, near the top of the list was Avalon, California. My grandson spent a couple of summers at a camp in Avalon.  I did some searching and discovered a tiny seaport on Catalina Island  that they say feels more like a Mediterranean getaway than a West Coast beach. Seniors, let’s visit Avalon, California today and see for ourselves.

The town has a few thousand permanent residents, whose homes layer up the hillsides around the edges of town. The Inn at Mt. Ada, is a bed and breakfast that was once the home of William Wrigley (the chewing gum Wrigley). It’s the town’s best view.

Avalon is only a small part of Catalina’s history and enchantment. Its 75 square miles of interior wilderness is a symbol of what California was like long ago, offering fantastic blends of plant and animal life forms that are now uncommon on the mainland.

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Seniors Enjoy The Natural

Avalon is situated on the easterly portion of Catalina Island, 22 miles south/southwest of the Los Angeles Harbor breakwater. Not large, Avalon is a little over 2 2/3 square miles in size. The island itself is 76 square miles in area, 85% of which is in a conservancy area to be maintained in its natural state in perpetuity.

The picturesque and leisurely seaport village of Avalon has a permanent population of around 3,500, with an annual visitor count of close to one million. Catalina Island is part of Los Angeles County. Avalon schools however, are part of the Long Beach Unified School District.

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TripAdvisor suggests that seniors take in Descanso Beach, meaning “relax” or “take it easy” in Spanish. Crescent Street is Avalon’s “main drag,” facing the ocean and much of it closed to all but foot traffic. Senior visitors will find shops, as well as several hotels and restaurants.

 Seniors Enjoy Popular Destination

The town of Avalon surrounds beautiful Avalon Bay on the southeast end of Santa Catalina Island. Avalon has been a popular destination for senior visitors since the early 1900’s. From the ‘20’s and beyond, Avalon has attracted film stars to presidents and still maintains its charm and allure today.

The green Pleasure Pier, in the center of the Avalon Bay is the departure point for numerous ocean expeditions, including the Undersea Expedition, Glass Bottom Boat, Flying Fish Voyage, Sundown Isthmus Cruise and Ocean Runner Dolphin Tour.

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Avalon  remains Catalina’s principal tourist attraction. Though nearly 22 miles separate this unique town from the mainland, remoteness has not altered progress. Catalina contains all essential utilities such as electricity, water and phones.

Rainwater is stored in reservoirs throughout the island’s interior, which is subsequently purified then piped to the towns of Avalon and Two Harbors. So sail on over to Avalon and enjoy this beautiful island. -jeb

1 comment to “SENIORS ENJOY ANOTHER COOL TOWN”

  1. ann marshall says:

    Dear Jeb, thank you for discovering and sha ring Avalon, Catalina Island with your audience. I am also a senior and there is much to do for those very active and adventurous or for those who are ready to relax. Should you ever need more information, the City and Chamber are ready to provide information. Respectfully, Anni, Avalon mayor

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