After we attend Falltacular next month we are planning a Day trip to Avaoln. Never been and want to make the most of a day. What should we not miss? What should we avoid? We will be on foot. Will likely do the Wrigley Gardens. What else?
Didn’t realize this would be such a difficult question. I thought every Berserker had an opinion. 
OK, I’ll chime in here. I used to live/work on Catalina as a teen for 5 years or so and we’d take a boat into Avalon one night a week. It wasn’t really a “happening” place, but instead a place to chill.
The Casino & Wrigley’s property are the two main sites, other then that doing typical beach stuff or tours on a glass bottom boat are the main deals. There’s a nice outdoor venue that escapes me with live music (Metropole Market Place). If you’re actually there early enough, there are some very cool tours that take you up the winding narrow road out of Avalon up to the road along the ridge where you’ll see Buffalo and maybe wild boar (boy have I got some stories I can’t share publicly!) and more then that, incredible views. If you’re more adventurous you can rent a vehicle or jeep and do it yourself.
If you’re more athletic, you can do some very cool skin diving or scuba diving. The orange garabaldi’s will stare you in the face. No idea how, but they know they’re protected! I lived off of fish & abalone as a kid and it was good stuff. On the boat over it is common to see flying fish, sharks (great whites) & dolphins.
All that said, my info is definitely out of date, but I have an very old friend who still has a place there. If you’re looking for something more, PM me and I’ll either hook you up with Rich or get the info from him or others I know who still frequent Catalina.
FYI: Winter is off season and often many places will be closed and tours only operating at specific intervals & days. I loved winters there because you miss the crowds that come over on the boat.
PM sent. Thank you!
My in-laws go every summer for a week, I can’t last that long there but the wifey and I usually go for the weekend. Never been during winter but Avalon Grille and Steve’s are pretty good choices if you’re there for dinner. And El Galleon for Irish coffee and karaoke!
Rusack is producing wines from Catalina grapes but I can’t remember if they have any kind of tasting room there.
There is also ziplining now too.
I heard they’re building it now.