8 Great Ways to Brighten Up a Rainy Avalon Day

The weather in Avalon on Catalina Island is usually spectacular. But for those occasional days when the rain does fall, here are some fun things you can enjoy until the sun comes out again.

Take a walking tour of Catalina Casino. Step back in time as you meander through one of Catalina’s most well-known landmarks.  The General Admission ticket gives you an overview of the Casino's history and architecture, at your own pace. The guided Casino VIP Backstage Tour lasts about 60 minutes and offers a more intimate look at this historic icon. Purchase tickets online or at the Casino.View Catalina Casino tour hours and availability.
 

2. Catch a movie at Avalon Theatre. One of the first movie houses in America built for "talkies," the historic Avalon Theatre, is located on the lower level of Catalina Casino. Take in first run and classic films in the Avalon Theatre. Films are shown on Friday and Saturday evenings. Visit the Avalon Theatre for a list of current showings. Tickets can be purchased at the Casino Box Office.
 

3. Enjoy dinner (before your movie). Stop by Avalon Grille for dinner with world-class wines, craft beers and signature cocktails. Located at the corner of Crescent & Catalina, Avalon Grille offers dinner and Happy Hour menus with great harbor views and a distinctive ambiance. View Avalon Grille menu and hours.
 

3. Visit the Catalina Island Museum. Located on Metropole Ave., the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History offers a permanent exhibit that traces the storied history and culture of Catalina Island. Temporary exhibits featuring art, photography, and other artifacts are displayed throughout the year. (Tip: Your casino tour ticket entitles you to $2 off regular admission to the Catalina Island Museum for Art & History!)
 

4. Journey to the Sky. Travel 31 miles through the heart of Catalina's rugged interior, following the stagecoach route from the 1800s. Venture through Middle Ranch, then onto the beautiful windward side of the island for a view of Catalina's unspoiled Pacific shoreline for stunning photo opportunities before stopping at Catalina's Airport-in-the-Sky. View Journey to the Sky tour times and availability.
 

5. Explore Lover's Cove Marine Preserve. Depending on sea conditions, the Undersea Expedition and Glass Bottom Boat Voyage, Catalina's longest-running tour, typically operate when it's raining and are great ways to explore the wonders of Catalina's unique marine environment without getting wet. View all Ocean Tours.
 

6. Take a virtual "dive" through the world's oceans. Explore the underwater world in a 30-minute virtual "scuba dive" with IMMERSED: Ocean Wonders inside of a custom-built dome theater. Get up close and personal with majestic whale sharks, soaring oceanic manta rays, inquisitive bull sharks, mesmerizing bait balls, playful sea lions and dolphins, and much more!
 

7. Grab an umbrella and stroll along Crescent Ave. There you'll find a variety of stores you can duck into and shop for a great selection of island memorabilia and gifts to take home. Be sure to stop by Shops at the Atwater for hot coffee, a latte or something from the fresh-and-go breakfast and lunch menus at Bistro at the Atwater.
 

8. Pass the time at Three Palms Arcade. Located at the end of Crescent Ave., Three Palms Arcade features a snack bar, bowling lanes and a variety of arcade games to keep you entertained until the sun comes out.
 

No matter what you choose to do on a rainy day in Avalon, the beauty and charm of Catalina Island always shines through.