Things to do nearCity of Avalon Harbor Department

Perched at the end of Green Pleasure Pier, the City of Avalon Harbor Department has overseen the comings and goings of this storied anchorage for decades. Avalon Bay is one of the few places along the Southern California coast where private vessels can moor overnight within easy walking distance of a charming town, and the harbor department makes that possible through a well-organized system of rental moorings and launch services.

Visitors arriving by sea or by the nearby Catalina Ferry and Boat Terminal will find the pier a natural hub for planning the rest of their stay. The department rents kayaks and offers permits for anchoring, and staff can point you toward the best spots for snorkeling in the clear, protected waters of the bay.

Beyond the pier, the broader charms of Santa Catalina Island await, from the iconic Casino building to the rugged interior wilderness. The harbor itself is a pleasure to simply watch, with a steady parade of dinghies, dive boats, and charter vessels crossing the bay throughout the day.

For anyone drawn to the pace and personality of a working island port, the City of Avalon Harbor Department is the ideal starting point for a genuinely memorable visit.