A stroll on the Pleasure Pier is a must while on Catalina Island
Avalon’s green Pleasure Pier on Catalina Island is one of its most distinctive landmarks. The bright green color, affectionately known as Pier Green by locals, draws the eye, promising summer fun with a unique island flair. Home to several businesses, ticket offices and government agencies, the pier is also a favorite spot for a stroll, both when bustling with business in the afternoon or calm and relaxing in the early morning hours.
The Pleasure Pier was not always the only pier in Avalon. For decades, the shorter, wider Steamer Pier hosted the steamships that brought thousands of visitors to Avalon for generations. Visitors would leave the ship, often after tossing a coin for the young men – and women – who would dive to the bottom of Avalon Harbor to thrill the tourists and make plenty of pocket change in the process. Located to the left of Antonio’s Cabaret, the Steamer Pier was torn down after falling into disuse and disrepair.
Today, a walk down the green Pleasure Pier is must for nearly every visitor to Catalina Island. In the summer months, an extension provides a home for the Avalon Harbor Patrol’s fleet of patrol boats as well as Island Navigation’s water taxis. Fishing from the pier is a popular activity with visitors both young and old angling for kelp bass, perch and more. Parasailing, scuba diving and water tours can all be arranged from the pier as can the rental of a fleet of small vessels. The Avalon Harbor Department office is located at the end of the pier, Baywatch Avalon’s paramedics have their office in the middle of the pier and the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce operates its visitors’ services center at the base of the pier. Shopping and dining are also available at various spots on this iconic landmark.