Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
A peaceful art deco memorial and botanical garden on Catalina Island, offering stunning views and unique flora.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful art deco memorial and botanical garden on Catalina Island, offering stunning views and unique flora.
"The gardens are beautifully maintained, and the memorial is impressive. Amazing views from the top!"
🚶 Walk or Shuttle?
A 30-min walk from Avalon or take the convenient shuttle. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a fee to enter; some find it a bit pricey. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wrigley Memorial Architecture
Hilltop Memorial
Stunning art deco memorial with mosaic art, offering panoramic views of Avalon Bay and the surrounding mountains.
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Native Plant Collection
Botanic Gardens
Explore 38 acres of unique desert shrubs and succulents, many endemic to Catalina Island.
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Panoramic Ocean Views
Top of the Memorial
Breathtaking vistas of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.
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Garden to Sky Trail
Trailhead near Memorial
A rewarding hike offering incredible views, often cited as a highlight of the Catalina Island experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Walk or Shuttle?
A 30-min walk from Avalon or take the convenient shuttle. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a fee to enter; some find it a bit pricey. :ticket:
📸 Photo Opportunities
The memorial arch perfectly frames the mountains and bay.
🥾 Hike the Trails
Explore surrounding trails for stunning views beyond the memorial.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Walk or Shuttle?
A 30-min walk from Avalon or take the convenient shuttle. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Entrance Fee
There's a fee to enter; some find it a bit pricey. :ticket:
📸 Photo Opportunities
The memorial arch perfectly frames the mountains and bay.
🥾 Hike the Trails
Explore surrounding trails for stunning views beyond the memorial.
🦊 Island Fox Sightings
Keep an eye out for the shy Island Fox!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden for its beautiful, well-maintained grounds, impressive architecture, and breathtaking ocean views. Many highlight the rewarding hikes and the unique collection of native plants. Some find the entrance fee a bit steep, but most agree the experience is well worth it.
"The gardens are beautifully maintained, and the memorial is impressive. We also did some of the surrounding hikes, which offered stunning views and made for a peaceful, scenic outing."
Griffin Puc
"Our first time to Catalina Island. The gardens and the Wrigley Memorial were beautiful, but hiking the Garden to Sky trail was definitely the highlight of our day on the island!! Amazing views from the top! On a side note.....Our shuttle driver, Ron, was amazing. A true asset to your organization!"
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"We really enjoyed our time in the garden! The plaques were informative and the information center at the front was great! We learned so much! The Wrigley Memorial was beautiful and so well built. The maintenance is also great, you can tell. I liked that it wasn’t completely structured so you could easily take your time and meander on any of the paths. Would have loved to hike the trail near the memorial but we didn’t have extra time. The shuttle to/from is super convenient and our driver was really wonderful. Highly recommend visiting if you are on Catalina Island!"
Heaven Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can enjoy a scenic 30-minute walk up Avalon Canyon from downtown Avalon. Alternatively, a shuttle service is available, which is highly recommended by visitors for convenience.
While driving is possible, parking can be limited, and many visitors opt for the walk or shuttle. Some visitors arriving by golf cart have been turned away due to the entrance fee.
Consider renting an e-bike or golf cart to explore beyond Avalon. However, be mindful of rental shop closing times, especially if you plan a late visit to the gardens.
Ferry deals can vary, so it's best to check directly with the ferry operators for any one-day or group discounts before your trip.
The ferry terminal is in Avalon. From there, it's about a 30-minute walk to the gardens, or you can take a shuttle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee, which some visitors have noted as being a bit pricey for a walk-through experience. It's advisable to check the current admission cost before your visit.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the entrance or checking their official website if available.
The garden is generally open daily. It's recommended to confirm the exact hours of operation on their official website or by calling ahead, especially for specific events.
While advance ticket purchase details are not always clear, it's often possible to buy tickets upon arrival. For peak seasons, checking for online booking options might be beneficial.
Visitor opinions vary. Many find the beautiful gardens, impressive memorial, and stunning views well worth the cost, especially when combined with hiking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse collection of native California desert plants, unique succulents, and the striking Wrigley Memorial with its mosaic art and panoramic views.
Absolutely! Beyond the main garden paths, the 'Garden to Sky' trail and other surrounding trails offer rewarding hikes with spectacular views.
The garden features a variety of endemic plant species from Catalina Island, as well as rare desert shrubs and succulents from regions like South America, Asia, and Australasia.
Yes, visitors have reported spotting Island Foxes, hawks, and eagles within the garden grounds.
Take your time to explore the memorial's architecture and mosaic details. Climb to the top for the most impressive views of Avalon Bay and the surrounding landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
The archway of the memorial framing the mountains and bay is a popular shot. The mosaic details on the memorial and the diverse plant life also make for great photos.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the gardens and the memorial.
Drone usage is typically restricted in botanical gardens and memorial sites to ensure visitor safety and preserve the tranquility. It's best to check their specific regulations.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact the garden administration in advance to inquire about permits and any associated fees.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and architecture, while a macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of the unique plants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the full hike to the top might be challenging for very young children, the lower garden areas are easily accessible. Consider bringing snacks and water, and be mindful of the entrance fee. The shuttle service can be a convenient option to save little legs from the uphill walk.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Beyond the main memorial, numerous trails wind through the surrounding hills, offering opportunities for longer hikes and a deeper immersion into the island's natural beauty. Pack sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and be prepared for varied terrain.
📸 Photographers
+1Capture the panoramic views of Avalon Bay from the memorial's summit, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. The diverse collection of succulents and native plants also offers excellent opportunities for macro photography.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of William Wrigley Jr.
+1His efforts included significant investments in infrastructure, tourism, and the establishment of the island's first botanical garden. The memorial, constructed partially from local materials, and the surrounding gardens were designed to showcase the island's unique flora and offer a place of reflection and beauty for visitors. The garden's collection was curated to highlight species native to Catalina, as well as those from similar arid climates around the world.
+1Today, the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden continues to be a cherished attraction, offering a glimpse into the island's history and its natural beauty. It serves not only as a memorial but also as a vital center for conservation and education, preserving the unique plant life of Catalina Island for future generations.
+1Exploring the Botanic Gardens
+1Many of the plants are uniquely adapted to the island's arid environment, offering a fascinating study in botanical resilience. Informative plaques alongside the plants provide details about their origins and characteristics, enriching the visitor's understanding and appreciation. Keep an eye out for the island's native wildlife, including the elusive Island Fox, which sometimes makes an appearance among the foliage.
Beyond the main garden areas, the site offers opportunities for light hiking. The Garden to Sky Trail is particularly recommended by visitors for its rewarding ascent and spectacular panoramic views. This trail allows you to experience the broader landscape of Catalina Island, complementing the intimate exploration of the gardens.
Architectural Marvel and Views
+1Ascending to the top of the memorial provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. You can gaze out over the charming town of Avalon, the sparkling waters of Avalon Bay, and the rolling hills that define the island's interior. This vantage point is perfect for capturing stunning photographs and appreciating the island's scenic beauty.
+1Many visitors highlight the memorial's archway as a particularly photogenic spot, perfectly framing the mountainous landscape and the azure sea beyond. The combination of impressive architecture and sweeping vistas makes the Wrigley Memorial a must-visit destination for its aesthetic appeal and its connection to the island's history.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit