Wrigley2 Memorial
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Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden

4.5
·549 reviews·Avalon, United States

A peaceful art deco memorial and botanical garden on Catalina Island, offering stunning views and unique flora.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Wrigley2 Memorial

Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A peaceful art deco memorial and botanical garden on Catalina Island, offering stunning views and unique flora.

4.5
(549 reviews)

"The gardens are beautifully maintained, and the memorial is impressive. Amazing views from the top!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 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. 🎟️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 565 reviews

Type

Garden

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wrigley Memorial Architecture

Wrigley Memorial Architecture

Hilltop Memorial

Stunning art deco memorial with mosaic art, offering panoramic views of Avalon Bay and the surrounding mountains.

Instagram+1
Native Plant Collection

Native Plant Collection

Botanic Gardens

Explore 38 acres of unique desert shrubs and succulents, many endemic to Catalina Island.

Instagram+1
Panoramic Ocean Views

Panoramic Ocean Views

Top of the Memorial

Breathtaking vistas of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.

Instagram+1
Garden to Sky Trail

Garden to Sky Trail

Trailhead near Memorial

A rewarding hike offering incredible views, often cited as a highlight of the Catalina Island experience.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden is a popular spot, so consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. Arriving earlier in the day allows for a more peaceful experience and better light for photos. TikTokInstagram

Getting There & Entry

A pleasant walk or shuttle ride from Avalon leads to the gardens. Be aware of the entrance fee; some visitors find it a bit pricey for a walk-through. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you ever been? #catalina #californiahiddengems #californiatravel #mediterraneanvibes
@letravelstyle
2.4K likes • 35K views

🚶 Walk or Shuttle?

A 30-min walk from Avalon or take the convenient shuttle. InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

💰 Entrance Fee

There's a fee to enter; some find it a bit pricey. InstagramReddit 🎟️

✨ The magic is back! The SYV Holiday Lights Festival returns bigger and brighter than ever. 🎄 Tickets sold out last year—don’t miss your chance this season! 🎟️ Grab your tickets now at 👉 syvholidaylights.com ✨ Create magical memories with family and friends this holiday season! @Central Coast California @VisitSYV @VisitCalifornia @Santa Barbara With Kids @Visit Solvang, California #SYVHolidayLig...
@syvbotanicgarden
1.7K likes • 37.6K views
🌿🏛️ Take a tour of the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Gardens with us! Looking for a fun way to spend the day on Catalina Island? Grab your friends, pack some snacks and explore! Wander through trails lined with endemic native plants, spot hawks and eagles overhead and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a sneaky Island fox peeking from the brush. 
Worried about the trek? No problem. The Wildlands E...
catalinaconservancy
86 likes • 2.6K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

The memorial arch perfectly frames the mountains and bay. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🥾 Hike the Trails

Explore surrounding trails for stunning views beyond the memorial. InstagramReddit

Catalina day 3! Botanical gardens and Wrigley memorial.
katemillsrocks
25 likes • 403 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Walk or Shuttle?

A 30-min walk from Avalon or take the convenient shuttle. InstagramReddit :athletic_shoe:

💰 Entrance Fee

There's a fee to enter; some find it a bit pricey. InstagramReddit 🎟️

📸 Photo Opportunities

The memorial arch perfectly frames the mountains and bay. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🥾 Hike the Trails

Explore surrounding trails for stunning views beyond the memorial. InstagramReddit

🦊 Island Fox Sightings

Keep an eye out for the shy Island Fox! Instagram 🦊

What Travellers Say

4.5
(549 reviews)

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

Beautiful gardens
Impressive memorial
Stunning views

What People Dislike

Entrance fee price

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

The ferry terminal is in Avalon. From there, it's about a 30-minute walk to the gardens, or you can take a shuttle. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the entrance or checking their official website if available. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Visitor opinions vary. Many find the beautiful gardens, impressive memorial, and stunning views well worth the cost, especially when combined with hiking. InstagramReddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Instagram+2

Absolutely! Beyond the main garden paths, the 'Garden to Sky' trail and other surrounding trails offer rewarding hikes with spectacular views. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Yes, visitors have reported spotting Island Foxes, hawks, and eagles within the garden grounds. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the gardens and the memorial. Instagram

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. Instagram

For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to contact the garden administration in advance to inquire about permits and any associated fees. Instagram

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. Instagram

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