Avalon scenic bus tour: Historic streets narrated

Roll through Avalon's quirky history without planning the route

A 50-minute open-air bus tour of Avalon departs from Island Tour Plaza and circles the town's historic buildings and attractions with live driver narration in English. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the tour suits all fitness levels. The route is set, so you step on and listen instead of deciding where to go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic Avalon Island bus tour

• Depart from Island Tour Plaza
• Drive around Avalon city
• View historic buildings and attractions

The experience

The bus leaves Island Tour Plaza and drives through the streets of Avalon, pointing out the town's historic buildings and landmarks as you ride. A live driver provides narration throughout the 50 minutes, so the stories behind what you're seeing come as you pass them: the post office that doesn't deliver mail, the house that used to be a boat, the bird park without birds. You're riding in an open-air bus, so bring a camera and expect postcard views of the town and its waterfront.

This is a straightforward route with no stops to get out and explore on your own. The tour stays on the bus the whole way. The driver does the talking and the navigating, which means you don't have to figure out which streets matter or what you're looking at. It's the kind of tour that works for families with young children, older travelers, or anyone who wants the layout and the stories without the walking.

What’s included

• Live driver commentary in English.
• open-air seating on the bus throughout the route.

Information

Lasts 50m, runs every day, 4 start times, from US$ 31.15 per person, with a live guide in English and in groups of up to 12.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30 and 15:00

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

AgesAdult (12 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Santa Catalina Island Company

Is this one for you?This tour works well for small groups or families who want to see Avalon's layout and history without walking the streets themselves. The fixed route and live narration mean you get the town's story in one sitting, which suits travelers with limited time or mobility constraints.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How long is the Avalon scenic bus tour?

The tour runs 50 minutes from start to finish, departing and returning to Island Tour Plaza.

What happens if I use a wheelchair or mobility device?

Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if a companion is able to assist with boarding and disembarking.

Where does the Avalon tour depart from?

The bus leaves from Island Tour Plaza and circles back there at the end of the 50-minute route.

Is there a guide on the bus, or is it self-guided?

A live driver provides narration throughout the tour in English, pointing out Avalon's historic buildings and attractions as you ride.