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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Wrigley
Botanical Gardens Catalina Island
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By Lacey
Kohlmoos |
Wrigley
Botanical Gardens are located on Catalina Island, a popular
day trip off the coast of Southern California about 22
miles from Los Angeles. One of the main attractions of
the island, the gardens features a stunning monument to
William Wrigley Jr. and lush gardens designed by his wife.
The entire family will enjoy taking in the gardens’
sweeping views of the Catalina coastline and exploring
the network of pathways running through its forests of
rare plants endemic to California. Whether looking for
a place to let the kids run around or an escape from the
hustle and bustle of Avalon, the Wrigley Botanical Gardens
is a wonderful outing.
The Wrigley Botanical Gardens was completed by Ada Wrigley
in 1945, though she began work on the gardens in 1935
with the help of horticulturalist Albert Conrad. Ada built
the gardens around the memorial to her husband who was
best known as the founder of Wrigley chewing gum.
William loved Catalina Island and was a key player in
its development, so the monument honors his dedication
to the island. Construction began shortly after Wrigley’s
death in 1932 and was completed in 1934.
Ada envisioned the gardens as a collection of desert plants
from all over the world, which it was until 1969 when
the Wrigley Memorial Garden Foundation took the gardens
in a different direction. The gardens now showcase plants
that are endemic to Southern California’s coast
and islands, focusing primarily on Catalina Island plants.
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Wrigley Botanical Gardens Catalina Island |
The Wrigley
Botanical Gardens is a perfect escape from the hubbub of
Avalon. Its nearly 38 acres of lush greenery and quiet pathways
make for a relaxing outing that requires minimal time and
effort. For those simply out for a stroll, the gardens’
flora is sweet-smelling and the views breathtaking.
The Wrigley Monument perched at the top of the gardens is
the best place to take in vistas that include the Catalina
coastline and Palos Verdes.
After sitting for awhile at the Wrigley Monument and taking
in the natural beauty stretching out to the horizon, visitors
should then turn their attention to the structure itself.
Even if visitors know nothing about William Wrigley Jr.,
it is safe to say that almost everyone has chewed his gum
at one time or another and they have all enjoyed his improvements
to Catalina Island.
Wandering around the monument, giving remembrance to the
man that loved the island so, visitors will not be able
to help noticing the splendid artistry of the building.
Rising 130 feet in the air, the structure was built in the
Spanish style with rocks taken from Catalina’s own
quarries.
The terraces and ramps are paved with blue flagstone from
Catalina’s western coast. And perhaps most dazzling
of all, the monument is covered in decorative tiles that
were produced by the famous Catalina Pottery.
Although the Wrigley Monument may be the centerpiece of
the gardens, the acres of trees, flowers and bushes surrounding
it make the Wrigley Botanical Gardens the beloved refuge
that it is today.
Although anyone can enjoy the rich and colorful vegetation,
visitors who know a bit about plants will be particularly
delighted to find some of California’s rarest flora:
the Catalina Mahogany shrub, the Catalina Ironwood tree,
St Catherine’s Lace, the Catalina Manzanita, the Catalina
Live-Forever and the Catalina Bedstraw. |
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Wrigley Memorial Catalina Island |
Wrigley Botanical Gardens Entrance |
The Wrigley Botanical Gardens are open
all year round from 8am to 5pm. The entrance fee is $5
for adults, $3 for seniors and free for children under
12. It is best to visit in the morning or evening and
avoid the heat and intense sun of midday. Although the
gardens can be enjoyed for hours, visitors on a tight
schedule will still be able to appreciate it during a
half-hour visit.
The Wrigley Botanical Gardens is located on Catalina Island
about one and a half miles up Avalon Canyon Road. Although
it is uphill, visitors can walk there in about 30 to 45
minutes or bicycle in even less time. Another option for
those not up to the physical exertion of the trip is to
rent a golf cart and drive up to the gardens entrance.
The Avalon Trolley can also take visitors to the gardens
from downtown Avalon, Pebbly Beach or The Casino.
Catalina Island is best reached by ferry, which takes
about one to one and a half hours depending on the departure
point. From Los Angeles, the best ferry departure points
are Marina del Rey, San Pedro, Downtown Long Beach Landing
and Long Beach Queen Mary.
From San Diego, visitors should depart from Dana Point
or Newport Beach. It is also possible to reach the island
by helicopter or chartered plane, which is faster but
more expensive.
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Pavilion
Hotel just 14 steps from the beach
in this 71-room 2-story upgraded hotel. |
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