Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden — Attraction in Avalon

Handicap/Handicapable Alert!!

My wife and I had the most wonderful honeymoon experience on the Catalina Island touring Avalon and meeting the most welcoming locals we have ever met. We live in San Diego so not a far trip, but just far enough to get the experience we were looking for. The setting of Avalon makes for a unforgettable getaway.

We decided to take a trip to the Wrigley Memorial, something my wife and I were both looking forward to very much. We packed a lunch and had planned to eat it up top looking over Avalon. After pushing up a very steep hill (wife exhausted) (without being warned that the memorial was not handicapped accessible) we sadly turned around and made our way back down the hill.

We tried explaining to the lady working the booth our disappointment and wondered if they would consider putting a sign up for other wheelchair user's. The lady was so rude and inconsiderate, she gave me the "are you stupid" look and turned around and walked to the back of the booth muttering "it's not my problem, I'll let them know".

Like what?! I maybe paralyzed by accident, but I'm still a human. I don't expect everything to be accessible but if your going to have a sign that says "wheelchair users enter here"and charge money to enter I expect it to be accessible or want to know that I can't see what I'm paying for before paying. At very least have the decency to listen to a suggestion and offer your money back for the inconvenience.

All in all Avalon is amazing, but I'm not okay with this experience. No one can choose the reason they may need to use a wheelchair. But everyone has a right to be treated with respect and know ahead of time if the area there entering is...

It's a lovely spot for those of us interested in native plants, cactuses, and succulents. It's also a pleasant retreat from the bustle in Avalon; you can breathe the salty sage-filled air and feel the wind coming over the divide. The Conservancy absolutely screwed up its admission system, though (such a simple process! just hand over a few bucks or scan a card on Square? how could they have stumbled over this?). When we arrived, a small knot of people were milling around unhappily, because to spin the turnstile and get in they were ordered to: scan a QR code to get wi-fie; scan a SECOND QR code to get an order form, fill out a profile with name, address, phone; enter a form of payment; order your entrance tickets; reject the shuttle bus from town because you're ALREADY HERE; and finally walk through the gate. Unforgiveably complex, plus the app wasn't working for several of the phones and the wi-fi was spotty (as it is everywhere around Avalon). It also costs too much: $16. World-class museums don't charge that much. Go back to basics, Conservancy: guest service and...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden on Catalina Island, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. The garden boasts a remarkable collection of plant species, many of which I had never seen before. Strolling through the diverse landscapes filled with unique and exotic plants was both educational and enchanting.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the Wrigley Memorial itself. The architecture is outstanding—an exquisite blend of Art Deco and Spanish influences that stands majestically amidst the lush surroundings. The craftsmanship and design are truly exceptional, making it one of the best architectural sites I've ever encountered.

Overall, the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden is a must-see destination. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or an architecture lover, this place offers a serene and inspiring experience that...