Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden are two popular landmarks located at the top of Avalon Canyon Drive near the tourist core of Catalina Island. 

The gardens were the project of Ada Wrigley, wife of William Wrigley Jr. who was largely responsible for developing and popularizing Catalina Island. Originally planted in 1935, the garden takes advantage of the island's temperate marine climate which can host a wide variety of species of plants from around the world. Though the garden has chosen to focus more on California island endemic species, including several plants on the endangered species list.

Set in the curve of the canyon, the botanical garden is laid out over a few dozen narrow acres, with several parallel dirt walking paths branching off the wide main route. There are small collections of plants landscaped into the fringes and nooks of the canyon. Several interpretive displays are set under a shady roof near the garden's entrance. This area also has several visitors that visitors can flip through to learn the history of the garden, the Wrigley family, and the memorial which lies at the top of the garden.

The Wrigley Memorial was built for William Wrigley Jr. The structure stands at the top of the canyon, offering visitors photogenic views of the canyon and the town of Avalon in the distance below. The structure was built in the 1930's, with the goal of using as much island materials as possible in its construction.

To the right of staircase leading up to the Memorial is access to the Garden To Sky hiking trail.

Accessing the botanical garden requires a 1.5 mile uphill walk or ride from the center of Avalon.

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden is open from 8am - 5pm daily. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children. Admission can be purchased at the entrance, or can be purchased in advance from the Catalina Island Conservancy web page, which has more information on the gardens.