The history of Metropole Ave is central to the Avalon storyline. When the steamer came to the island with hundreds of passengers, they would disembark onto the pier leading them up Metropole Ave. Tiny cottages and The Hermosa Hotel welcomed the many passengers whether it was for the day or the weekend. Built in 1896, The Hermosa Hotel now includes the original yacht club and a carriage house. Step back into time when you enter the lobby while enjoying the modern sized amenities. Built before plumbing, The Hermosa Hotel added showers down the hall for guests to share. Today we use these as our “diver showers” so that guests can shower after a swim or snorkel and get some of that sand off before heading to your room or the boat. All rooms have bathrooms of course now even if the sinks are in the room – adding to that feel of stepping back in time.
THE HISTORIC METROPOLE AVENUE
Traveling up Metropole Ave a 100 years ago you would have run into travelers in full dresses and hats. Down at the beach tourists would still be in dresses and pants to abide by the public decency laws.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CATALINA MUSEUM
The steamer pier today no longer exists to welcome guests but as you arrive you will see Green Pier with the bright green buildings selling fish and chips, boat rides, parasailing adventures. Where the steamer pier once was you can sit at Antonio’s Pizza and enjoy a family sized pizza and fun cocktails. The interior is decorated with artifacts from years ago you might remember from your childhood trips. Try to find that dollar your dad nailed to the ceiling!
Just next door to The Hermosa Hotel is the beautiful Catalina Island Museum.. This stunning space holds thousands of memories near and dear to the island inside. Our friendly neighbors are always telling new stories on the history of Catalina, famous actresses and actors who visited the island, and other remarkable tails such as Esther Williams, Frida Kahlo, and (coming soon) The Titanic and the connection to Catalina Island. This interactive museum will entertain all ages in your family from young ones with photos and artifacts to your mother who will find glimpses of her past in the photos and stories along the walls. It is impossible not to walk away without feeling the strong sense of connection to previous visitors of the island.
While the museum and hotel have undergone some updates, you can still sense the feeling that horses would have pulled people up the hills of Avalon. Vendors would have been selling fried chicken and donuts, today replaced by Catalina Cookie Company baking fresh cookies each morning and the Metropole café and neighboring best burgers in town at Coney Island West offer places to sit and plan out the next adventure – do you rent a canoe, paddle boats, or now go for a safari tour?
The historic charm of Avalon is evident as you walk up the street of Metropole Ave. You might feel the lingering presence of Marilyn Monroe who as Norma Jean found her inner movie star while living on the island (on Metropole). You will see the original features on some buildings and restored charm on others. Walk in the footsteps of thousands of visitors to the island as you wander up Metropole to The Hermosa Hotel, serving island travelers for over 120 years.
THANK YOU TO THE CATALINA ISLAND MUSEUM FOR SHARING THE BEAUTIFUL PIECES OF HISTORY WITH US.