A view of the pier, beach, and hills of Avalon, located on Santa Catalina Island, twenty six miles off the coast of Southern California. This popular tourist destination is home to about 3,500 residents. Most of the million tourists that visit the island each year arrive by ship, ferry, or plane. The Carnival Elation cruise ship can be seen docked in the background. Wildlife such as American bison and the endangered island fox can be found roaming the island.