Catalina Tile Experience

Duration: 90 Minutes

Location: Pick-up location in downtown Avalon. Studio located one mile from town.

Adult

$58

Senior 55+

$52

Child (5-18)

$52

Allow a half hour before and after the tour. Ticket purchase includes 2 tiles per person, and domestic US shipping (international rates may apply).

Gift Certificates Private tours

Make your own souvenirs with this fun tile-making experience! Discover the artistic history of Catalina by making your own keepsakes.

  • Enjoy a truly authentic & hands-on activity with a local artist in her studio. Choose your design & colors to make your own Catalina Tiles.
  • Create personalized tiles while you spend quality time with your family, friends, or co-workers.
  • Stand on the footprint of the original Catalina Tile & Clay Products factory as you learn the origins of our most popular export.
  • You make them. You choose the colors. We'll ship your completed handmade Catalina Tiles to you at home!
  • Discover the science behind the art. Learn about Catalina's geologic, cultural, and architectural history.

Transportation from a convenient, downtown location included.

The studio is located up one flight of stairs with handrails on both sides.

Guests can choose to stand or sit throughout the tile making process.

For safety reasons children who are toddlers up to 5 years olds cannot be accomodated.

Artist smocks and full coveralls are provided to protect your clothing.

2 tiles are included wtih your ticket purchase. Want to make more? Just let the artist know.

What to Expect

During your visit

Relax on our colorful patio while we tell you the fascinating tale of all things Catalina pottery, tile and more! Native American lore, geology, archeology, and California history all play a part. Your new knowledge will help you appreciate and enjoy all you will see throughout the town of Avalon.

Then the real fun begins. Put on an apron, pick your tile patterns and follow along during our quick 10-minute lesson to create your first tile. Work at your own pace to create an additional tile. If the tile bug really bites you, extra materials are available at a nominal fee ($8 per extra tile). Don’t worry, we are there to assist you every step of the way. Two tiles are included in the price of your ticket purchase.

While your tiles set in the molds, we’ll have you decide just how you would like them styled & colored.  Get a sneak peek of the finished product when you turn your tiles out of the molds.

We’ve created a peaceful & colorful oasis at our Pebbly Beach studio, just steps from the ocean.  In true artist form, we’ve transformed our shipping container into a fun and funky artist retreat. Peruse our Catalina themed library, view all our “mini” exhibits to add to your newfound knowledge, and browse our small gallery often filled with deals, seconds & fun finds.

After your visit

Our team will color and “fire” your tiles and ship them to you via USPS within 3-4 weeks. International shipping rates may apply.   Your tiles are 4″ x 4″ fully-fired stoneware tiles suitable for installations indoors or out.

What to bring & wear: Check the Catalina Island weather forecast and dress appropriately – you will be working with clay so clothes that can get dirty are best.  The studio is partially open to the elements – hat, sunglasses, or sweater/windbreakers may be helpful during certain times of the year.  High heels are not recommended.  Small bags/purses can be accommodated, but please do not bring any large bags. Larger bags can be left securely at the Boat Landing (luggage storage/lockers). Gratuity for your host is not included but is accepted & greatly appreciated!

Restrictions:  For your safety, you should be in good health & free from other conditions that could be aggravated by this tour. Please note all guests must be able to navigate a single flight of 14 stairs to enter and exit. This activity is generally not wheelchair accessible. Minimum age to participate is 5 years old.  Seating is available for those guests who cannot stand for longer periods of time.

REFUNDS & EXCHANGES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. CLICK HERE TO READ OUR CANCELLATION POLICY.

Where to Meet

You will meet our shuttle at the corner of Crescent (the main waterfront street) & Claressa Ave. It's about a 3-5 minute walk from the boat/cruise ship dock or a 2-10 minute walk from most accommodations in town to this location. A map and day of phone number will be provided with ticket purchase. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your tour start time - your shuttle will arrive shortly thereafter. Please be prompt so you don't miss your ride.

Get Directions

Have questions? Here's the most frequently asked.

Your completed tiles (glazed & fired) will be mailed to you within 3-4 weeks of your tour date via US Postal Service.  We are happy to send completed tiles to multiple addresses.  Just let us know when we are discussing tile colors and we will capture the right address for each guest participating.

Yes – a restroom is located in the studio and is available for all guests to use.

We are happy to host children over the age of 5 and infants that are in a car seat, wrap, or carrier.  For safety purposes toddlers up to the age 5 cannot attend.  Because we are a working studio and there are lots of little items, glazes, breakables, clay pieces, and some uneven surfaces we do not want to put your young children at risk.  We look forward to welcoming them to participate when they are slightly older.

Still have questions?   Visit our FAQ page to submit your own

This was a fantastic experience for me, my wife & my wife's parents. After learning a bit of island/tile history, Robin guided us as we created our own Catalina tiles. She was a wonderful host, teacher & cheerleader who, as a lifetime Catalina resident, was able to share a wealth of knowledge.

RexLA from Los Angeles, CA - TripAdvisor
Trip Advisor Logo

More Tours to Explore!