Buoys & Gulls has been outfitting island locals and visitors alike in classic coastal style for over 60 years, becoming a beloved part of Catalina’s shopping scene and a long-time retailer of Spooner Aloha.
To celebrate the launch of our new Catalina Dreamin’ print, we caught up with Buoys & Gulls owner, Hugh Bevins, to get his take on why Reyn Spooner is a Catalina Island favorite and get his personal recommendations for enjoying your visit.
Buoys & Gulls traces its roots back to the 1950s, when Roy C. Rose, a 1953 graduate of Avalon High School, returned to the island after serving in the U.S. Army. Taking the reins of his family’s original business, Catalina Sportswear, Roy gave the store a fresh new name, Buoys & Gulls, and quickly established it as a go-to destination for classic coastal clothing and souvenirs.
Over the next three decades, the shop became a staple of Avalon’s shopping scene, earning a reputation for its friendly service and laid-back island style.
Today, the legacy continues with Hugh at the helm, keeping the spirit of the store alive while evolving its offering for the next generation.
“Reyn Spooner is similar to Buoys & Gulls in a lot of ways, both are established, well-known brands with deep ties to Catalina. I love that Reyn McCullough started his first shop right here on the island—something I proudly share with friends and family when I see them wearing a Spooner.”
Hugh Bevins grew up visiting Catalina and has deep roots on the island. His family vacationed there nearly every summer, and those memories eventually led him back to take over Buoys & Gulls.
“My parents vacationed at the same bungalows as kids long before meeting, and they took us as kids to the island practically every vacation growing up. My sister was married at the Casino in 2019, and now my nieces get to come to the island to have the same experiences we did. ”
“It's only about an hour boat ride, but it's a totally different world, a bit stuck in the past, but in the best type of way, such an old school charm, safe for kids to wander around. ”
Hugh’s Guide to Catalina Island:
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, here’s Hugh’s personal recommendations for making the most of your time on the island:
To Explore:
The Casino – A historic landmark and must-see
Catalina Museum – Learn the story behind the island
The Harbor – The heart of Avalon’s charm
To Eat:
Lloyd’s of Avalon
My childhood favorite. I used to build my own candy bags, and I still love the frozen bananas, caramel apples, and saltwater taffy.
The Buffalo Nickel
It’s just outside Avalon and the walk past Pebbly Beach is beautiful. Great food and a quiet outdoor patio.
Antonio’s Pizzeria
A classic spot to grab a slice. Fun fact: this was once home to the original Reyn’s!
To Do:
Rent a boat at Joe’s and cruise around the harbor
Take a trip to Frog Rock for a true island adventure
We created the Catalina Dreamin’ print as a tribute to the nostalgia, natural beauty, and classic charm of this island where our story started.
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