Discover the Casino Tour

Duration: 40 minutes

Location: Casino Building Main Box Office

Adult

$20.75

Senior (55+)

$18.75

Child (2-11)

$18.75

Ticket cost includes City of Avalon 4% Admissions Tax

Gift Certificates

Take a trip down memory lane, when bands were big and movies were just beginning to talk. The only way to see the inside of this building.

  • View the magnificent foyer with original ceilings and gorgeous hardwoods.
  • Stand in awe at the massive art murals that adorn the 1,100+ seat movie palace.
  • Walk the ramps that have hosted millions of people for more than 85 years.
  • Step onto the original Casino Ballroom floor that has hosted record-breaking crowds.
  • Delight in the view of Avalon Harbor from the balcony aptly named the Romance Promenade.

Children of all ages are welcome on this tour.

Tour departs daily, rain or shine (excluding special event closures)

The Discover the Casino Tour is wheelchair accessible. Please review restrictions below.

This tour is available for most guests. Please see restrictions below.

What to Expect

Take a trip down memory lane to the days when bands were big and movies were just beginning to talk. The Catalina Casino epitomizes everything glamorous about Santa Catalina Island.    You’ll see the extraordinary Art Deco murals and a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows nightly movies on its massive screen.

A short film is shown highlighting the history of this iconic building and its Hollywood connection.   You’ll then continue up to the beautiful, world-famous Casino Ballroom, a masterpiece of design and a long-standing venue for the world’s best musical performers and Big Bands. The ballroom’s “Romance Promenade” offers some of the most spectacular views of Avalon and for decades has been considered the most romantic spot in Avalon.

Exploring in the Casino Building:  This is a walking tour.  You will be walking throughout the Avalon Theatre & then walking up the ramps to the Catalina Casino Ballroom.  There are a total of 6 ramps – 4 below the mezzanine & 2 above – that make climbing 12 stories easy and fun.

Photograph early and often:  The number one comment we get from guests about this tour is they wished they started taking pictures right when they walked in.  Make sure to have your camera out before you start the tour.

What to bring and wear:  Wear comfortable clothes for the season. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you will be walking up and down a series of ramps on the tour. Don’t forget your camera – this building is gorgeous and you will want to capture it on film.  While gratuities for your guide are not included in the cost of the ticket, they are accepted and appreciated.

Restrictions:  For your safety, you should be in good health & free from high blood pressure, heart, neck or back problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. The Discover the Casino Tour is wheelchair accessible. Please note there are 6 ramps that will be used to get from the theater downstairs to the ballroom upstairs.  Guests must have someone to push them or use a motorized scooter.

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

Where to Meet

Casino Building
Avalon, CA 90704

Get Directions

Have questions? Here's the most frequently asked.

Yes. While reservations are not required, they are recommended. Getting your tickets in advance will save you time once you are on the island.

Restrooms are located on the bottom level of the Casino Building outside and around the building from the box office. Please make sure that you utilize them before your tour as there will not be restrooms available on the tour.

Walking time to common locations:

  • Cabrillo Mole Area: 15 – 20 minutes
  • Basketball/Volleyball/Old Ben Park Area: 10 – 15
  • Green Pleasure Pier/Island Tour Plaza: 10 – 15 minutes
  • Casino Building: 1 minute
  • Descanso Beach: 3 – 5 minutes

While food is not provided, you are welcome to enjoy food and beverage before your tour starts outside of the Casino Building. No food or drinks are allowed in the building itself, but bottled water is welcome.

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

"We took the tour of the Casino and it was great, our guide Joe was sooo nice and very knowledgeable about the history of the casino. He was very nice and gave us a lot of information! Loved it and totally worth the money spent for the tour Discover the Casino."

- ebaez11 from Tustin, CA - TripAdvisor
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