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Casino VIP Backstage Tour: Explore Catalina's Iconic History
4.7
33 Ratings
Avalon
Experience the glitz and glamour of the Catalina Casino on a VIP backstage tour. Explore the Art Deco murals, a 1929 pipe organ, and learn about its Hollywood connection.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Catalina Island Casino - Walk through the Casino
- Catalina Island Company - Walk by
What's Included
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
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. This tour requires uphill walking inside the casino.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, including climbing 8 ramps in a 12-story building, then descending the 8 ramps back to ground level.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a non-motorized wheelchair
- Ramps should be accessible with a well-charged motorized wheelchair or motorized scooter
- Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own caregiver
- Your tour is not confirmed with the local operator until you call the number located on your voucher to provide your voucher information and schedule your tour time. See voucher for details
Location
Catalina Casino
Casino Way
Look for the large round Building
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(33 Ratings)
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Smerdlapgraslbinder
Jul 29, 2024
So much to see and so much better than we thought - First off - the Avalon Casino is NOT a place where gambling EVER happened. Apparently, Casino merely was used in the original Italian sense of 'gathering place.' The structure holds some really interesting architecture, a theater, and a huge ballroom where the big bands literally used to play. The backstage tour shows all of this off to great advantage and takes you into the inner workings of a fabulous piece of history and architecture. Very much worth the price!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kemberly_q
May 30, 2024
"A Step Back In History" - The tour guide was very personal & an amazing and knowledgeable guide.
The most memorable is the history of the building & being able to see the back rooms with the original furniture, clothing & equipment made it just that more special.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_k
Dec 30, 2023
A blast into the past - What a fabulous step back in time. Loved learning about the history of the casino and walking all around the building. The ballroom was spectacular! Our guide was fabulous and informative.
Review provided by Viator
Randy_h
Dec 27, 2023
Step back in time with the best guide - We ended up having a 'private tour' with Cecilia (spelling?) on Christmas Eve and she was delightful!
A wonderful narration and an opportunity to travel back in-time. Really enjoyed seeing the theater, all the rooms for the actors/performers, old-cameras/film rewinders/lights, private viewing room to theater below, furniture, usher outfits, walking up the ramps (with ridges for high-heel walkers in the day), the fully set-up ballroom, the panoramic view from the top.
Review provided by Viator
Sue
May 27, 2023
History and more! - I have been intrigued about the Casino since my aunt (now deceased) would talk about taking the white steamship over to go dancing to the Big Bands then come back the next morning after dancing all night. We were not disappointed in the least. Sean was our guide and was so informative. The Casino is in great shape. So many historical building have fallen into disrepair but this has not. Not only did we learn about the brilliant times when Catalina was a haven for the stars of LA, but were cheered by the vibrancy that the Casino continues to have with local activities, special events, community participation. The lobby is stunning with the black walnut carvings and the theatre is amazing. Don't miss the chunk of history if you go the the island.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katiea730
May 25, 2023
Casino Tour- a great introduction to the island and it's history! Don't miss it! - This is a must do while on Catalina Island!! The tour was full of fun and interesting information about the Wrigley's as well as the island and the history of the Casino. Our tour guide Sean was superb, informed and entertaining. One of the best tour guides we've ever had. Don't miss this- it really enriches your experience of the island- and what has made it a special destination.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maureen_c
May 4, 2023
Must see on Catalina Island - Kendra was an excellent tour guide. She had so much interesting information and answered all of our questions. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Alan
Feb 16, 2023
Excellent tour - Very interesting tour of the theater and ball room. Paul was an excellent guide. There were only 6 people in our group, so we got lots of details. Great views of Avalon from the balcony
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brittany_s
May 1, 2023
Great experience for price - Information and tour was amazing but our guide was very soft spoken. She was super nice but it was hard to hear her, especially since the ballroom and theater are so open. She also had to compete with a screaming toddler who's parents did not take her out of the tour so the rest of us could enjoy. I wish the tour guide would had spoken up to those parents so the other 30 of us could have enjoyed the tour more
Review provided by Viator
Beaglemom22
Mar 11, 2023
Wonderful tour! - I would definitely recommend this tour! Saw a short video about the history of the casino (which was never a casino), toured the theater and the ballroom. The guide was great with lots of enthusiasm for her subject. The only reason I didn’t give five stars is that it’s a little pricey for a 45 minute tour. But I would definitely recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
