Catalina Island Behind the Scenes Casino Tour

Overview

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.

City: Catalina Island

Tue 06 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $37.45

Make a reservation

Tue 06 May

Starting at $37.45

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Please check your email through Viator for your confirmation number and tour information

What To Expect

Catalina Island Casino

Tour areas of the Casino once closed to the public for over 70 years. Visit green rooms used by Errol Flynn and Cary Grant; see the room where Cecil B. DeMille screened his latest films; and stand on the stage where Benny Goodman became the King of Swing

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (10)

242marianm

Nov 2019

We took this 90 - but actually 100 - minute tour of the Casino with Frankie today. He is a gem, Vietnam War vet, an actually grew up on and lives on Catalina delight. However he will soon remind you of your uncle who watches too much Fox News with the volume way up and shares conspiracy emails with the family. You will enjoy the sights of the theater, experience the marvelous acoustics, step on stage and watch a short film voiced by Peter Coyote (love his voice, recognized it right away.) Going behind to the projection area and exhibits is even better. Lots of old dusty equipment and control boards. Frankie knows most of it, wasn’t sure about some items. Now Frankie needs to tone down his rampant misogyny. He pointed out a typewriter and said “you women will know what that is.” Then rambled about his school days as a greater typist than any of the girls. He also liked to say things like “ladies get your husband to take you nice places!” Uh ok Uncle Frankie, can you pass the salt? Lots of rambling stuff about the great service and delights of the Inn at Mt Ada. I hope they paid him for those ten wasted minutes of the tour. Back to the casino stuff Frankie? Ok then to the ballroom (up a series of sloping ramps, not stairs). The Marines were getting the room ready for a ball - Frankie is off on another tangent about how well a group of Marines once treated him. I wandered to talk to a Marine - they are lovely young people. Outside touring the balcony area and Frankie starts quoting the President and talking about how much money we give (GIVE!!) the Chinese. Uh oh. I asked him about the big flag flying nearby and diverted him from his politics long enough for him to move on. Take the tour but be prepared for political potholes you may need to step around on your walk.