Avalon Casino

1 hours | Catalina Island | A V X - 3 8 0
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Points of Interest

  • Avalon
  • Catalina Casino
Moderate activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Dominating the Avalon landscape from its regal perch along the harbor, the Catalina Casino exemplifies the style and romance of Catalina Island. Built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. in 1929 to lure the rich and famous to the island, this circular, Mediterranean style icon is a stunning reminder of Catalina's glorious past.

Step back in time to an era when bands were big and movies were just beginning to talk during this one-hour, guided walking tour of Catalina's breathtaking casino!

Your adventure begins at the main entrance of this massive twelve-story high circular building, which got its name from the Italian language, where "casino" means a gathering place. (There is no gambling at this facility.) You'll be greeted by a knowledgeable guide who will serve as your escort through time as you discover the history of this meticulously restored building that is divided into a spectacular grand ballroom and an elegant movie theater. And you'll see it all!

Tour the majestic Avalon Theater! Built to accommodate 1250 moviegoers, it was one of the first theaters retrofitted for both sound and silent films. It still houses a rare and classic 1929 pipe organ - a vestige of a time when live music accompanied silent films.

Marvel at the extraordinary Art Deco murals by artist John Gabriel (best known for his work at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood). Monkeys stare playfully through foliage. Sensual mermaids frolic amidst seahorses and swirling bubbles. These images and more are rendered in a Greek theme that evolved to reflect the underwater surroundings and historical landscapes of the island.

As you walk up ramps to the the Mezzanine level you'll learn how this unique building is so well-insulated that patrons cannot hear the band playing or the thousands of dancers in the ballroom above. Yet the acoustics are so good that a speaker on the theatre stage can speak in a normal voice without a microphone and be heard clearly by all!

On the upper level of the casino you'll come upon the world's largest circular ballroom! French doors encircle the Casino Ballroom which features a 180-foot diameter dance floor that can accommodate over 6,000 dancers! Carefully constructed of wood on a layer of felt and acoustical paper, it was built to ensure a smooth and comfortable dancing experience.

Listen carefully as you stand upon the Promenade Balcony taking in the sweeping vistas of Avalon, Descanso Beach and the harbor – you may hear the magical echoes of the big bands of a bygone era as they played standards in this long-standing venue for the world's best musical performers.

Take time to visit the Catalina Island Museum and Art Gallery located on the ground floor (admission is included in your tour!) The museum offers displays of early Catalina Indian artifacts, topographical maps, marine specimens and historical photographs. The Art Gallery features paintings, sculptures and island crafts by local artists.

As your walking tour of the Catalina Casino comes to a close, you'll understand why this landmark bulding has remained an architectural wonder for over 70 years.

Special Notes:

This tour will begin at the Casino - passengers will walk there on their own from the tender drop-off.

Participants will be required to walk up a large circular ramp to reach the Mezzanine Level and the Casino Ballroom.

Child Price:

12 years & under only

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for walking tour of Avalon Casino

Transport type:
Walking
Travel time:
01:00
Inside visit:
Yes
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No

Return to ship

Transport type:
Walking