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December 2023 by Luis R P.
Beautiful classic building. Great tour of a historic place. Awesome views or Avalon and the bay from the upstairs ballroom balconies. Definitely recommend
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December 2023 by Tracy Foster
The Catalina Casino is a historic landmark in Avalon. It was opened in 1929 and still has a lot of its original (or close to original) features. This is not a gambling Casino and never was.They have self guided or guided tours available during the day. It is an interesting stop and definitely recommended if you have time.They used to use the theater for first run movies, and a person played the organ in the front while waiting for the movie to start. They now play older movies on some weekends. It is still a fun place to watch a movie. There is artwork on the walls, curtains as you enter the theater, and many historic features in the theater portion that you can access with theater admission.
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November 2023 by Reed B
Visiting the Catalina Island Casino while in Avalon is a must do at least once. It’s an absolutely beautiful and interesting building from a long ago era and it’s well maintained. If you do a self guided tour there isn’t much in the way of informational signage to learn more about the history, but it’s still cool to see. There are even interesting old-timey bathrooms on the upper levels that are worth checking out. It’s a bit pricey and you likely won’t spend more than an hour walking around.
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November 2023 by Reed B.
Visiting the Catalina Island Casino while in Avalon is a must do at least once. It's an absolutely beautiful and interesting building from a long ago era and it's well maintained. If you do a self guided tour there isn't much in the way of informational signage to learn more about the history, but it's still cool to see. There are even interesting old-timey bathrooms on the upper levels that are worth checking out. It's a bit pricey and you likely won't spend more than an hour walking around.
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September 2023 by Yosi Fischer
Great place to visit for a day or stay, there’s a lot to do but if I may suggest, bring snacks and drinks with you since the food is extra expensive because of the added freight by boat to the island. Than later have a meal at the Avalon shore, there are so many good restaurants to choose from with different cuisine, souvenirs shops, trailer/Bus tours, or you can rent a golf cart, electric bikes, walk?Have a great time!
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September 2023 by Angelina
It's not a casino. it's a historic building that has a theater where movies are shown or different events are held. It also has a viewing point at the top where you can see views of the island. It also has a dance hall.
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August 2023 by Meg Smitherman
such a breathtaking building! I recommend visiting the catalina museum first to learn its history and see concept sketches for the murals you'll see inside. it makes the experience so much more magical! also you don't need to take a guided tour to see the inside -- you can roll up whenever and pay general admission to wander about. the views from the terrace are excellent. one of the most unique and beautiful buildings I've ever seen, it's an absolute must.
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August 2023 by Mim Warren-Angelucci
Their magnificent theatre was built in the later 1920s. The suspended dancefloor upstairs is amazing. Do a tour of the Casino sometime. You will be impressed.
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August 2023 by Puja Sheth
The Catalina Casino is full of rich history! I would highly recommend that you visit if you have the chance. The guided tour will likely be your best option, and at the price of $35, it's totally worth it for all the behind the scenes areas you get to check out.Guess what? It's called a Casino. But it's not a casino at all! What is it? A giant ballroom, and a huge movie theater / stage. Built and operated by Mr. Wrigley (the gum dude), there are some amazing pieces to highlight. A few must sees are the black oak wood panels as you enter the casino (worth approximately $4m today). As you head upstairs to the ballroom check out the chandelier. Each chandelier, made by Tiffany's is $8m a pop, specially designed for the casino, making them one-of-a-kind (4 of a kind?). There is also an early rendition of a disco ball. The wood panelled floors are original. The outdoor patio views are amazing. Nearly 360 views of Catalina and the ocean, are worth the visit just in itself! Fun fact: a worker lives at the Casino 24/7.Tips:- It's not really a casino. Mr. Wrigley never drank or gambled, so know what you're getting into ahead of time! It's a movie theatre and ballroom.- If you're super hot in the summer on Catalina (as there can be minimal shade), pop into the Casino for a tour!- Yes, some parts of the Casino are haunted (so they say!) Most paranormal activity is in the women's bathroom on the mezzanine level, and near the coat check room.- While some parts of the Casino are ADA compliant, much of the building is not. Be mindful if you're bringing a wheelchair, or even a stroller.- No discounts provided. Including AAA.- Don't opt for the self guided tour yet, as they're still building it out. For a few more dollars, get the guided tour!
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August 2023 by Tom
I have never been inside this historic building but wow it is truly beautiful indoors.
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August 2023 by Glynis Nacozy
Very nostalgic! Josh gave us the history of the building, and he was great! We saw Mutiny on the Bounty!
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July 2023 by Myhanh A.
Simply gorgeous! We were visiting for the day and were recommended to check the Catalina Casino out. Please do not go in expecting to gamble as this is NOT a traditional gambling type of casino. This activity is moreso a tour/museum, however, do they do host events/movie showings on specific nights. Prices start at $19.50/adult and offer cheaper tickets for children and active military/veteran personnel (must show ID/proof). Overall, this activity took us approximately 45 minutes to an hour to tour the entire structure (on our own) and let me just tell you, this is was definitely worth it - beautiful architecture with so much history and detail behind it.
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July 2023 by regis kwong
I recently visited Catalina Island with a group of friends, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. This charming island, located just off the coast of Southern California, provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable getaway. From the delectable food to the delightful ice cream and the scenic Descanso Beach Club, Catalina Island exceeded our expectations in many ways.Upon arriving on the island, we were immediately captivated by its natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscape were truly awe-inspiring. The island's tranquil atmosphere instantly put us in a vacation mood, and we couldn't wait to explore all that it had to offer.One of the highlights of our trip was the wide range of dining options available. Catalina Island boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and eateries that cater to various tastes. During our stay, we indulged in numerous delicious meals, each one leaving us satisfied and craving for more. From fresh seafood to mouthwatering local specialties, the island's culinary scene did not disappoint.Among our dining experiences, the Descanso Beach Club stood out as a true gem. This waterfront venue provided an exquisite setting for a leisurely lunch. With its stunning ocean views and relaxed ambiance, we felt instantly transported to paradise. The menu offered a diverse selection of dishes, and we savored every bite while soaking in the soothing sounds of the waves crashing nearby. The attentive service and friendly staff added to the overall exceptional dining experience.In addition to the fabulous food, we found ourselves unable to resist the temptation of the island's delectable ice cream. Numerous charming ice cream shops lined the streets, offering an array of flavors that catered to all tastes. We indulged in creamy scoops of homemade goodness, which provided the perfect treat to cool down on warm summer days. Whether it was a classic flavor or a unique creation, the ice cream on Catalina Island was simply divine.When we weren't satisfying our taste buds, we took full advantage of the island's recreational activities. From hiking and biking to snorkeling and kayaking, there was no shortage of things to do. We explored the island's stunning trails, discovering hidden coves and breathtaking viewpoints along the way. The crystal-clear waters beckoned us to dive in, and we marveled at the vibrant marine life that thrived in the area. Each day brought new adventures and countless opportunities for fun and relaxation.Overall, our trip to Catalina Island was a resounding success. The combination of beautiful scenery, delectable food, and delightful ice cream made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled vacation with friends, Catalina Island is the perfect destination. It offers a little something for everyone, ensuring that you'll create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
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July 2023 by mikhaela leiann
so beautiful! staff are super friendly especially the historian, josh. he shared so much about the casino, the creation of it, the history behind it, and more. he also discussed what it was like growing up in catalina which was really interesting. walking into the theater felt like i was entering a different era everything was so beautiful decorated. and everyone was super sweet.
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July 2023 by J Davis
Loved my experience at Avalon! Can't miss Cali attraction.
