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.

I highly recommend a visit to this historical building. I would recommend you do a guided tour as there is just so much interesting history attached to this amazing place.. We thoroughly enjoyed all the Art Deco decor and sitting in the grand theatre watching old movies. The ballroom as well is certainly grand and must have been very special crowded with dancers in its heyday. The views from the circular verandah at the top of the building were quite spectacular. A must do when visiting Catalina Island.

You cannot visit Catalina Island without seeing the Casino. The Casino is intertwined with the history of Catalina Island. Built by the Wrigley's who purchased the entire Island in 1919. The Casino is a gathering place and to my knowledge has never officially had any gambling. It hold a luxurious movie theater that has seating for thousands and according to curators it was the first sound theater in the world. It still has an organ for silent pictures and it still shows movies. Perhaps on a rainy evening you may wish to take in a movie. Above the theater, according to the curators, is the largest circular ballroom in the world. It is beautiful with balconies and wonderful views all the way around. Catalina Island has been used to shoot scenes from more than 200 movies and from the 1920s on had been a favorite travel destination and playground for many Hollywood stars.