Catalina Casino

The majestic Catalina Casino, overlooking the bay of Avalon, is the most recognizable symbol of Santa Catalina Island in the USA. Despite its name, this architectural masterpiece has never been a gambling house: the word "casino" is used here in its original Italian sense—a "place of social gathering." Built in 1929, the building became the epitome of Art Deco luxury and Mediterranean style.

Catalina Casino. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This 12-story-high circular structure is surrounded by the sea on three sides, making it a dominant feature of the local landscape. The facade is adorned with exquisite murals, and the roof is crowned with 105,000 bright red tiles. Inside lie two main treasures: a lavish movie theater on the first floor, which was one of the first halls for sound films, and a giant ballroom on the upper level, capable of hosting thousands of dancing couples.

The site's significance is highlighted by its history: the project was funded by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. and has since served as the island's primary cultural center. The Catalina Casino combines the functions of a museum, movie theater, and concert venue, remaining a living monument to Hollywood's "Golden Age" and a favorite spot for romantic strolls for tourists from all over the world.

For information about events, film screenings, and tours, you can use the official contact details. The management is always ready to help guests plan their visit.

A visit to this landmark offers a unique range of experiences. One of the main highlights is a trip to the historic theater, which seats 1,184 people. The hall still retains its original acoustics and magnificent Art Deco murals, and before screenings, audiences can hear the sound of a classic organ. It’s a rare opportunity to watch a modern or classic film in the luxurious atmosphere of the 1920s.

On the top floor, you'll find the famous ballroom—one of the world's largest circular rooms without supporting columns. The dance floor features a unique design on a cork cushion, making every step incredibly soft. Under massive Tiffany-style chandeliers, dance nights, festivals, and social receptions are regularly held, allowing you to literally touch the history of California high society.

Be sure to set aside time for a walk along the outer promenade. The open terrace encircling the building offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Descanso Beach. It's an ideal spot for photography, especially in the evening when the building is illuminated with lights reflecting in the bay. In the local bar, you can order a vintage cocktail and enjoy the sea breeze surrounded by black walnut and gold leaf interiors.

The famous building is located at 1 Casino Way, at the northern end of the bay. You can reach Santa Catalina Island via high-speed Catalina Express ferries, which depart regularly from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach. The ocean journey takes about one hour, while those who value speed and panoramic views can opt for helicopter transfers (about 25 minutes).

Once in the city of Avalon, you'll find that the Catalina Casino is within walking distance of the ferry terminal. A stroll along the scenic waterfront takes no more than 10–15 minutes. Within the city itself, golf carts are a popular means of transportation and can be rented everywhere; however, due to the compact layout, many prefer to move around on foot or by bicycle.

If you arrive on the island as part of a cruise, tender boats will bring you right to the marina, from where the attraction is about a 1-kilometer walk along the coast. Keep in mind that private vehicle traffic is restricted in the city, so taxis are less common than on the USA mainland, with a primary focus on eco-friendly and leisurely ways to get around.

The history of this grand structure began in February 1928. Magnate William Wrigley Jr., known worldwide for his chewing gum, decided to create a unique entertainment center on Santa Catalina Island. The site of the future masterpiece was previously occupied by the old Sugarloaf Casino, which served as a school and dance hall but was demolished to make way for a more ambitious project.

Its construction was a real challenge: the work was carried out at a breakneck pace and took only 15 months. Under the guidance of architects Sumner Spaulding and Walter Webber, approximately $2 million was spent—a colossal sum for 1929. Notably, local resources were used as much as possible for the finishing and construction, including clay for the roof tiles and wood for the unique furniture.

The grand opening took place on May 29, 1929, coinciding with the Wrigley family's tenth anniversary of island ownership. The celebration was truly Hollywood-style: a parade, orchestra performances, and the premiere of the film "The Iron Mask" starring Douglas Fairbanks. Among the 10,000 guests were influential film producers and stars of the era, cementing the building's status as the region's main social hub.

A little-known but important fact: the Catalina Casino is officially recognized as a civil defense shelter. Hidden within its depths are supplies of food and water designed to sustain the town's entire population for two weeks. Thus, it is not only an architectural monument but also an important safety facility for the island's residents.

To leisurely explore the attraction and feel its grandeur, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours. This is enough time to walk along the promenade, take photos of the bay, and appreciate the luxurious interiors of the ballroom.

If you plan to attend an evening film screening or one of the themed tours, factor in additional time. Many tourists prefer to arrive closer to sunset to catch the building in the rays of the setting sun before staying for the cultural program in the historic theater.

The opening hours largely depend on the schedule of current events and film screenings. As a rule, the theater opens its doors for evening shows starting around 7:00 PM. Daytime is often reserved for organized tours and private events in the ballroom.

Since the Catalina Casino is a historic landmark and is actively used for weddings and concerts, access hours may vary by season. Visitors are strongly encouraged to check the current schedule on the official website before visiting to ensure they can get inside.

A walk around the bay area allows you to dive deeper into the island's atmosphere. Very close to the historic building are cozy beaches, memorials, and viewpoints offering stunning views of the ocean and the townscape.