Top Catalina Island Cultural Tours

Discover parts of the Catalina Island Casino that few visitors get to see with this backstage tour. The casino symbolizes the glamorous era of Santa Catalina Island and is home to art deco murals. Watch a brief film about the building's history and connection to Hollywood, and see the 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows movies on its large screen.

Guided by John Boraggina, former museum curator, this tour goes beyond the typical route—shaped around your interests, whether that’s hidden history, stunning viewpoints, or local stories passed down through generations. Whether it’s your first visit or a place your family has loved for years, each tour is thoughtfully customized to create a one-of-a-kind experience just for you.

Skip the Catalina Island tourist traps and learn to dine like a local on this culinary walking tour. Follow your guide along the waterfront, learning about the island's cultural and culinary history as you go. Stop at several local hotspots to sample fresh seafood, sweets, and other traditional Catalina foods. This small-group tour is limited to 10 people for a more intimate experience.

Cars are mostly banned on Catalina Island, and trying to see the highlights of the island’s vibrant harbor area on foot is a recipe for blisters. On this express private tour, visit coastal Avalon by chauffeured golf cart, covering more sights in less time than you could on your own. Along the way, learn about the island’s history and unique lifestyles of its few thousand residents.

For those who want to explore Catalina Island's town of Avalon at their own pace, this private app-based self-guided audio tour is a great option. Download the app, then walk around town at your leisure; the commentary will play automatically as you hit each local highlight. The tour answers many questions and provides hidden facts about this exclusive island and town.

Discover Catalina Island's history on a guided walking tour through the heart of Avalon. Follow a roughly one-mile route covering key landmarks while learning how the island developed from its early beginnings to the destination it is today. Led by local guides and supported by headsets for clear commentary, this accessible tour offers an engaging way to understand the stories behind the island’s most recognizable sights.

You don't have to get in the water to discover life under the surface. Join this glass-bottom boat tour from Catalina Island to discover the marine life of the Pacific Ocean without getting wet. Board your vessel and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail. Listen to commentary from your captain about the local ecology and enjoy a relaxing time on this boating adventure.

Step into Avalon’s past on Legends, History and Tiles of the Past, a guided walking experience that blends Catalina’s rich heritage with the beauty of its iconic tilework and the allure of old Hollywood. Stroll through historic streets and waterfront landmarks as knowledgeable local guides reveal the true stories behind the island’s most celebrated sites, from classic hotels and colorful murals to Hollywood legends and longtime residents who shaped Catalina’s charm. This family-friendly, leisurely tour offers an easy, flat route and plenty of photo-worthy moments, making it perfect for curious travelers of all ages. Discover the artistry, architecture, and history that make Avalon unforgettable—book now and uncover the timeless stories woven into every step of the island.

Delve into the mysterious past of Catalina Island on this haunted golf cart adventure. As the sun sets, navigate the eerie streets of Avalon while uncovering ghostly legends and chilling tales of restless spirits. Each stop reveals haunted locations rich with dark history and whispered secrets, bringing you closer to the unexplained. The experience culminates with a unique chance to conduct your own ghost hunt behind the iconic Catalina Casino, equipped with authentic EMF detectors. This immersive journey offers a thrilling blend of storytelling and paranormal exploration for those seeking the island's hidden horrors. - Nighttime golf cart tour through Avalon’s haunted spots - Discover chilling tales of spirits and mysterious sightings - Conduct a ghost hunt using authentic EMF detectors - Perfect for thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts