Top Catalina Island Culture

See the sights of Avalon on a quick tour that takes you along the waterfront, up the hillsides, and through the center of town. The quick, nonstop journey provides views and allows you to get oriented with Avalon and its attractions so you can better enjoy your time on Catalina Island. Learn about the island's history and heritage from a guide as you travel the loop.

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.

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.

Discover the charm of Avalon on a guided tour that showcases the Catalina Islands' rich history and stunning views. Local drivers provide insights as you explore the picturesque town, making stops at scenic spots perfect for photo opportunities. This tour is ideal for families and friends looking to enjoy a relaxed day out while learning about the area's culture and heritage. - Experience Avalon’s history and culture with local insights - Visit scenic spots for exceptional views of the island - Perfect for groups, families, and friends to enjoy together - Relax and enjoy the ride with knowledgeable drivers guiding the way

Explore Avalon on a GPS-guided audio walking tour that plays automatically as you walk. No groups, no schedules—just put in your headphones and go. Starting along the waterfront, you’ll follow a walkable route along the harbor, up to hillside viewpoints, and past key landmarks. Along the way, you'll visit places like the Green Pleasure Pier, the Tuna Club, and the iconic Catalina Casino, while hearing the stories behind Avalon’s rise as a seaside destination. Explore at your own pace—pause for a drink, take a detour, or linger at viewpoints. The audio resumes whenever you’re ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime—it works offline and follows your location along the route.

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.

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.

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.

✨ Why Travelers Love This Experience Full Mermaid Makeover – Slip into a shimmering tail, shell bra, and ocean-inspired accessories to fully transform into a magical mermaid. Sparkling Details – Enjoy scale makeup, pearls, and gems that make your look photo-ready. Take-Home Treasures – Receive a keepsake 4x6 photo print and a starfish hair clip to remember your day under the sea. Interactive Fun – Kids pick a mermaid name and take home a treasure chest prize, while adults often use the experience to create stunning content for social media. Capture the Magic – Guests are welcome to snap their own photos and videos during the session for even more memories. All Ages Welcome – Designed for kids, teens, and adults alike — the perfect activity for families, friend groups, or anyone who dreams of becoming a mermaid.

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.

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.

See the best of Catalina on this all-encompassing aerial tour over California's island escape! Depart from Pebbly Beach for a 20-minute exploration into the mostly untouched natural beauty of the 22-mile-long island sanctuary featuring a rugged interior and cliffs rising from the ocean.

Embark on an engaging scavenger hunt through the historic streets of Avalon California, on the island of Catalina! Explore the quaint and beautiful harbor and waterfront. See the historic sights like the Avalon Casino. See some of the overlooked gems like the the Avalon Veteran's Memorial. Explore and see the many unique shops, restaurants and galleries. Go at your own pace and see the best of what Catalina has to offer. Ready to discover Catalina in a whole new way? Let the adventure begin!

Enjoy Avalon without getting lost! Make the most of your golf cart with a scenic GPS-guided audio route. Golf cart NOT provided. Explore Avalon with a locally designed GPS route that takes you through the island’s most scenic viewpoints and photo stops. Unlike a traditional guided tour, this is a flexible driving route with short, engaging audio stops that give you just enough context to enjoy what you’re seeing—without slowing down your experience. Created by longtime Avalon locals, the route is designed to help you see more of the island in less time, with clear directions and quick insights along the way. No paper maps, no confusion—just an easy way to explore Catalina’s most iconic scenery at your own pace. What You’ll Experience: -Scenic GPS-guided driving route -Quick audio stops at key viewpoints -Hidden gems and must-see photo locations -Local insights and fun facts along the way -Flexible self-paced exploration

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

Created by locals who live here, this is not your typical walking tour. Explore Avalon with locals through a GPS audio walk that blends history, hidden gems, storytelling, music, and humor. Discover Avalon through the voices of 3rd-generation islanders who know its stories, secrets, and soul. This self-guided GPS audio walking tour brings Catalina Island to life through engaging storytelling, music, and lighthearted humor you won’t find on typical tours. As you walk at your own pace, your phone becomes your personal guide—unlocking location-based stories, historical insights, and hidden spots that most visitors walk right past. Designed for curious travelers who want more than just facts, this immersive experience turns Avalon into a living storybook. What You’ll Experience -Stories from longtime Avalon locals -Hidden gems and lesser-known island history -Music, humor, and engaging storytelling -GPS-guided walking route on your phone -Flexible self-paced experience (~1 hour)