An entertainment facility on Santa Catalina Island, off the Los Angeles coast, housing a movie theater and ballroom in the largest building on the island.
At a glance
The Catalina Casino dominates Avalon Bay as the island’s most visible landmark when approached from the mainland. The Spanish word casino means “gathering place”—a function this building has served through entertainment and social events.
History
The Casino was built as a center for cultural and social life on Santa Catalina Island. Despite its name, it has never operated as a gambling establishment, a distinction that sets it apart from the common English understanding of the term.
What you see
The building’s scale is striking—it remains the largest structure on the island. Its prominent position in Avalon Bay makes it the defining architectural reference point for visitors arriving by water. The interior contains a movie theater and ballroom.
Cultural significance
The Casino represents the island’s role as a destination for leisure and entertainment in the early twentieth century. It embodies the social function implied by its Spanish name, serving as a hub for gathering, performance, and cultural activity.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: Avalon, Santa Catalina Island
- Coordinates: 33.34887°N, 118.32601°W
- Contains a movie theater, ballroom, and formerly a museum of island art and history
- Largest building on Santa Catalina Island
Practical information & getting there
The Casino is located in Avalon, accessible by ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro on the California mainland. Further details about visiting hours and current exhibitions are available through the Santa Catalina Island Company.
Sources & resources
- Catalina Casino (Wikipedia)
- Cultural Heritage Online
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