
Casino VIP Backstage Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 59 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Casino VIP Backstage Tour worth booking?
Casino VIP Backstage Tour is a 1-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $40 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 59 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (59)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Take a trip down memory lane to the days when bands were big and movies were just beginning to talk. The Catalina Casino epitomizes everything glamorous about Catalina Island. You'll see the extraordinary Art Deco murals and a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows nightly movies on its massive screen. A short film is shown highlighting the history of this iconic building and its Hollywood connection. This tour requires uphill walking inside the Casino.
What you get
About this experience
Take a trip down memory lane to the days when bands were big and movies were just beginning to talk. The Catalina Casino epitomizes everything glamorous about Catalina Island. You'll see the extraordinary Art Deco murals and a classic 1929 pipe organ inside the Avalon Theatre, which still shows nightly movies on its massive screen. A short film is shown highlighting the history of this iconic building and its Hollywood connection. This tour requires uphill walking inside the Casino.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Catalina Casino
Walk through the Casino
Pass by without stopping
Catalina Island Company
Walk by
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catalina Island
Look for the large round Building
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Look for the large round Building
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Santa Catalina Island Company
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, including climbing 8 ramps in a 12-story building, then descending the 8 ramps back to ground level.
- Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a non-motorized wheelchair
- Ramps should be accessible with a well-charged motorized wheelchair or motorized scooter
- Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own caregiver
- Your tour is not confirmed with the local operator until you call the number located on your voucher to provide your voucher information and schedule your tour time. See voucher for details
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 58 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
58 verified traveler reviews for Casino VIP Backstage Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The casino tour was...
The casino tour was interesting and informative. Our tour guide was very pleasant, knowledgeable and entertaining. We enjoyed it very much!
via Viator
Casino Tour
Great tour. Very historic building, almost totally original.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic review, Douglas! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the historic charm of our building. We love sharing our rich history with visitors like you!
via Tripadvisor
Rebecca was a Fantastic Tour Guide
Rebecca Was an Exceptional guide! We could not have asked for a better tour guide. Her knowledge of The Casino was amazing and we even got a few personal stories. This guided VIP tour is worth every penny and as much time as it takes. So get after it! You will not be disappointed.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the VIP Backstage Tour and Rebecca's insights. Your enthusiasm means a lot to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences!
via Tripadvisor
The marvel of architecture almost 100 years old!
A beautiful building with such attention to detail on the interior. The behind the scene tour really explains that detail. It’s hard to believe this was built almost 100 years ago.
Response from the operator: We're thrilled you enjoyed the VIP Backstage Tour and appreciated the building's intricate details. We hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
VIP Backstage Tour - AMAZING HOST!
This is hands down a MUST to experience when in Catalina! Our host was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Learning the history of the casino and having the opportunity to see the backstage was an awesome experience. My partner and I were awestruck at both the architecture and the historic importance of all pieces and the building itself! Personally, the sound demonstration in the middle of the theater stuck with me (those who tried it know)! Finally, a huuuuuge thanks and absolute admiration to our wonderful guide, who we unfortunately did not catch the name of. He was super knowledgeable, had relaxed energy, long hair. I am so sorry we forgot your name but we will never forget You! Your energy and entire self is as memorable as the facts you shared with us. Thank you!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We're thrilled to hear you had such an amazing experience at the Casino. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable visit!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Santa Catalina Island Company, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.9.
See everything Santa Catalina Island Company runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Casino VIP Backstage Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.
How much does Casino VIP Backstage Tour cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Catalina Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Casino VIP Backstage Tour take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Catalina Island is not rushed.
Is Casino VIP Backstage Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 59 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Catalina Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Casino VIP Backstage Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Casino VIP Backstage Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Casino VIP Backstage Tour?
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Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Catalina Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Catalina Island and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Casino VIP Backstage Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Catalina Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Catalina Island?
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Catalina Island packages ferry transfers with glass-bottom boats, submarine and snorkel tours in Lover's Cove, zip lining, Avalon golf-cart tours and inland bison safaris. On Outty we rank every Catalina Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Catalina Food Tour, Catalina Island Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon, Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Catalina Island?
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May to October, with the calmest crossings in summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Catalina Island?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Casino VIP Backstage Tour?
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Included: Professional guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Casino VIP Backstage Tour?
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Look for the large round Building Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Casino VIP Backstage Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Casino VIP Backstage Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Casino VIP Backstage Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities o; Ramps should be accessible with a well-charged motorized wheelchair or motorized scooter; and Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own caregi. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Casino VIP Backstage Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Casino VIP Backstage Tour?
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Across 59 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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