
Walking History Tour on Catalina Island
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Walking History Tour on Catalina Island worth booking?
Walking History Tour on Catalina Island is a 0.8-hour experience in Catalina Island, United States, from $40 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (23)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $40 per person
Avalon History Tours is a small family-owned business located on Catalina Island. We offer an authentic and immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides who are local residents. Our hour-and-a-half-long tour covers a
What you get
About this experience
Avalon History Tours is a small family-owned business located on Catalina Island. We offer an authentic and immersive experience led by knowledgeable guides who are local residents. Our hour-and-a-half-long tour covers approximately one mile of the island's charming and predominantly flat terrain, making it accessible to most guests. For extra convenience, guests aged 6 and over are provided with a headset to wear during the tour, ensuring they can hear the tour guide clearly. Get ready to delve into the rich history of Catalina Island, with a focus on iconic landmarks such as the Holly Hill House, the scenic Green Pleasure Pier, and the renowned Catalina Casino. Guests will discover the origins of the island's name, the visions of Shatto, the Banning Brothers, and how the Wrigley family transformed the island into its current state. Wander through the heart of Avalon, connecting the past with the present, one step at a time.
What's included
Included
- Headset
What you'll see and do
Catalina Island
Step into the past on a captivating walking history tour of Catalina Island, guided by a local expert who brings authenticity to every step. This leisurely stroll ranges in time from 45 minutes to a hour-and-a-half depending on the size of the group and covers approximately a mile of flat terrain, perfect for all ages. Explore famous landmarks like the Holly Hill House, the Green Pier, and the iconic Catalina Casino, while learning about the island's storied past. Pause for a photo op at the spot where Marilyn Monroe posed for an iconic shot, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to your experience. Guests will discover the origins of the island's name, the visions of Shatto, the Banning Brothers, and how the Wrigley family transformed the island into its current state. Wander through the heart of Avalon, connecting the past with the present, one step at a time.
60 minutes here
Green Pleasure Pier
The Green Pier is a fascinating stop on our walking tour, steeped in history and significance for the city. We will uncover the stories behind this iconic landmark, how it got its unique green color, exploring its role in shaping the community and the traditions that once thrived there. We will delve into the rich history of the pier sharing intriguing stories about the old traditions that would take place when a big fish was brought in, adding a touch of excitement and nostalgia to our tour.
Pass by without stopping
Catalina Casino
Our next stop on the walking tour will be outside the renowned Catalina Casino, a historic site that may surprise you as it is not a gambling venue. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of this iconic building, delving into its unique significance on the island.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Catalina Island
Our tour guide will meet you at the base of the Green Pleasure Pier
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our tour ends at the entryway of the Casino.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Avalon Tour Company
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Walking History Tour on Catalina Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent walking tour!
The perfect tour! We really enjoyed this educational walking tour, packed with interesting facts about the island. Great for all ages.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the lovely review! :)
via Viator
Best tour company!!!!
I went on the Gary the Garibaldi city tour with my family. Our tour guide was Taylor and he was so funny and entertaining! You can tell he really enjoys his job and loves the island. Come to find out he is a fishing captain and drives a fish golf cart on the side! It was a great experience and I can't wait to take my mom next time I visit Catalina.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a kind review! I am so glad you enjoyed our tour :)
via Tripadvisor
Tour July 17, 2025
Wonderful tour! Beautiful and interesting! Tour Guide, Bre, was very knowledgeable. Good walking pace, responsive to a member of our group with mobility issues.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind review! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed my tour! :)
via Viator
Nice Walking Tour of Avalon
1.5 hr. Walk around Avalon town. Guide Brie was very pleasant and well informed. Talked about important homes and places.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. If there was something I could have done to make it a 5 star experience for you, please send us an email. Your feedback means a lot to us.
via Viator
Great Catalina walk.
This is a great way to learn the history of Catalina Island in a relaxed environment. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and you could tell she loved living on the Island.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to leave a kind review! I am so glad you enjoyed my tour :)
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- 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
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Walking History Tour on Catalina Island: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Catalina Island.
How much does Walking History Tour on Catalina Island 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 Walking History Tour on Catalina Island take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours 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 Walking History Tour on Catalina Island worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 23 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Catalina Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Walking History Tour on Catalina Island?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Walking History Tour on Catalina Island suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Walking History Tour on Catalina Island?
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Around 8 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 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Walking History Tour on Catalina Island 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.
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