County: Los Angeles
City: Avalon
Address: 1 Casino Way
Coordinates: 33.3490798746216, -118.32512778233618
Date | Visibility | Temp | Source |
---|---|---|---|
Jul 19, 2025 | 30 ft | 62 °F | Staff |
Restrooms:
Yes
Restroom Notes:
Portable Restrooms at the Point
Other Notes:
Catalina Casino Point is one of the most iconic and scenic coastal locations on Santa Catalina Island, situated in the town of Avalon. The area is centered around the historic Catalina Casino—a grand Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival building constructed in 1929 by William Wrigley Jr. Despite the name, the Casino was never intended for gambling; instead, it serves as a cultural landmark featuring a lavish movie theater and the world’s largest circular ballroom.
Just below the Casino lies the renowned Casino Point Dive Park, a protected marine reserve and one of California’s premier shore diving sites. Established in the 1960s, this underwater park was one of the first of its kind and remains a top destination for snorkelers and scuba divers of all levels.
The Dive Park features a rich underwater environment with vibrant kelp forests, rocky reefs, sunken structures, and a wide variety of marine life including garibaldi, sea bass, sheephead, sea lions, moray eels, and octopuses. Divers enter the water via gently sloped concrete stairs, making it highly accessible and user-friendly.
Casino Point is part of the Casino Point State Marine Conservation Area, a no-take zone that helps protect the ecological richness of the region. Water visibility is typically excellent, and the calm conditions make it ideal for training, underwater photography, and casual exploration.
Whether exploring the historic charm above or diving into the crystal-clear waters below, Catalina Casino Point offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for ocean lovers and history enthusiasts alike.