Things to do nearCasino Point

Casino Point sits at the edge of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, established as California's first underwater park in 1965. The protected status means no fishing or collecting, which has allowed marine life to flourish for decades. Visibility frequently exceeds 30 feet, and the kelp forest creates a cathedral-like atmosphere that rewards both beginners and experienced divers.

Underwater, you will encounter garibaldi, the California state marine fish, along with sheephead, calico bass, sea stars, and the occasional bat ray resting on the sandy bottom. Several sunken vessels and artificial reef structures add texture to the seascape. Snorkeling is equally rewarding in the shallower sections near the entry, where sunlight filters through the kelp canopy.

On land, the 1929 Avalon Casino looms magnificently at the point, though it has never been a gambling hall. The building houses a cinema and ballroom, both still in use, and guided tours reveal its Moorish Revival architecture and murals. The nearby City of Avalon Harbor Department oversees moorings and can assist visiting boaters. Casino Point rewards any traveler willing to look both above and below the waterline.