Haunted Catalina Walking Ghost Tour: Avalon's paranormal history

Hear the paranormal stories behind Avalon's most haunted landmarks

A 90-minute walking ghost tour through Avalon on Catalina Island led by a local historian who explores the island's spooky history and paranormal mysteries. The tour includes audio headphones and visits historic sites including the Casino's Grand Entryway, where you'll hear personal ghostly tales and learn why Catalina is considered so haunted.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Avalon and Catalina's haunted history

• Hear tales at Casino Grand Entryway
• Join local historian for walking tour
• Explore spooky history and paranormal sites
• See historic sites and hear ghost stories
• Look for unexplained phenomena with camera

The experience

Avalon's streets hold stories most visitors never hear. This walking tour starts at the Casino's Grand Entryway, where your local historian begins with tales of the building's own history before leading you through the village to explore the paranormal mysteries that have made Catalina one of the most haunted places in the country. You'll learn the difference between a spirit and a ghost, understand why the island draws so much unexplained activity, and hear personal accounts of encounters the guide has documented as proof of the other side.

The walk takes 90 minutes and covers historic sites throughout Avalon at a pace that lets you absorb each story. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket: the evening air off the water can cool quickly. Audio headphones are provided so you can hear clearly even as the group moves through the village. Keep your camera ready. The guide mentions that visitors sometimes capture something unexplained in their photos, though the tour is built on stories and history, not on guarantees of a paranormal encounter.

This is the only ghost tour operating on Catalina and has been voted one of the top ten ghost tours in the country by USA TODAY. The route is wheelchair accessible, and all surfaces and areas are flat and navigable. Service animals are welcome, and infants or small children can ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

What’s included

• Audio headphones.
• a 90-minute walking route through Avalon's historic sites including the Casino's Grand Entryway.
• paranormal stories and ghostly tales from a local historian.
• and the chance to explore why Catalina is considered so haunted.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 19:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Haunted Catalina

Is this one for you?This is a shared walking tour led by a guide, so you're following a set route and hearing stories as a group rather than exploring on your own. It suits anyone curious about Avalon's paranormal history and comfortable walking for 90 minutes at an easy pace through the village.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between a spirit and a ghost, and why does the guide mention proof of the other side?

The tour teaches you to distinguish between spirits and ghosts as part of understanding Catalina's paranormal activity. The guide has documented personal encounters and evidence that support the island's reputation as a haunted location, though the focus is on the stories and history rather than on staged demonstrations.

Do I need to be fit to walk this tour, or is it suitable for most people?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and is fully wheelchair accessible. The 90-minute walk moves at a pace that lets you absorb the stories, and all surfaces are flat and navigable throughout Avalon.

What should I bring, and will I be able to hear the guide clearly?

Bring comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket for the evening air. Audio headphones are included, so you'll hear the guide clearly as the group moves through the village, even in outdoor settings.

Is there really a chance I'll capture something paranormal on my camera?

The guide mentions that visitors sometimes photograph something unexplained during the tour. The walk is built on documented stories and history, so while keeping your camera ready is encouraged, the tour's value lies in the paranormal tales and the history of Avalon's haunted sites.

Why is Catalina Island considered so haunted compared to other places?

The tour explores the specific historical and paranormal reasons Catalina has earned its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the country. The guide shares documented encounters and the island's unique history that explain why so much unexplained activity has been reported here.