One of the first things you'll notice when you arrive in Avalon, the only city on the island, is the abundance of golf carts in a comical array of styles and colors. Since Avalon is the only city in California authorized by the state legislature to regulate the number of vehicles allowed to drive on city streets (there's a 17-year wait list to register one), there are no rental cars and only a handful of privately owned vehicles. Visitors are not allowed to drive cars on the island, and most residents motor about in golf carts (many of the homes only have golf-cart-size driveways). There's no Uber or Lyft service. Don't worry, though—you'll be able to get everywhere you want to go by renting a cart yourself or just pleasantly strolling, which is what most visitors do.
Take Catalina Transportation Services (310/510-0342; www.catalinatransportationservices.com) from the heliport, airport, or dock to your hotel. Wildlands Express vans (310/510-0143; www.catalinaconservancy.org) also serve the airport; you must pre-book.
If you want to explore the area around Avalon beyond where your feet can comfortably carry you, rent a mountain bike or tandem from Brown's Bikes, 107 Pebbly Beach Rd. (310/510-0986; www.catalinabiking.com). If you'll be exploring, you'll want to rent a gas-powered golf cart from Cartopia Golf Cart Rentals on Crescent Avenue at Pebbly Beach Road (310/510-0369; www.catalinaislandgolfcart.com), or Island Rentals (310/510-1456; www.catalinagolfcartrentals.com), across from the boat terminal. Both companies offer a map of town for a self-guided tour. Rates are about $50 per hour plus a deposit of the same amount. You must be 25 or older to drive.
Also, Avalon Transit (310/510-0081; www.avalontransit.org; $2 per ride) runs electric buses that run a 20-minute loop around the major areas of Avalon, including to Descanso Beach and deep into the canyon where the Wrigley Garden is found. Download the free Garibaldi Public Bus app for trip planning and to keep tabs on the next arrival. Service ends around dinnertime.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
