Getting around Catalina: golf carts, bikes and buses

Avalon covers just under three square miles of land, and the waterfront, beaches, restaurants and most hotels are within a 15-minute walk of each other. For everything else, here is how the island moves.

Golf carts

Renting a golf cart is the classic Catalina experience. Rental shops near the waterfront rent carts by the hour, and a loop up the hills gets you views over the harbor and the Casino. Rules worth knowing:

• Rental carts are for Avalon only: you cannot drive them out into the island’s interior.
• You will need a valid driver’s license; each shop sets its own minimum age.
• Summer afternoons get busy: reserve or go early.

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Bikes and e-bikes

Bikes are a great way to reach Descanso Beach, the Wrigley Memorial and the botanic garden. Riding on the interior’s dirt roads needs a permit from the Catalina Island Conservancy, and the climbs are steep. Bring water and plan the return trip.

iPhoto: Elena.laps, CC BY-SA 4.0

On foot

Hiking the interior is free with a hiking permit from the Conservancy. The Trans-Catalina Trail runs roughly the length of the island, from near Avalon to Starlight Beach, with campgrounds along the way. There is little shade, so carry more water than you think.

Into the interior and to Two Harbors

Guided jeep and eco tours are the easiest way to see the backcountry, the bison and the Airport in the Sky. Shuttle service also links Avalon, the airport and Two Harbors. Check current schedules locally, since they vary by season.

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The COAST shuttle

Avalon’s on-call taxi service ends on October 19, 2026. In its place, the city’s COAST electric shuttle picks you up anywhere in town, 7am to 9pm daily, from $2 a rider: book it in the Ride Circuit app or by phone at 562-534-2820. It’s the easy way up to the hill hotels with luggage. Catalina Taxi and Tours keeps running its tours and private bookings.