Can you take your car to Catalina Island? No, you are not allowed to take your car to Catalina Island.
California regulates the number of cars in the city of Avalon so you will only spot a few cars. Instead, you’ll see locals and tourists riding golf carts all around; which is rare in California!
Living in California, we’re used to cars all around so seeing a California city filled with golf carts is a whole new world! There is no Uber or Lyft either!
So if you can’t drive your car and there’s no Uber or Lyft, how do you get around Catalina Island? Here are the different options to get around including the best way!
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No time to read the full post? While you can’t take your car to Catalina Island, the best way to get around is through a Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon. It’s hassle-free and you get a tour around the island within 2 hours!
Best Way To Get Around Catalina Island
The best way to tour Catalina Island is to book a golf cart tour! With a private guide, the tour takes you through many Avalon attractions including Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden, Pebbly Beach, and Catalina Casino.
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Other Options To Get Around Catalina Island
🏌️ Golf Cart Rental
If you’d prefer to drive a golf cart yourself, you can rent one for $120 for 2 hours at either of these two golf cart rental shops:
🚕 Taxi
If you’re looking for an alternative option to Uber or Lyft, you can take a taxi from Catalina Transportation Services. You’ll find taxis as you exit the ferry terminal and the taxi stand (where Metropole Avenue meets Crescent Avenue).
🚌 Public Transportation
You can also take the bus and choose among these options:
🚲 Bike Rentals
Biking is another great way to see Catalina Island. You get to go at your own pace and the island has a few bike rental options:
👣 By Foot
The cheapest way to explore this island is by walking around. The island’s size is only 76 square miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you park your car when you go to Catalina Island?
You can park it at the Balboa Pier parking lot before taking the ferry to Catalina Island. There is a parking fee of $15-$30 per day.
Can I take my car on Catalina Island ferry?
No, you can’t take your car on the ferry to Catalina Island. California regulates the number of cars in the city of Avalon so you will only spot a few cars.
But you can get around the island without the car through a golf cart rental, taxi, public transit, bike, or by walking. The best way to look around is by booking a guided golf cart tour. It’s hassle-free and you get a private tour around the island within 2 hours!
How long does it take to drive around Catalina Island?
Since the island is pretty small, you can drive around Avalon in an hour through a golf cart. If you want to explore Two Harbors, you can take private shuttles from Avalon to Two Harbors and you need to book it here in advance. Or you can take a 40-minute power boat.
Do you have to take a boat to Catalina Island?
Yes, you have take a ferry to get to Catalina Island through Catalina Express or Catalina Flyer. If you’re departing from Long Beach or San Pedro, book your ferry ride easily here.
How do people get around Catalina Island?
You’ll see locals in Avalon traveling in golf carts or public transit. As of now, there’s a 25-year waiting list to have your own car on Catalina Island!
Final Thoughts
So can you take your car to Catalina Island? No you can’t but there are various methods of navigating the island through taxi, public transit, bike, or golf cart rental. The best way to travel around is through a golf cart tour– see all the best attractions in 2 hours with a private guide.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
Is There Uber On Catalina Island?
Are Scooter Rentals Available In Catalina Island?
Renting A Golf Cart On Catalina Island
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Planning your trip to Catalina Island? Here are the best tours, hotels, and ferry service:
📸 Best Tours In Catalina Island:
- Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon (see more sights in less time)
- Mermaid Photo Shoot
- Bison Expedition
- 2 hour Inside Adventure Tour (visit the highest point of the island!)
- Undersea Expedition Tour (5 feet below the sea)
- 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour (best thing to do with kids!)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (see schools of fish without scuba diving or snorkeling)
😴 Best Hotels On Catalina Island:
- Hotel Atwater (💲) (free access to Descanso Beach Club)
- The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island (💲💲) (360 views of Avalon!)
- Hamilton Cove (💲💲💲) (includes golf cart to explore the island)
⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)
