Renting a golf cart is one of the most popular ways to explore Catalina Island, but is it really the best option? While it offers a fun and convenient way to navigate the island’s hilly terrain and scenic viewpoints, there are a few things you should know before you book. From rental costs and time limits to the best routes and insider tips, this guide breaks down everything you need to decide if a golf cart is worth it or if you’re better off exploring another way.
Why Are There Golf Carts On Catalina Island
You’ll see locals and tourists riding golf carts all around; which is rare in California! Living in the US, we’re used to cars all around so seeing a US city filled with golf carts is a whole new world!
Plus there’s no Uber or Lyft either! Why is that? California regulates the number of cars in the city of Avalon so you will only spot a few cars. Instead, people ride on golf carts on this island of only 76 square miles.
Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental Price
Rentals start at $60 per hour and you can rent it for up to 2 hours so, $120. Depending on the golf cart rental, you might have to pay either by credit card or cash but deposits are required.
Best Places To Rent A Golf Cart On Catalina Island
You can rent one at either of these two golf cart rental shops: Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental or Catalina Golf Cart Rentals. Here’s what you need to know about these 2 rentals:
🏌️ Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals
- Reserve up to 24 hours in advance for 4-passenger golf carts
- For 6-passender golf carts, it’s first come, first serve
- Child seats are available for no additional charge
- Pay with credit card but cash deposits are required.
- At least 25 years old to drive the golf cart
🏌️ Island Golf Cart Rentals
- First come, first serve
- Provide military discounts
- Child seats are available for no additional charge
- Pay with cash
- At least 21 years old to drive the golf cart
Should I Rent A Golf Cart On Catalina Island?
The main advantage of renting a golf cart on Catalina Island is that it allows you to explore the island with at your own pace.
With its rugged terrain and winding roads, renting a golf cart is much easier than walking or cycling around the island. Sure, you can also take a taxi or a bus but when will you ever travel around an island in a golf cart?
The main disadvantage associated with renting a golf cart on Catalina Island is that it can be costly.
Additionally, the golf carts may not have a lot of storage space for luggage or other items you plan to bring with you.
According to Catalina Island locals on Quora, it’s better to walk than rent a golf cart since the island is so small.
But what if you’re on a time crunch and you want a hassle-free solution to see Catalina Island while learning more about the island? Tour with a private guide on a golf cart! Learn more about why it’s the best way to explore Catalina Island.
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.
Top reasons to choose this tour:
1️⃣ You get to learn and ask all questions about Catalina Island and its history and get a more personalized experience exploring Catalina Island.
2️⃣ See more attractions in less time! Rather than you trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B, you get to see the best of the best in 2 hours.
3️⃣ There are multiple tour times to choose from so you can customize your itinerary accordingly.
4️⃣ It’s hassle-free! You don’t need to worry about how to drive and steer a golf cart. Just take a seat and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime tour experience.
5️⃣ Your guide can pick you up from anywhere there is street parking! If you’re just getting out off the ferry, the guide can pick you up from the Catalina Express port terminal. If you’re staying at a hotel, the guide can pick you up from any of the hotels:
- Aurora Hotel
- Bellanca Hotel
- Casa Mariaquita Hotel
- Catalina Canyon Inn
- Catalina Island Inn
- Catalina Lodge
- El Terado Terrace Mini Suites & Townhomes
- Glenmore Plaza Hotel
- Hermosa Hotel
- Hotel Atwater
- Hotel Catalina
- Hotel Mac Rae
- Hotel Metropole
- Hotel St. Lauren
- Hotel Vista Del Mar
- Pavilion Hotel
- Snug Harbor Inn
- The Avalon Hotel
- The Edgewater
If you want to make sure you get the most out of your trip, then I recommend booking this tour.
You’ll get to see so much more of the island than you ever could alone, and you’ll be able to spend more time relaxing than worrying about how to get around the island.
Other Options To Get Around Catalina Island
Not interested in renting or touring in a golf cart? No worries! Here are the other options to get around Catalina Island.
🚕 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:
- Wildlands Express Shuttle
- Catalina Transportation Services
🚲 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:
- Brown’s Bikes
- Bike Catalina
- Catalina E-Bike Rentals and Tours
👣 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
Can you drive golf carts around Catalina Island?
You sure can! You can either rent a golf cart or tour in golf carts.
How much is it to rent a golf cart at Catalina?
It costs $60 an hour to rent a golf cart. You can rent it for up to 2 hours so it’ll cost a total of $120.
How long does it take to golf cart around Catalina?
You can golf cart around Catalia for 2 hours.
Do I need to reserve a golf cart on Catalina Island?
That depends on the place you rent the golf cart. If you rent from Catalina Island Golf Cart Rental, you can reserve up to 24 hours in advance for a 4-passenger cart while reserving a 6-passenger cart is on a first come, first come basis.
If you book from Island Rentals Inc., it’s a first come, first serve basis so no reservation required.
How do people get around Catalina Island?
You’ll see locals traveling in golf carts or public transit as you can’t drive your car on the island. As of now, there’s a 25-year waiting list to have your own car on Catalina Island!
Final Thoughts
While there are also other methods of navigating the island through taxi, public transit, bike, or simply by walking, renting a golf cart on Catalina Island is a unique experience.
But for a hands-off experience to see the best attractions in 2 hours, travel around with a private guide through a golf cart tour.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
11 Best Tours On Catalina Island
Can You Take Your Car To Catalina Island
Is There Uber On Catalina Island?
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