Catalina Island Golf Carts: How They Work, Where to Rent, and What to Do

If you have ever wondered why every photo from Avalon shows a golf cart instead of a car, there is a real reason behind it. Catalina Island is one of the only places in California where local law actually limits how many cars can be on the road. As a result, the golf cart became the town’s main form of transportation, not just a fun way to sightsee.

Whether you are booking a weekend trip or just curious about how the whole system works, this guide covers it all. We will walk through why golf carts took over Avalon, how rentals actually work, what they cost, and the best spots to point your cart toward once you have one.

Why Avalon Runs on Golf Carts Instead of Cars

Avalon is the only city in California with special legal authority to control the number of vehicles allowed on its streets. That rule dates back decades, and it has created one of the strangest waitlists in the country. Residents who want to own a full size car or truck often wait 20 years or more for a permit. Some estimates put the current wait closer to 25 years.

Because of that limit, the city leans on smaller vehicles instead. Local code calls them “autoettes,” but everyone just knows them as golf carts. They are capped at a certain length and width, which keeps them nimble on Avalon’s narrow, hilly streets. Most households on the island are allowed one autoette, and many residents learn to drive in one before they ever sit behind the wheel of a full size car.

For visitors, none of this waitlist applies. You cannot bring a car to the island anyway, since there is no bridge and ferries do not carry personal vehicles. Instead, you rent a golf cart for a set window of time, and that is genuinely the best way to see the town.

How a Catalina Golf Cart Rental Actually Works

The system is simple once you know the rules. Golf carts on Catalina are rented by the hour, not by the day. Most companies cap rentals at two hours total, and carts must stay within Avalon’s city limits. You will not be driving one into the island’s rugged interior, since that area is managed separately by the Catalina Island Conservancy and requires its own permits.

To rent, you generally need to be at least 25 years old. You will also need a valid physical driver’s license and proof of auto insurance. Some companies ask for a cash deposit at pickup, which you get back (minus any overage fees) when you return the cart on time. A few outfits accept credit cards for the rental itself but still want cash for the deposit, so it helps to bring some with you.

Reservations are worth making in advance during busy summer weekends, since carts do run out. That said, several companies also operate on a first come, first served basis for same day walk ups. If your trip lands during peak season, book ahead. If you are visiting in the off season, you likely have more flexibility to decide once you arrive.

Where to Rent a Golf Cart in Avalon

Most rental counters sit within a short walk of the ferry terminal, so you can grab a cart almost the moment you step off the boat. A few well known options include:

Island Rentals, a family run operation that has rented carts on the island since 1981 and offers both four and six passenger gas powered carts.

Catalina Island Golf Cart Rentals, located at the Cartopia lot near Crescent Avenue and Pebbly Beach Road, offering both four and six passenger electric carts with delivery available to some vacation rentals.

Various tour operators that pair a golf cart with a local guide, which is a nice option if you would rather listen to island history than navigate on your own.

Because Avalon is compact, it rarely matters which company you choose. The bigger decision is whether you want a self guided ride or a guided tour with a driver who knows the island’s stories.

How Much Does a Catalina Golf Cart Cost

Pricing is fairly consistent across the island, though it does vary a bit by company and cart size. As a general range, expect to pay somewhere between $45 and $85 for the first hour, with a similar amount charged as a deposit. Six passenger carts typically cost more than four passenger ones. Most companies prorate the second hour, so if you return a little early, you get part of your deposit back.

Guided tours add a bit more to the price since you are paying for both the cart and a driver, but they can be worth it if you want context on what you are seeing. A private guided tour often runs an hour to ninety minutes and includes stops you might otherwise miss on your own.

One more thing worth noting: golf carts here are not rented by the day. If your hotel or vacation rental includes cart use, that is often the better option for anyone planning to explore over several days, since it removes the two hour ceiling entirely.

The Best Things to Do on a Catalina Golf Cart Tour

A cart ride through Avalon packs a surprising amount into just an hour or two. Here is a route that covers the island’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Start near the harbor and take in the view of Avalon Bay, then head toward the historic Catalina Casino, the art deco ballroom that anchors the town’s skyline. From there, wind up into the hills toward the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden, where sweeping canyon views make the climb worth it. Many visitors also stop by Buena Vista Point for a scenic overlook before working their way back down.

On the way back, swing past Descanso Beach Club for a drink or a swim. It is one of the few private beach clubs in California that is still open to the public, and it makes a natural final stop before returning your cart. Along the route, keep an eye out for Lovers Cove, where sea lions often gather just offshore.

If you would rather not plan the route yourself, a guided tour handles the navigation and adds local history along the way, including stories about the Wrigley family and the island’s role during the wars.

Thinking About Owning a Golf Cart at Home

After a day cruising Avalon, it is common to wish you had a cart of your own back home. Plenty of people do exactly that, whether for a coastal neighborhood, a gated community, or simply weekend errands around town. If that idea has crossed your mind, it helps to look at <a href=”https://centralcoastcarts.com/”>golf carts for sale</a> at Central Coast Carts, where you can compare models built for everyday use rather than just resort rentals. A cart built for daily driving looks and performs differently than a rental fleet cart, so it is worth comparing your options before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own car to Catalina Island? No. There is no bridge to the mainland, and ferries do not transport personal vehicles. Golf carts, taxis, and walking cover nearly all local transportation in Avalon.

Do I need a reservation to rent a golf cart on Catalina? It depends on the company. Some require booking at least 24 hours ahead, while others operate first come, first served. During busy summer weekends, booking ahead is the safer choice.

How old do you have to be to rent a golf cart in Avalon? Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old with a valid physical driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Can I take a rented golf cart outside of Avalon? No. Rented carts must stay within Avalon’s city limits. The island’s interior is managed separately by the Catalina Island Conservancy and requires its own permits and permissions.

How long can I rent a golf cart for? Rentals are billed by the hour, usually with a two hour maximum. Golf carts on Catalina are not rented by the day or overnight, though some vacation rentals include cart use for the length of your stay.