Are Cars Allowed on Catalina Island?
From the Author: I tried to book the Catalina Express for October, and the early morning ferries from Long Beach were sold out three weeks in advance. So, even in the off-season, book your ferry in advance.
Are Cars Allowed on Catalina Island?
Yes. Cars are allowed on Catalina Island, but they are heavily restricted.
Visitors cannot bring personal cars for short trips—if you’re visiting, you’ll need to use rental golf carts, shuttle buses, or taxis.
Most residents use golf carts, bicycles, or public transportation instead.
The city of Avalon has strict regulations due to limited space and a focus on maintaining a pedestrian-friendly environment. Catalina Island is car-free. California restricts the number of vehicles on Catalina Island primarily to preserve its natural environment and minimize traffic congestion.
Currently, there is a 25-year waitlist to bring a vehicle onto Catalina.
When I visited Catalina this past fall, I saw only a handful of cars, usually parked in driveways.
Most locals and tourists get around the island using golf carts.
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Is Catalina Island car free?
No. However, as a visitor, you can’t bring a car to Catalina Island; there isn’t a bridge to Catalina Island from mainland California.
California primarily restricts the number of vehicles on Catalina Island to preserve its natural environment and minimize traffic congestion.
Uber and Lyft are not allowed on Catalina Island either.
Can you take a car to Catalina Island?
No, you can’t take a car to Catalina Island. California restricts the number of cars on Catalina Island.
You can’t take a car to Catalina Island because the island has strict vehicle regulations to preserve its small-town charm, minimize traffic, and protect the environment.
Why are there no cars on Catalina Island?
The local government limits the number of cars allowed, and there’s a 14-year waiting list for residents to own a car on the island. Additionally, there’s no bridge connecting the mainland to Catalina, and the ferry services do not transport personal vehicles. Instead, visitors and residents rely on golf carts, bicycles, walking, and shuttles to get around.
Can you rent a car on Catalina Island?
No. You cannot rent a car on Catalina Island. There’s a lot of misinformation online regarding car rentals in Catalina. But, take it from a local, they aren’t allowed. You can’t bring a car to Catalina Island via the ferry or rent a car on Catalina Island.
You can, however, rent a golf cart or a bike, order a taxi, walk, or rent an e-bike.
Alas, no car rentals are permitted on Catalina Island.
How do I get around Catalina Island if cars are not allowed?
Catalina Island is a tiny island, about 22 miles long and around 8 miles across at its widest.
Renting a golf cart or taking a golf cart tour is the best way to go.
I recently rented a golf cart with my partner and had a blast. We saw all of Catalina Island’s iconic landmarks in under two hours. The golf cart rental companies provide an easy-to-follow map that covers everything you want to see, including Wrigley Memorial and the Catalina Island Casino.
If you want to avoid driving a golf cart, you can always take this highly-rated tour, and a driver takes you to all the Catalina hot spots.
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It’s a lot of fun and is safe because everyone else, even the locals, drives golf carts.
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Where do you park your car when you go to Catalina Island?
Where you leave your car when going to Catalina Island is determined by which port you are taking the Catalina Express from. This guide has everything you need to know about the Catalina Island Ferry.
Determine which port in and around Los Angeles you’d like to leave from; there are four: Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach. Parking is available very close to each of those terminals.
I leave from the Long Beach Port when I travel to Catalina Island. There is a four-story parking structure located right across from the terminal. It’s about 20 bucks for the day.
How to get to Catalina Island?
The fastest and cheapest way to get to Catalina Island is by the Catalina Express or the Catalina Flyer, which departs from Newport Beach.
Catalina Island Map
Is it worth going to Catalina Island for the day?
Yes, Catalina Island makes a great day trip. I recently took a day trip, which was the perfect amount of time.
You can even fit in a golf cart tour and some snorkeling.
Insider Tip: Make sure to purchase ferry tickets in advance because the early time slots and late departures book up fast, even in the off-season.
When you step off the ferry on Catalina Island, there are white lockers at the ferry terminal where you can store the things you don’t want to carry all day. The lockers cost three tokens, each one dollar, and you purchase them at the kiosk next to them.
Where is Catalina Island?
Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California, about 22 miles (35 km) southwest of Los Angeles in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of Los Angeles County and is the largest of the Channel Islands, which is accessible to the public.
The island is about 22 miles long and 8 miles wide at its widest point, with Avalon being the central town and Two Harbors as the second, much smaller settlement.
Can you own property on Catalina Island?
Yes, you can own property on Catalina Island! However, the Catalina Island Conservancy owns most of the island, which controls about 88% of the land to protect its natural environment. The primary place where you can buy real estate is Avalon, the island’s only incorporated city, and Two Harbors, a small village on the west side of the island.
Since available property is limited, real estate prices tend to be high, and many homes are used as vacation rentals or second homes. If you’re interested in buying property, remember that Catalina has strict regulations, including vehicle restrictions and conservation laws that might affect development or renovations.
Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- Wrigley Botanical Garden & Memorial on Catalina Island
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island & What You Need to Know
- Is There a Bridge to Catalina Island
- Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
