Avalon golf cart routes and choices
An Avalon golf cart is a practical way to explore the permitted streets of this compact island town. Rental carts are restricted to the Avalon area, and the rental map identifies permitted and closed roads. They are not a way to drive across the interior or reach Two Harbors. Decide whether you want to drive yourself or book a guided ride before comparing the options.
Avalon is also walkable, especially around the waterfront. A cart can be useful for a different view of the town, but check the actual route and any road restrictions with the rental provider. For a broader introduction to the island, start with the Catalina Island guide and its links to activities and practical planning.
A rental example
One local provider, Catalina Island Golf Cart, lists a four-seat cart for two hours at 135 USD, plus a 20 USD online service fee and a refundable 65 USD cash deposit. These are that provider’s published conditions, not a standard tariff for every rental business. Online reservations are requested at least 24 hours ahead; a one-hour rental is offered on site subject to availability.
The same provider requires drivers to be at least 25, hold a valid driver’s license and have their own auto insurance. Ask the provider whether your particular insurance documentation is accepted before booking. It lists a maximum two-hour rental, with any extension or repeat rental subject to availability. Check the current terms and total directly when choosing a date.
Our pick: guided golf cart outing
Our take: Choose this guided ghost tour if you want to experience Avalon by golf cart without renting one.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
More ways to explore Catalina
Compare the available experiences and their individual details.
Guided rides and the ghost tour
A guided ride differs from a rental: you are booking an experience with its own itinerary and inclusions, rather than hiring a cart to drive on your own. The ghost tour featured here includes a guide, transport by golf cart and a welcome kit. Food and drinks are extra. The published activity time is 90 minutes, and the meeting point is on Clarissa Avenue in Avalon.
For a separate private guided outing, see the tours page. Read the description of each option carefully, including the meeting arrangements, before choosing. A guided ghost experience should not be confused with an ordinary self-drive rental or used as a way to arrange independent transport.
Where the cart can go
Keep the rental map handy and follow its permitted streets. Restrictions matter particularly when a road appears to continue beyond the built-up area. A rental cart is for the allowed Avalon area, not the roads into the island interior. If you want to see that landscape, compare the guided vehicle outings in our interior tours guide.
For Two Harbors, plan a separate boat or private land connection. Do not assume a cart booking includes passage there or that an island route is open merely because it appears on a map. Ask about the route before setting out and follow the directions and restrictions supplied with the vehicle.
Walking and local transit
Avalon’s waterfront can be explored on foot, which is useful when you only need to cover a short distance. Consider your luggage and the location of your accommodation before deciding whether to walk after the ferry. Some places are on hills, so ask about the actual approach rather than assuming every route is step-free.
COAST is the city’s local on-demand service. The city lists fares from 2 USD per person and daily service from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. An accessible vehicle can be requested through its app. Confirm your pickup and current service details in advance, especially when your trip depends on a ferry connection.
Before you set off
Bring the documents requested by your rental provider and check who may drive the cart. Ask how the deposit is handled, where to return the vehicle and what happens if you need to change a reservation. Compare the full conditions rather than only the headline price, since online fees and payment terms can differ.
Leave time to return the cart before your next commitment. If you need a taxi pickup, ask about availability for your specific trip instead of assuming a car will be waiting at the ferry. Our arrival guide helps you connect the mainland journey with transport in Avalon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive a rental cart to Two Harbors?
No. Rental carts are limited to permitted areas of Avalon, so arrange a separate connection for Two Harbors.
Is the ghost tour a cart rental?
No. It is a guided ghost experience with golf cart transport and a welcome kit. Food and drinks are extra.
What does a driver need?
Requirements vary by provider. The rental example above requires a driver aged at least 25, a valid license and their own auto insurance.