You can walk most of the city of Avalon, but to explore the wilder side of Santa Catalina Island on your own you really need a bicycle. Many of Santa Catalina Island’s picturesque campgrounds, secluded beaches and rugged trails are best reached by two wheels. Daily bike permits are required to ride into the interior of the island. No permits are required to ride around Avalon. Bicycle rentals are available at two Avalon locations (see below).
Most of the cross-channel carriers will transport bicycles for a fee with advance reservations. If you prefer to leave your bikes at home, rentals are available at Brown’s Bikes and Catalina Auto & Bike Rental. Bicycles are allowed on the Safari Bus for a fee of $5.00 per bike.
Daily bike permits are required to ride into the interior of the island at a fee of $20 and are good up to two consecutive days. Annual bike permits are required at a fee of $60 for an individual and $85 for a family (spouse and minor children). Annual permits are valid for one year from date of purchase.
Due to the Island’s rugged interior, mountain bikes with all terrain knobby tires are required and riders must wear helmets that meet the safety standards set by either the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Snell Memorial Foundation. The roads open to bicycling are shown on the map (see below) and for the most part are improved gravel. There may be some road closures due to rain.
Bicycle permits must be obtained in-person at the Catalina Island Conservancy Office, 125 Claressa, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. daily (may close for lunch). Permits are also available at Catalina's Airport-in-the-Sky (510-0143) and Two Harbors Visitors Services (310-510-4205) during their regular hours of operation.
Brown’s Bikes rents mountain bikes, beach cruisers, tandems and children's bikes. They also rent strollers and wheelchairs, and maps and helmets are always included. Browns Bikes is located at 107 Pebbly Beach Road in Avalon. For more information, please call 310-510-0986.
Not only does Catalina Auto & Bike Rental rent mountain bikes and beach cruisers, but they have the largest golf cart selection on Santa Catalina Island. Catalina Auto & Bike Rental includes a helmet with every rental. They can be found at 301 Crescent Avenue in Avalon. For more information, please call 310-510-0111.