Biking

Even most of the locals on Catalina [1] eschew cars in favor of smaller, lighter forms of transportation. A great way to get around and beyond Avalon is on a bicycle. You can bring your own aboard the ferries that travel to and from the airport.

If you don’t have one, you can rent a bicycle right on the island at Brown’s Bikes (underneath Holly Hill House, 100 yards from the ferry dock, 310/510-0986, www.catalinabiking.com [2], $5–15/hour, $12–40/day). If you’re looking for a simple, one-speed cruiser to putter around downtown Avalon and down to the beach, you can get one for $5 per hour or $12 per day.

With no gas to buy, it’s the ultimate in affordable transportation! Brown’s also has six- and 21-speeds, tandems, and an array of mountain bikes. You’ll also get a map of the bikeable roads and trails in Avalon and around the island.

Mountain bikers, this island’s for you! An array of trails from easy to steep and difficult take you up into the hills, providing views and thrills galore. Street bikers will find that Avalon is bike-friendly; the road that runs along the shore on either side of the town is paved, mostly level, and zoned for bicycles.

If you’ve got the legs for it, you can obtain a permit from the Catalina Conservancy to ride farther afield. Call or email Brown’s Bikes for more information on biking outside of Avalon.