Avalon, Catalina Island

About

Avalon, the main town on Catalina Island, is a delightful surprise for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility needs. Unlike many California destinations, Avalon's compact layout and largely flat waterfront promenade make it genuinely easy to get around. The town sits along a curved bay dotted with colorful boats, and most restaurants, shops, and attractions cluster within a short roll of the ferry terminal.

Getting to the island is straightforward. Catalina Express operates ferry service from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach, with accessible terminals at each port featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The ferries themselves have boarding ramps and accessible seating, though visitors with larger motorized scooters should confirm vessel accessibility when booking.

Once on the island, the COAST (City of Avalon Seaside Transit) system provides ADA-accessible on-demand shuttles within Avalon. Vehicles accommodate one wheelchair user and operate daily from 7 AM to 9 PM - book via the Ride Circuit app or by phone. Wheelchair-accessible taxis also serve the island and can reach interior areas.

The Catalina Island Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Its exhibits cover the island's history from its Native American roots through the Wrigley family era. The famous Catalina Casino (a ballroom and movie theater, not a gambling hall) offers accessible tours with ramps and elevators throughout. Descanso Beach Club's restaurant and lounge areas are wheelchair accessible via ramps.

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden features paved paths and ramps through native plant gardens with scenic views over the island. Crescent Avenue, the main beachfront promenade, is paved and mostly flat - perfect for a leisurely waterfront stroll.

Accessibility

Avalon is genuinely one of California's more accessible small-town destinations, with a flat, paved waterfront core and good transit options.

Getting there: Catalina Express ferries depart from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach. All terminal ports have ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and nearby accessible parking. Ferries have boarding ramps and accessible seating; confirm vessel-specific accessibility if you use a larger motorized scooter, as onboard restroom sizes vary.

Getting around: COAST (City of Avalon Seaside Transit) provides ADA-accessible on-demand shuttle service within Avalon, 7 AM-9 PM daily. Each vehicle accommodates one wheelchair user. Book via the Ride Circuit app or by phone. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are available from the ferry terminal and the stand at Crescent Avenue and Metropole Avenue. Some golf cart rental companies offer modified vehicles; confirm availability before arrival.

Attractions: Catalina Island Museum - fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Catalina Casino - accessible tours with ramps and elevators to theater and ballroom. Descanso Beach Club - beachfront restaurant and lounge accessible via ramps (no beach wheelchairs available). Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden - paved paths and ramps throughout.

Terrain notes: Crescent Avenue and the main waterfront area are paved and relatively flat, ideal for wheelchair users. Side streets and areas farther from the waterfront may have hills or occasional uneven surfaces. Hotel Metropole offers accessible rooms with elevator access and a sun deck overlooking Avalon Bay.

For current accessibility details, contact the Catalina Island Company at (310) 510-1520 or visit visitcatalinaisland.com.

More accessible places in California

• Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles)
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) (Los Angeles)
• San Diego Zoo (San Diego)
• Yosemite National Park (Yosemite)
• Exploratorium (San Francisco)
• Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach)