Avalon is unlike any other traditional city in the U.S. Nestled on the edge of Santa Catalina Island, around 20-30 miles off the Southern California coast, Avalon resembles a classic beach town at first glance: yachts shimmering in the ocean, rooftops dotting the hillside above the harbor, and fishing boats bobbing next to waterside cafes.
However, what sets Avalon apart from any other city in the U.S. is the sound of revving engines, traffic jams, and cars zooming up and down the roads. That’s because in Avalon, residents must wait more than two decades just to own a car.
In a town with around 3,000 residents, there is a 25-year waitlist to own a car. In fact, Avalon is the only city in California officially authorized by the state legislature to regulate the number and size of vehicles permitted on the streets, according to Secrets Los Angeles.
The city has established special rules regulating the size, number, noise, speed, and classes of vehicles that are used, permitted, or operated on the streets. The rule arises from Avalon’s size and nature of streets and the characteristics and nature of the coastal town itself.
No-Car Rule Stems from Practicality
A stroll down the city’s streets will explain why it has such a unique regulation. Most residents and visitors simply walk down the roads of the picturesque town, while some people zip around on golf carts or bicycles.
The streets are narrow and the distance between beach fronts, shops, cafes, and museums are generally short.
Avalon’s streets were not designed to bear the burden of heavy traffic and fancy cars. Vehicles can overwhelm the infrastructure and clog the narrow streets.
In 2015, there were fewer than 900 cars and trucks permitted across the entire island, and only 484 vehicles allowed for personal use, according to Secrets Los Angeles.
The city issues only one residential vehicle permit for every two existing permits that are surrendered or expired. Similarly, one commercial vehicle permit must be expired or surrendered before a new permit is issued.
The City Hall maintains a record of residents and business owners’ vehicle request waitlist.
Even though autoettes or golf carts are found abundantly on the island, the city has strict regulations regarding its size, owing to the city’s narrow pathways. Gas vehicles cannot exceed 130 inches in length, while Neighborhood Electric Vehicles or Low Speed Vehicles cannot exceed 138 inches.
Only one autoette can be assigned to each residence. Businesses can also apply for a permit for a commercial vehicle.
Island Life Meets Modern Convenience
Although Avalon restricts the number of vehicles plying down its roads, the island is connected to other destinations by other means of transportation.
Ferries from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Orange County run daily, while private planes and helicopters service the island’s Airport in the Sky. The airport is perched on a 1,602-foot-tall mountaintop in the heart of the island, and is located about 10 miles from Avalon.
For guided and self-guided sightseeing, visitors can rent golf carts, or autoettes, by the hour, according to Love Catalina. These vehicles cannot be rented by the day.
Avalon has an abundance of golf carts, as these small and nimble vehicles fit the city’s scale perfectly and are a practical vehicle for locals.
Rented golf carts must stay with the city limits. Residents are prohibited from renting their personal vehicles.
There are also bicycle rental options, which can be availed to explore the island or for a sightseeing tour.
Taxis and shuttles are available for visitors with luggage or those with mobility issues. The city also has an on-demand transit service to connect residents and visitors across the city limits.
The city also offers public transportation, as well as shoreboats at the Avalon and Two Harbors.
However, walking remains the most common form of transportation.
What to Do in Avalon?
For visitors, there’s more to Avalon than its car-free lifestyle. The compact seaside town makes it easy to explore the surroundings by foot and enjoy a leisurely meal at the restaurants.
The iconic Catalina Casino, the circular Art Deco landmark over the harbor, is a popular attraction. Commissioned by William Wrigley Jr., the casino opened in 1929 and marked the 10-year anniversary of his purchase of the Catalina island.
Art enthusiasts can check out the historic Avalon Theatre at the lower level of the Catalina Casino. Constructed in 1929, the theater has a 50-foot domed ceiling and features Art Deco murals by John Gabriel Beckman.
The Catalina Museum of Art & History has several art and history exhibitions and offers group tours.
To make the most of the calm, blue waters, visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards.
The 25-year waitlist is not a gimmick, it’s a reflection of practical policy planning, geography, and community priorities intersecting in a small coastal city. In a state famous for its freeway culture, Avalon stands out as a beautiful counterpoint. Here, the ocean sets the pace and golf carts hum down the roads instead of the loud roar of SUVs. While most of the world redesigns their roads and cities around vehicles, Avalon reminds us that not all cities are meant for cars.
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