Avalon: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Residents navigate the narrow lanes entirely by golf cart, relying on mainland ferries and the local grocery store for everyday provisions.

Avalon, New Jersey · CC BY-SA 4.0

About the place

Now in the cityAvalon+10°CClear · sunset 04:56 PMupdated 08:00 AM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Exchange rate$1.00per 1 $USD — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Language on siteEnglish

What fits initineraries

1 day: Avalon Harbor, Crescent Avenue, Descanso Beach
3 days: + Catalina Country Club, Casino Theater, Pebbly Beach
7 days: + Hamilton Cove, Avalon Canyon, Nature Preserve

Updated September 9, 2026

About the place

Avalon operates as an isolated harbor settlement where marine ferries provide the primary lifeline to the mainland.

Passenger ferries from mainland ports connect the town to the coast, supplemented by helicopter flights and a small island airport. Within the settlement, narrow roadways restrict standard automobile traffic. Residents and long-term arrivals travel primarily by golf cart or bicycle. Marine swells affect channel transit, while local waters support dolphins and flying fish.

Read on

Commercial chains remain entirely absent from the community, leaving independent dining establishments and a solitary grocery supermarket to supply the population. Waterfront venues serve regional seafood and local specialty drinks such as the buffalo milk cocktail. Housing consists of hotels, condominiums, and residential vacation rentals across town and Hamilton Cove, requiring early coordination for extended stays.

Associations

Golf cartsNarrow streets make carts the primary method of daily transit.
Buffalo milk cocktailThe signature island mixed drink served at local harbor bars.
Cross-channel ferriesHigh-speed catamarans provide passenger access from coastal ports.
Limited grocery retailA sole supermarket serves the settlement without chain competition.

Facts

The municipality permits golf carts as the primary mode of transportation on residential roads.
National restaurant chains are barred from operating within the municipality, with grocery retail as the sole corporate exception.
Scheduled maritime ferries and passenger helicopters provide public travel connections to mainland ports.
Local bars produce a specialty beverage known as the buffalo milk cocktail.

Updated September 9, 2026Source: Wikivoyage

Visa and practicalities

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Set your passport — processing time, fee and documents differ between passports.

Internships, au pair and study programmes have a different visa category and a different set of documents. Applications go through CMO International Programmes.

IEC international programmes

Good to know

Golf carts serve as the primary means of transport because town streets are narrow and crowded.
Transporting a private bicycle from the mainland requires paying an additional fee.
Chain dining establishments do not operate on the island, with an exception for the local supermarket.

1 more rule

Ferry connections from Marina del Rey are no longer operational.

Frequently asked

How do travelers reach Avalon from the mainland?

Ferries connect the mainland ports of Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach to the town. Helicopters depart from mainland heliports, and private aircraft land at Catalina Airport.

Source: Wikivoyage

How do visitors travel around Avalon?

Golf carts are the main transport method because the town streets are narrow. Travelers also get around on foot or rent bicycles from local agencies.

Source: Wikivoyage

Are chain restaurants available in Avalon?

National fast food chains do not operate on the island, though a Vons supermarket provides groceries. Dining options consist of independent venues serving seafood, steaks, and baked goods.

Source: Wikivoyage

What local drinks are typical in Avalon?

Bars in town serve a regional specialty known as the buffalo milk cocktail. Other island establishments pour locally brewed beer alongside fruit cocktails.

Source: Wikivoyage

What styles of accommodation operate in Avalon?

Lodging options include boutique hotels, spa resorts, and short-term vacation rentals. Visitors can reserve rooms near the beach or rent private condominiums and houses.

Source: Wikivoyage

3 sources

Source: Wikivoyage · Wikivoyage · Wikivoyage

When to go and itineraries

Ready-made itineraries

Harbor and Promenade Walk4 stops

09:00Avalon HarborArrive by ferry at the boat terminal and take in the harbor view.
11:30Crescent Avenue PromenadeWalk down the waterfront promenade lined with local eateries and shops.
14:00Descanso Beach ClubWalk north along the coast for refreshments and seaside rest.
17:00Avalon Casino TheaterInspect the historic waterfront theater landmark at the edge of the bay.

Island Hills and Coast3 stops

10:00Catalina Country ClubExplore the clubhouse grounds situated inland along Avalon Canyon.
13:00Nature Preserve TrailsRide rented bicycles along protected paths overlooking the ocean.
16:30Pebbly BeachFollow the coastal road south to observe the open waters of the channel.

Updated September 9, 2026

Stay longer on a programme

Work and Travel, internships, au pair and volunteering in United States: visa, invitation and on-site support are handled by CMO International Programmes.