Two Harbors

Two Harbors is a small village on Catalina Island’s west end, with details available for hotels, ferry service, camping, restaurants, getting around, and activities.

Set on Catalina Island’s West End, Two Harbors offers activities, events, and outdoor adventures in a setting made for exploring. The village rests between the two harbors that give it its name. With turquoise water, green mountains, rugged scenery, and a calm shoreline, this peaceful seaside community welcomes visitors to a quieter side of the island.

With only 298 residents, Two Harbors is the island’s second-largest community after Avalon, the island’s only other major development. Its small scale creates the relaxed, intimate beachside experience many travelers seek. Known as an Outdoor Lover’s Paradise, the village gives nature-focused visitors plenty to do, including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, camping, snorkeling, and world-class SCUBA diving. For additional details, visitors can contact the Two Harbors Dive and Recreation Shop or Two Harbors Visitor Services.

The area also has a long and vivid past. Before becoming today’s village, the Isthmus was inhabited by Native Americans and later saw Spanish explorers, fur traders, the Civil War Union Army, and pirates.

Two Harbors also played a role in film history during the 1920s-1930s, including The Vanishing American, a western based on the Zane Grey novel. That film history is tied to one of Catalina Island’s best-known sights: bison. After filming ended, crews could not gather the small herd they had released, so the animals remained on the island and the herd expanded. Today, Catalina Island is home to under 100 American Bison.

Private boats bring many visitors to Two Harbors, while mainland service is available through the Catalina Express port of San Pedro. Avalon is 13.4 miles from Two Harbors by boat or 22 miles by road. In the summer months, visitors can ride the Cyclone boat from Avalon on a scenic 40 minute trip along the coast to Two Harbors. Overnight stays are available at Banning House Lodge, a 12-room bed & breakfast, along with two vacation rental properties and multiple Two Harbors camping options.

Two Harbors details

Where to stay

Lodging choices include Banning House Lodge and Villas, a historic 12-room bed and breakfast with harbor views and daily breakfast.

Activities

Two Harbors is well suited to campers and boaters, and it is also a strong destination for hiking, fishing, or spending time at the beach.

Yearly events

Annual events take place in Two Harbors, Catalina Island’s west end village.

Traveling to Two Harbors

Travel between Avalon and Two Harbors can be done several ways, including by bus, private transportation, ferry, or helicopter. Two Harbors can be reached by land, air, or sea.

Two Harbors boating and mooring

Boaters can find information about boating and mooring in Two Harbors, Catalina Island’s west end community.

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