How to Visit Two Harbors on Santa Catalina Island in California
For decades, Santa Catalina Island has served as a respite for people living in the Los Angeles area who wanted a weekend escape. The village of Avalon is only thirty miles away by passenger ferry, yet seems a million miles away from the work and freeway stress of Southern California. Catalina Island, however, is really two islands connected by an isthmus known as Two Harbors, and as quaint and quiet as Avalon may seem to be, the inhabitants and visitors staying at Two Harbors experience the true calm. Peaceful waves approach both the Channel and Pacific shores, separated by less than a mile of sand, while at night the Orion Arm glows, framed by both Silver Peak and Mount Orizaba. During the day, land and sea activities make Two Harbors and excellent location for the true adventurer.
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Instructions
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Plan to visit in the summer or fall. Weather along the California coast is unpredictable during other seasons. If hiking or backpacking, permits are required and must be applied for and received prior to the visit.
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Make reservations several months early to stay at Two Harbors. Lodging options include one bed and breakfast, some cabins, and back country campgrounds. The cabins are inexpensive and consist of bunks, a heater, and a refrigerator. There is also a central cooking area outside. All three lodging options require separate reservations.
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Make reservations also for the Two Harbors passenger ferry. Note that trips to Avalon leave from both Long Beach and San Pedro, but only the San Pedro terminal takes the visitor to Two Harbors.
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Fly into Los Angeles International and access the Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110), south to San Pedro, California and follow the harbor directional signs.
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Take the boat across the channel. There is plenty of room for equipment storage. A wet bar serves drinks and snacks.
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Check in at either the bed and breakfast or the cabins before exploring the isthmus. There are plenty of activities to experience.
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Explore the depths of Catalina by scuba diving. The area is known for sunken ships. Experienced divers can bring their own gear, otherwise rentals are available.
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Rent snorkeling equipment instead. Prices are affordable and the concessioner will provide directions to the best snorkeling areas.
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Rent a kayak and search the coves along the Pacific side of the island.
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Rent a skiff. If all fishing gear has been left home, a concessioner will outfit any guest with everything from rods to bait.
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Explore the land around Two Harbors either by bicycle or foot. Bicycle rentals are available in the village. Trail maps are available at the website. If planning to backpack, the maps also show the strategically placed campgrounds located throughout the island. Camping Catalina’s Pacific coast is like landing on an uncharted desert island.
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Opt to spend the day at the very secluded beach. Outfitters even offer beach equipment for rent, everything from volleyballs to horseshoes.
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Investigate the Civil War barracks. Soldiers from the Union used the Two Harbor area during the early stages of the war. Access inside the barracks is not allowed, but the grounds are worth exploring.
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Dine at any one of the three places to eat at the isthmus. There is a restaurant, saloon, and a snack bar.
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Supply the campsite with foodstuffs from the Two Harbors general store. Note that prices are a bit higher because of the distance from the mainland. An option may be to purchase supplies prior to arrival.
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Tips & Warnings
Use precautions when hiking the island. This is considered desert wilderness.
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Comments
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I was at Two Harbors 7/22. I was with a women that was on crutches waiting for a shore boat. We were not alone. About 6-8 other guest were also waiting. Some of the people were quite elderly. We had to wait about 30 min. Their was no place to sit while we waited. When the shore boat came, the driver was frantic! This is an accident waiting to Happen!
