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Two Harbors, Catalina Island

We love going to Two Harbors, Catalina.  It feels as if you are on a faraway island, yet you are only about 30 miles away from Los Angeles.  Two Harbors is also known as “The Isthmus” and is much sleepier than Avalon where most tourists can be found.

Two Harbors, Catalina

Two Harbors is also known as “The Isthmus” and is much sleepier than Avalon where most tourists can be found.

Two Harbors Catalina
Two Harbors Catalina
photo of buffalo milk, a cocktail in two harbors catalina

What to Do

Walk around and see the beaches, and the Isthmus – it’s beautiful and easy walking

Play a game of disc golf – It’s ok if you’ve never played before, if you can throw a frisbee you can give it a whirl.  You can rent discs at the Dive and Recreation Center by the pier

Have a Buffalo Milk – the official drink of Catalina Island can be found at the only bar in Two Harbors.  Think of it as a blended White Russian gone crazy.

Go for a snorkel – we usually swim out in front of the camping beach and just swim around and look at the fish.  If you’ve never seen a girabaldi, they are the bright orange ones swimming around.  If you don’t have snorkel gear you can rent snorkel gear at the dive shop.

Get out on the water – go by the dive shop and rent a kayak, paddle board or a little boat and check out the boats and little beach and coves nearby.  Be sure to bring your snorkel gear in case you find a good spot to jump in.

Not feeling adventurous and just want to relax? Rent a Cabana at Harbor Sands – order cocktails, have a snack, read a book  and take a dip in the water.

Keep on eye out for bison – you never know when you will see one up on the hills.  Don’t go too close though, they are not domestic animals.

Where to Eat and drink

There is a restaurant and a bar right by the pier – Harbor Reef Restaurant, they have something for everyone and don’t forget to try the Buffalo Milk

Where to Stay

Camp, The Banning House, or a Few Cabins you can fin the info here.

Camping isn’t as much work as you might think – we have gone a few times and while yes you need to bring a tent and something to sleep on, we don’t bring all the food and cooking utensils that we would normally take.  We just eat at the restaurant and get ice at the General Store.

The Banning House is a little bit up the hill and has a view of both harbors.  It also has a great happy hour in the evening with wine and cheese.  

The General Store

If you forget something, just swing by the General Store.  They have all kinds of snacks, ice, beers, sodas, hot pizza, ice cream and some great merchandise!  

Two Harbors Catalina
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Sunscreen

Don’t forget to lotion up, there isn’t much shade and it’s easy to get burned if at the beach all day.

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snorkel gear

Bring your mask and snorkel, there’s so much to see and the water is usually really clear

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water shoes

The beaches are a bit rocky so water shoes or sandals make it more comfortable

Have fun exploring Two Harbors!

 

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