Two Harbors

Explore the Rustic Village on the Island's West End

Catalina's Other Side

Located on Catalina’s west end, Two Harbors is a mere 22 miles from the Southern California mainland. This rustic village sits on a narrow strip of land that separates Isthmus Cove on the leeward side of the island from Catalina Harbor on the windward side. Guests visiting from the mainland typically arrive via high-speed ferry from San Pedro, although many sail on private boats and pick up one of more than 700 moorings available for rent in the many protected coves and harbors along the coast. Guests already on the island can travel down to Two Harbors for the day from Avalon on the seasonal Discover Two Harbors Cyclone power boat.

A woman diving underwater near Catalina Island Company, one of the things to do in catalina island

Outdoor Lover's Paradise

Two Harbors offers a host of activities for outdoor lovers of all kinds

The Dive & Recreation Center has everything you need to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, boating, fishing, snorkeling, and world-class SCUBA diving in crystal clear water.

If you just want a place to relax in the warm sun and cool ocean breeze, head down to Harbor Sands, where you can enjoy signature food and drinks from Harbor Reef Restaurant on our waterfront dining deck, or at your beachside palapa or chaise lounge.

Important Update: The Catalina Island Company is transitioning to a cashless payment system in Two Harbors and will now only accept credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment options (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay) for all transactions. For your convenience, a Cash-to-Card Kiosk will be located outside of the General Store.


Isthmus Picnic Sites

Outdoor Dining at its Best in Two Harbors. All you need for a great island picnic is good food and a relaxing atmosphere. Two Harbors has several picnic areas available by reservation for your special event. Surrounded by beautiful hills with boats bobbing peacefully in the harbor, this might be the best picnic you will ever have. 

Harbor Sands
Our Harbor Sands group facility offers full catering, new redwood picnic bench seating for up to 250 guests, soft white sand, large charcoal BBQs, enhanced lighting, shade sails, and service bar. The site can be rented as one or split into two smaller sites depending upon groups needs. NOTE: Outside food & beverages are not permitted at Harbor Sands.

Buffalo Park
Located behind Harbor Reef Restaurant is another option for those looking to picnic in Two Harbors. Guests can pre-order groceries from Two Harbors General Store, or have their picnic catered by our full-service catering department. For special events for groups of 100 to 500, please visit our Two Harbors Group section.

*All picnic sites are located in Two Harbors on the west end of the Island.

Outdoor lounge area in the sand at Catalina Island Company

Renowned Hospitality

Accommodations in Two Harbors include historic Banning House Lodge, Villa Santa Cruz and Villa Santa Rosa, comfortable camping cabins, and four of the best campgrounds in all of California, each offering unique experiences that make Catalina’s west end the best end. Dining options include Harbor Reef Restaurant & Saloon, West End Galley, and the General Store, where guests can also pick up groceries and supplies. The friendly staff at Two Harbors Visitor Services can help you with transportation, check-in, equipment rental, permits, event information and any other needs you may have. The Harbor Department handles our mooring and Shoreboat operations, as well as the Fuel Dock. 

Rich Colorful History

American Indians were first to inhabit the Two Harbors area, living off the sea and trading with Indians on the mainland. Spanish explorers, fur traders, and even pirates and smugglers followed. During the Civil War, members of the Union Army were stationed in Two Harbors and today their barracks remain. Many Hollywood movies were filmed in the Two Harbors area, so many in fact that it was once known as the Isthmus Movie Colony. The American Bison that wander about in the outlying areas were brought here for the filming of "The Vanishing American," a western based on Zane Grey’s novel of the same name. Unable to round up the small herd after production wrapped, crews left them to fend for themselves. At one point the herd grew to as many as six hundred bison. The Catalina Island Conservancy now monitors and maintains the herd at about 150.