Traveling from Avalon to Two Harbors on Catalina Island is part of the adventure, whether you choose a scenic boat ride or a shuttle. Catalina Island is one of our favorite quick getaways in California, offering a mix of relaxation and exploration. In this post, we’ll break down your options to get between these two charming spots, including costs, travel times, and everything else you need to plan your trip seamlessly.
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Planning your trip to Two Harbors? Here are the best tours, hotels, and ferry service:
📸 Best Tours In Catalina Island:
- Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon (see more sights in less time)
- Mermaid Photo Shoot
- Bison Expedition
- 2 hour Inside Adventure Tour (visit the highest point of the island!)
- Undersea Expedition Tour (5 feet below the sea)
- 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour (best thing to do with kids!)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (see schools of fish w/o scuba diving or snorkeling)
😴 Best Hotels In Two Harbors:
- Two Harbors Campground (💲)
- Banning House Lodge (💲💲) (Craftsman’s style architecture)
- Hamilton Cove (💲💲💲) (includes golf cart to explore the island)
⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)
How To Get From Avalon To Two Harbors
The distance between Avalon to Two Harbors is 21 miles and you can get there by sea or land. Here are the different options:
🌊 By Sea: Cyclone Power Boat
You can see both ends of the island on the same day. Departing from the Green Pier in Avalon, the Cyclone Power
Boat takes you to Two Harbors in less than 40 minutes. It’s only seasonally available from May to early October.
Currently, it costs $18 one-way but you can check for rate or schedule changes. This is the cheapest and fastest way to get to Two Harbors from Avalon.
⛰️ By Land: Taxi From Avalon To Two Harbors
Operating daily, private interior shuttles are roomy Toyota Sienna minivans that accommodate up to 7 people with your belongings.
The shuttles start in Avalon, with one-way fares starting at $250. It can take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
🤔 Can You Take A Golf Cart From Avalon To Two Harbors?
While it’s possible to drive a golf cart from Avalon to Two Harbors, it’s not recommended.
The 21-mile drive from Avalon and Two Harbors can be challenging and hilly in some places.
Golf carts have a limited range and are not suitable for long distances. Plus the golf cart rentals in Avalon only allow you to use it for 2 hours so it’s impossible to drive to and fro Two Harbors within 2 hours.
How To Get Around Two Harbors
Two Harbors is a small town that is easily walkable, so the best way to get around is by foot.
If you need to cover more ground or want to explore some of the island’s more remote areas, you can rent a bike from the Two Harbors Dive and Recreation Center.
Uber or Lyft isn’t available on the island due to regulations on the limit of vehicles on the island.
And there aren’t any scooter rentals on the island.
Plus, you can’t drive your car on Catalina Island since the island is very small and cars aren’t allowed. There’s a 25-year waiting list to have your car on the island.
Is Two Harbors Worth Visiting?
Yes, Two Harbors is definitely worth visiting for its beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and relaxed atmosphere.
It is a great destination for nature lovers, hikers, campers, and anyone looking for a more laid-back experience compared to the bustling town of Avalon.
If you enjoy the outdoors and a more secluded atmosphere, Two Harbors is definitely worth a visit.
Things To Do In Two Harbors
⭐ Hiking: Two Harbors has many trails that offer stunning views of the island, including the Trans-Catalina Trail and hiking to Sullivans Beach.
⭐ Water Activities: Two Harbors is a great spot for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and swimming. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for exploring the underwater world. Check out Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center for more info.
⭐ Camping: Two Harbors offers many camping options, including tent camping, secluded camping, or family camping. The campsites are located in scenic areas, and visitors can enjoy stargazing at night.
⭐ Beaches: Two Harbors has many beaches including Cat Harbor and Little Harbor, that offer a peaceful escape from the crowds. You can relax on the sandy shores or go for a swim in the calm waters.
⭐ Boating: You can rent a boat to explore the waters around Two Harbors. The area is known for its excellent fishing, and you can catch various fish, including yellowtail, halibut, and sea bass.
Which Is Better: Two Harbors Or Avalon
Choosing between Two Harbors and Avalon on Catalina Island depends on your preferences and interests.
Avalon is the more developed and popular destination, with a wider range of activities, restaurants, and accommodations.
It has a beautiful beach, a botanical garden, and the famous Catalina Island Casino. You can also explore the town on foot, by bike, or by renting a golf cart.
But it can be crowded during peak season, and there are some restrictions for dogs in certain areas.
On the other hand, Two Harbors is a quieter and more secluded destination, with a small village and a few dining and lodging options.
It offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. It’s also more dog-friendly than Avalon, with fewer restrictions and more open spaces for dogs to enjoy.
Where To Stay In Two Harbors
Budget-Friendly: Two Harbors Campground
If you prefer camping, Two Harbors Campground is a great option for its ocean views on a bluff.
They offer 47 tent sites, beach access, restrooms, cold water outdoor showers, picnic tables, fire pits, BBQs, and sunshades.
You can also rent 12 tent cabins equipped with 2-burner propane stoves, lanterns, fire pits, and picnic tables.
There are also 21 cabins with more amenities including electricity, beds, and communal kitchens available seasonally in Two Harbors.
Check availability for these campsites.
Mid-Scale: Banning House Lodge
Banning House Lodge is a restored Craftsman-style bed and breakfast located on a hill above Two Harbors on Catalina Island.
It offers 12 guest rooms with private baths and individually decorated interiors. The lodge provides a shuttle service to and from the town and features a sunroom and a trellised courtyard with beautiful island views.
Plus you enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast room delivered, a bottle of wine and cheese when you check-in, and a 15% discount on specific rentals at the Dive & Recreation Center.
Check rates & availability for Banning House Lodge
Lux: Hamilton Cove
If you’re looking for a luxury option, then stay at Hamilton Cove in Avalon. They offer a high-quality stay with its prime location, ocean views, and excellent service.
The resort provides well-equipped villas and a personal golf cart for convenient exploration. Enjoy easy access to the island’s landscapes and dining options.
Check rates & availability for Hamilton Cove
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s possible to see Catalina Island from the coast on clear days. The island is about 22 miles off the coast of Southern California so visibility can vary depending on weather conditions, time of day, and other factors.
The boat ride from Avalon to Two Harbors takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the boat and the conditions of the water.
No, the Catalina Express ferry does not operate from Avalon to Two Harbors.
Yes, there’s a road from Avalon to Two Harbors. The road is 21 miles long and takes about an hour to drive.
The Safari Bus stopped operating and has been replaced with the Wildlands Express shuttle. This shuttle only runs between Avalon, Little Harbor Campground, and the Airport in the Sky.
That depends on whether you take the boat or shuttle to get to Two Harbors. It costs $18 via the Cyclone power boat or $250+ via a private shuttle
You can take the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors but they don’t run a regular schedule. It’s best to take a ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach to Avalon.
Yes, Catalina Island is definitely worth it! There is so much untouched natural beauty and lifetime tours to do on this island. Plus it’s more accessible and cheaper to get to Catalina for island life compared to other island destinations.
While it’s not mandatory to carry passports to go to Catalina Island and there aren’t any immigration checks, it’s best to carry a government-issued identification like a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport in case of emergencies.
Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. There are different residential options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes in Avalon.
Some of the best restaurants on Catalina Island include Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood, Bluewater Grill, Descanso Beach Club, and the Lobster Trap.
The cheapest way to take the Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach.
Final Thoughts
There are 2 options to travel from Avalon to Two Harbors: the Cyclone power boat tour or the shuttle. Whether you’re traveling for adventure or relaxation, getting from Avalon to Two Harbors is a memorable experience on this beautiful island.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
How To Get To Catalina Island From Los Angeles
How To Get To Catalina Island From Long Beach
How To Get To Catalina Island From Santa Monica
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