Major city · United States
Two Harbors
Two Harbors is a half-day stop or a one-night camping base, not a multi-day destination. Go for the quiet cove and hiking; skip if you want restaurants and nightlife.
Two Harbors is a tiny village (population about 150) on the isthmus of Catalina Island, a 90-minute ferry from San Pedro. It has a general store, one restaurant, a saloon, and a handful of lodgings. Most visitors come for the protected natural cove, kayaking, diving, and hiking the island's interior. It works as a day trip from Avalon or a one-night camping stop, but not as a base for longer stays.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–October
- avoid November–April (many accommodations and services closed or limited)
- Airports
- LAX · LGB
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Two Harbors911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Two Harbors, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyTwo Harbors is very safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLAX Los Angeles International (Then taxi or shuttle to San Pedro ferry terminal, about 30 min by car.).
- Getting aroundWalk or bike; the village is tiny.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at Harbor Reef RestaurantCheck$3–5
- Street or quick mealSandwich at West End GalleyCheck$10–15
- BeerBeer at Harbor Reef SaloonCheck$6–9
- Budget bedCampsite (per person), a night, per personUS$20
- Mid-range bedCatalina Cabin (economical, Nov–Apr), a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedCatalina Cabin (economical, Nov–Apr), a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$75 · Mid US$200 · High US$350
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LAX Los Angeles International (Then taxi or shuttle to San Pedro ferry terminal, about 30 min by car.) · LGB Long Beach Airport (Closer to San Pedro; about 20 min by car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Feb
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Aug
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Two Harbors: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
6 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Jul
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
0 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3 rd
Dec
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk or bike; the village is tiny. A Safari Bus (passenger van) connects to Avalon, the airport, Little Harbor, and Black Jack Junction. Kayaks and bicycles can be rented. Dirt roads in the west end are accessible by Hummer tour or on foot.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1–1.5 h
Safari Bus or ferry; about 1 hour by bus, 30 min by ferry
Avalon has more restaurants, shops, and the Casino. Combine with Two Harbors for a full day.
Little Harbor
goDoor to door: About 30 min by bus, 1.5 h hike
Safari Bus or hike (about 5 km (3.1 mi) one way)Safari Bus or hike (about 3.1 mi (5 km) one way)
Campground and beach; good for a half-day hike.
Black Jack Junction
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min by bus, 2 h hike
Safari Bus or hike
Trailhead for interior hikes; limited services.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Two Harbors village
Banning House Lodge (11 rooms, $125–250+ per night) and Catalina Cabins (economical, Nov–Apr only).
Campgrounds
Hermit Gulch, Little Harbor, Blackjack, Parson's Landing; book ahead via the Catalina Island Conservancy.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–250 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Banning House Lodge room1 × 1 night × US$200 | US$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$200 | US$400 |
| Catalina Express ferry round-trip from San Pedro2 × US$80 · Check | US$160 |
| Kayak rental (half-day)2 × US$50 · Check | US$100 |
| Safari Bus one-way to Avalon2 × US$20 · Check | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$90 |
| Trip total≈ US$495 per person per day, bed included | US$990 |
Off-season $125, peak $250+
2026 estimate in USD; ferry and camping permits excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at Harbor Reef RestaurantCheck | $3–5 |
| Sandwich at West End GalleyCheck | $10–15 |
| Beer at Harbor Reef SaloonCheck | $6–9 |
| General store: snacks and drinksCheck | $3–10 |
| Camping permit (per person per night)Check | $20–50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferry tickets sell out on summer weekends: book ahead on Catalina Express.
- Camping requires a permit and advance reservation; no walk-up sites.
- The general store is the only source of supplies; check its hours.
- Cell service is patchy; download maps offline.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Two HarborsTwo Harbors
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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Take me to Two Harbors, pleaseTake me to Two Harbors, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
Embassy
The nearest US embassy is in Los Angeles (check address). Most foreign consulates are in Los Angeles.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Catalina Express ferry, San Pedro → Two Harbors: about $40 one way, 90 min (check)
- Safari Bus, Two Harbors → Avalon: about $20 one way, 1 h (check)
- Kayak rental, half-day: about $50 (check)
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (Hello)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much? — How much? (How much?)
- Where is the ferry? — Where is the ferry? (Where is the ferry?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Two Harbors. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–October · avoid November–April (many accommodations and services closed or limited) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Banning House Lodge, Catalina Cabins, and each campground with booking links.
- Eat pages for Harbor Reef Restaurant and West End Galley with hours and menu.
- Activity pages for kayak rental, diving, and hiking trails.
- Ferry schedule page with real-time updates.
Sources
Ask about Two Harbors
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