Avalon is the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island, in the California Channel Islands, and the southernmost city in Los Angeles County. The city is a resort community with the waterfront dominated by tourism-oriented businesses.
Avalon is a tourist center that buzzes with cruisers, restaurants, hotels, and tourists, whereas Two Harbors, as the name suggests, is a harbor with a campground. The place has only a few guest properties, a snack bar, a restaurant and a general store.
Catalina is definitely worth a day trip. You can rent a golf cart or ride the open buses, or both. There's plenty to see there, including the Botanical Gardens, and plenty of nice waterside restaurants. The boat ride over is also very pleasant.
Santa Catalina Island (most commonly referred to just as Catalina Island), is best known for its wildlife, scuba diving, charming coastal towns, and Mt. Orizaba, its highest peak. There are two main resort towns on the island: The more rustic town of Two Harbors, and the quaint and historic town of Avalon.
Avalon – Best Area in Catalina Island for Families. Avalon makes a great day out for the whole family. Avalon is also a great destination for families! With restaurants, coastal wonders and quirky local attractions abound you'll be sure to find something for the whole family here.
Both Avalon and Two Harbors are easily accessible on foot. It's fun to meander around the city streets and take in the sights and sounds of these quaint villages. Most Avalon residents get around by golf cart, which are available for rent on an hourly or daily basis.
Best Time to Go to Catalina Island Catalina weather is best in spring and fall. Summer days can be overcast until noon or later. In winter, storms can make the ferry ride unbearably choppy. It's busiest during summer and big events like the marathon and jazz festival.
Based on our past four visits, I think the key to an enjoyable Catalina vacation is to set aside at least two nights and three days so you can see different parts of the island, especially Two Harbors, dine in the beachfront restaurants and, most important of all, do a variety of the water and land-based tours.
You can visit Catalina Island on a modest budget. You can enjoy a three day camping and hiking trip for two people on Catalina Island for as little as $150. A round trip ticket for the ferry for two people is $75, tent spots are $25 per night, and there's an extra $25 budgeted for food and necessities.
We were able to drive around Avalon and see quite a bit in an hour. I would suggest if you want to stop and wander at some sites to spend the money for two. A bit pricey at $45 an hour with $45 cash deposit (which you get back). There are other options but this place was convenient located on the promenade.
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.
The Wrigley family is still involved with the island. William Wrigley Jr. acquired the majority of the Catalina Island Company in 1919 and descendants of the Wrigley family are still involved with the company today.
Catalina Island Golf Course is open:Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Hotels near Catalina Island Golf Course: (0.25 mi) The Old Turner Inn (0.14 mi) Catalina Canyon Inn (0.36 mi) The Avalon Hotel (0.37 mi) Snug Harbo...
Restaurants near Catalina Island Golf Course: (0.04 mi) The Sandtrap Restaurant and Bar (0.14 mi) Seaport Bistro (0.36 mi) Catalina Coffee & Cookie...
Nearby attractions include Catalina Island Conservancy (0.2 miles), Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden (0.2 miles), and Green Pleasure Pier (0.3 mil...
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant. See all property amenities.
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay. Learn more.
Yes, free parking is available to guests. Learn more.
Conveniently located restaurants include Steve's Steakhouse, Scoops Catalina Island, and Avalon Grille. See all nearby restaurants.
Yes, Mt Ada offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details. Learn more.
Many travelers enjoy visiting Catalina Island Casino Ballroom (0.6 miles). See all nearby attractions.
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbor view available here. Learn more.
Catalina’s only Forbes Travel Guide 4-star hotel, Mt Ada commands the best views in Avalon from its majestic perch high above the bay. The former home of William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada, this unique retreat offers six en suite guest rooms, each beautifully appointed to reflect the elegance and charm of a bygone era.
Our quick little vaca brought us to this historic beauty of a gem, Mr Ada. The views are spectacular, the service so kind & humble, a one of a kind bed & breakfast spot.
Includes Descanso Beach, Tour Plaza, downtown Avalon, and other points of interest.
Includes coves, beaches, landings, campsites, and tour routes around Avalon and Two Harbors.
Included roads, trails, campgrounds, harbors, coves and points of interests in and around Two Harbors.