SeeCalifornia.com

Catalina Island’s Avalon has most the tourist attractions (and tourists) but on the west end at the isthmus is Two Harbors where you can camp or book reservations and stay at the 12 room Banning House Lodge. The trip to Two Harbors on Catalina Express (catalinaexpress.com) from San Pedro is a 20 mile jaunt which takes approx. one hour. Two Harbors makes a fantastic overnighter or several days stay if you don’t demand the hustle and bustle of Avalon.

Upon arrival Two Harbors may look familiar to film buffs. Mutiny on The Bounty and dozens of other pictures needing the South Seas look have filmed there. You may also notice something unique–the American Bison herd wandering free. There are approx. 150 such animals monitored by Catalina Island Conservancy. You can hike, mountain bike, take a Hummer jeep tour, sunbathe, boat in the bay, and just relax. With just two restaurants and one hotel Two Harbors is quite a bit slower than Avalon. It’s not going to be the best choice for everyone, but for those who can stand the relaxed pace, by all means check it out! Here are some Two Harbors events…>