What is the difference between avalon and two harbors

The state is so big and it offers so many different types of terrain to explore! I had the opportunity to explore an island off the coast of California known as Catalina Island with the company Visit Catalina Island. I could not have asked for a more perfect weekend getaway from San Diego.

This weekend getaway was packed full of hiking, swimming, and eating. I had such a wonderful time that I wanted to share my Two Harbors Catalina Island itinerary with you! Did you know that there are islands off the coast of California that are considered to be a part of the state as well?

Visiting here will make you feel like you are in a different state or maybe even a different country. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with lush greenery hillsides, tropical palm trees, and sandy beaches.

Catalina Island could also be compared to the coastline of France. You will see houses built into the hillside with the beautiful turquoise waters below.

Regardless of what you would compare it to, when visiting Catalina Island you will feel like you are escaping reality and the business of life. Catalina Island is separated into two main sides: Avalon and Two Harbors.

Avalon is the more inhabited side whereas Two Harbors is the more rustic side. Catalina Island is just a short ferry ride away from the mainland. There are three different ports from the mainland, making it easily accessible for people to visit from all over southern California.

The most common visitors come from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara because it makes for the perfect day trip or even weekend getaway. Children are a bit cheaper.

Catalina Island tickets should be purchased ahead of time and can be reserved through the Catalina Express website.

The island of Catalina is essentially divided up into two main sides: Avalon and Two Harbors. For the purpose of this Catalina Island itinerary article, I will mainly discuss exploring the side of Two Harbors. There are two ways to get to the Two Harbors side of Catalina Island. Here is a great map from Catalina Express depicting the boat routes. If you choose to go to Avalon first and then Two Harbors via the Cyclone as I did, here are some tips!

This is a speed boat that is open and it can get chilly. Looking for other weekend trip ideas? Check out this article! Though the town is smaller than Avalon there are still a ton of things to do in Two Harbors Catalina!

Expect to feel like you are on a relaxing island when visiting Two Harbors. It is much more secluded than Avalon. Two Harbors General Store. Shopping Grocery stores Catalina Island. Casa Santa Cruz. Hotels Boutique hotels Catalina Island price 3 of 4. Catalina Cabins. Things to do Catalina Island price 2 of 4. Buy ticket. Things to do Catalina Island.

Camping in Two Harbors. Things to do. Hiking in Two Harbors. Explore more of Catalina Island. The best things to do on Catalina Island. Show more. Recommended [image]. Journey to the Sky. Bison Expedition. Catalina Aerial Adventure. Rock Climbing Wall. Falconry Experience. Ocean Tours. Discover Two Harbors. Undersea Sub Expedition. Glass Bottom Boat. Flying Fish Voyage. Exclusive Tours. Cabana Rentals. Camping Offers. Trans-Catalina Trail. Buccaneer Days. Catalina Wine Mixer Catalina Casino Tours.

Discover the Casino. Behind the Scenes. Avalon Theatre. Catalina Island Gift Cards. Catalina Island Golf Course. Golf Gardens Mini Golf. Visitor Services. Two Harbors Annual Events. General Store. Outdoor Activities. Harbor Sands. Safari Bus. Disc Golf. Water Activities. Shore Boat. Fishing Skiffs. Two Harbors Boating. Mooring Sites. Mooring Around Two Harbors.

Boat-In Camping. Descanso Beach Club is just around the corner from the Casino Building where you can rent out beach cabana and laze away the day — or take part in ocean sports and adventure tours. Two Harbors a. If you are standing at the beach in Orange County watching the sun set over the island — Avalon is furthest to your left.

Looking to your right, you can see a dip on the west end of the island where the Isthmus sits. The front side of the island, facing the mainland, is where boaters moor at Isthmus Cove.

Once on land, you can take a 10 minute walk and put your toes in Catalina Harbor where boaters must approach from the back side of the island. Cat Harbor has a reputation for being an all-weather harbor because of the wind protection from almost every side. It is usually pleasantly breezy here. September and October can be a perfect shoulder season when water temps and air temps are still up, but the crowds have disappeared. When you are traveling via boat, you just have to be flexible and prepared to postpone or cancel based on a bad weather forecast.

We regularly purchase gift cards from Costco for the Catalina Express ferry usually available during the summer. How much is the ferry to Catalina? You must make your reservations by phone if you are going to use this option.

They will take your credit card number to reserve your spot, but you actually pay with your gift cards when you pick up your tickets.

Ferries go direct to both places, but some of the trips on the schedule for Two Harbors will have you stop at Avalon first.