Two Harbors, Unincorporated community on Santa Catalina Island, California, United States.
Two Harbors is a small settlement on a narrow strip of land on Santa Catalina Island that separates two natural harbors. Its central location offers views of both bodies of water and provides basic facilities including a hotel, restaurant, and general store.
The United States established a military camp here in 1864 to protect Pacific waters from attack by private warships. This outpost was part of broader coastal defense efforts during the Civil War.
The place gets its name from the two harbors flanking the narrow strip of land on either side. The small year-round population works closely with visitors, creating an informal community atmosphere typical of island life.
The settlement is accessible only by ferry from San Pedro or private boat, with over 700 moorings spread across both harbors. Visitors should keep flexible schedules since weather and ferry availability can affect arrival and departure times.
The settlement serves as one of the few permanent human settlements on the island, while most other areas remain dedicated to nature and wildlife. This makes it a rare pocket of developed space amid largely undisturbed island terrain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.