Los Angeles County’s island in the sun beckons with streamlined art deco landmarks, mostly car-free streets and unspoiled natural surroundings. After a swift ride via the Catalina Express from San Pedro, Dana Point or Long Beach to Avalon, disembark for a stay at the 1920-built, recently refurbished Hotel Atwater, now cheerfully reimagined with many acknowledgments […]

For a taste of Southern California beach life without the SoCal crowds, remove yourself by heading 22 miles across the Pacific Ocean (by ferry, private helicopter or your own boat) to Avalon and the car-free oasis of Santa Catalina Island. Ciao Bambino: Read Article

On Feb. 29 and March 1, Two Harbors, a village on the wild, northwest end of this island, became the center of the swimrun universe. The sport is a blend of trail running and open water swimming — the first official swimrun race was put on by the race organizer Otillo (Swedish for island to island) […]