Southland escapes for '08

Catalina Island

Skip hectic Avalon during summertime and visit the remote, rough-and-tumble village of Two Harbors instead. It's a place most island visitors never see. There are more bald eagles here than shops. The resident celebrity is an aged bison named Wilson that roams the surrounding hills. Shorts and sport sandals are the dinner attire of choice at the fanciest restaurant in town, which is also the only full restaurant in town.


Getting there: To reach Two Harbors from San Pedro, take Catalina Express, (310) 519-1212 or (800) 315-9518, www.catalinaexpress.com.
From Marina del Rey, take the Marina del Rey Flyer, (310) 305-7250, www.catalinaferries.com.