Why Visit Catalina Island in the Fall?
Fall is one of the easiest times to turn Catalina Island into a Southern California getaway. Stay two or three nights and you have time for a full island adventure, waterfront dining, enjoying Avalon after the day visitors leave, and an unhurried final morning before your ferry home.
How long should you stay on Catalina Island?
For a fall weekend getaway, plan on two or three nights. That gives you enough time to experience the island without trying to fit everything between arriving and catching the last ferry home.
You can visit Catalina in a day, but two or three nights give you time to truly settle into island life. Wake to a quiet harbor, spend the day exploring the island’s interior or the vibrant underwater landscape, settle in for dinner, and enjoy one last waterfront morning before heading home. Your escape begins with the ferry ride from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, or Newport Beach, with departures from San Pedro sailing to Two Harbors. Choose the experiences you would be most disappointed to miss, whether that is an island tour, time on the water, a Catalina Casino visit, or a seasonal event.
Catalina Fall Weekend at a Glance
- How long should I stay? Two – Three Nights
- Where should I stay? Avalon for dining/tours; Two Harbors for an outdoor escape
- What should I do? Follow the suggested itinerary below
- How do I get there? Ferry from the Southern California mainland
- What should I book first? Hotel package, then priority activities
- Make planning easier: Our Boat & Hotel Package combines accommodations and ferry transportation, making it an easy starting point for planning a multi-night island getaway. Explore Boat & Hotel Packages for Avalon and Boat & Hotel Package for Two Harbors.
- The longer you stay, the more memories you make: Book two nights at Hotel Atwater, Pavilion Hotel or Mt Ada and receive your third night complimentary.* Explore Third Night Complimentary Offer.
Catalina Island in Fall: A 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Settle Into Island Time
- Ferry to Avalon
- Check into hotel
- Explore Avalon
- Waterfront dining at Pier 24
- Evening in Avalon after day visitors leave
Day 2: Make It Your Adventure Day
- Want to learn more about the island from our guides? Discover Avalon Tour
- Want to explore the ocean? Undersea Sub Expedition, kayaking, or SUP
- Want to see Catalina’s interior? Bison Expedition or Journey to Island’s End
- Want more adrenaline? Catalina Zipline Eco Tour or, Catalina Aerial Adventure
- Interested in Catalina history? Catalina Casino or Wrigley Island Tour
- Then dinner at Avalon Grille and a second evening on the island.
Day 3: Enjoy an Unhurried Morning
- Breakfast
- Beach/Avalon stroll
- Shopping or short activity
- Ferry home
Day 4: Enjoy Your Third Night Complimentary and Add Another Day of Fun
Where to Stay for a Catalina Island Weekend Getaway
Choose Avalon if dining, tours and walkability are priorities. Choose Two Harbors if you want a quieter, outdoor-focused escape.
Best for a relaxed couples getaway: Pavilion Hotel
Steps from the beach, lush garden setting, breakfast, social hour and 15% off Island Company activities.
Best for being in the middle of Avalon: Hotel Atwater
Central location with easy walking access to dining, the beach and Tour Plaza, plus 15% off Island Company activities.
Best for a special occasion: Mt Ada
Six-room historic Wrigley residence with meals, wine and cheese, golf cart access, panoramic Avalon views, and 15% off Island Company activities.
Best for unplugging: Banning House Lodge & Villas
A 12-room Two Harbors escape with island views and intentionally no internet access.
Where to Eat During Your Weekend
Avalon:
- Breakfast: Bistro at the Atwater
- Waterfront dinner: Pier 24 / Avalon Grille
- Beach afternoon: Descanso Beach Club
- Casual beer and bites: Flx Biergarten
Two Harbors:
- Breakfast: West End Galley
- Lunch and Beach afternoon: Harbor Sands
- Dinner: Harbor Reef Restaurant
Fall Events on Catalina Island
Catalina Island hosts festivals, live entertainment and special events throughout fall. Because dates and availability change each year, check the Catalina Island events calendar when planning your getaway.
How to Plan Your Fall Getaway
Start with getting to Catalina Island and ferry planning, then reserve lodging, activities and tours, and dining. View fall hotel availability. Travelers who want a convenient option can explore the Boat & Hotel Package. Stretch fall into a Best of Winter escape. Beginning November 1, 2026, the Best of Winter offer brings the best rates of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fall a good time to visit Catalina Island?
Yes! Fall pairs sunny days with outdoor activities, waterfront dining, and seasonal events.
Is September or October better?
Choose based on the experience you want rather than a small difference in weather. September suits travelers looking for a stronger extended-summer feel and more time on the water, while October brings signature events and a slower fall rhythm. Both can offer sunny days and cooler evenings, so compare event dates, ferry service, lodging, and activity and tour availability before booking.
Can you swim or kayak in fall?
Absolutely. Be sure to check availability and local conditions for the exact day, bring swimwear if you plan to get in the water, and pack a warm layer for the ferry ride back.
How many days do you need on Catalina?
A day trip can work if you focus on one or two priorities. Two nights give you a full activity day, quieter mornings and evenings, and more flexibility.
Is Catalina a good fall weekend trip from Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego?
Yes. Catalina is the perfect weekend escape from the SoCal mainland, close enough for an easy getaway yet far enough to feel like a true vacation. A multiple-night stay gives you time to slow down, explore more, and enjoy the island without rushing back to the mainland.
*Third Night Complimentary Offer is based on availability. Valid on select stays. Blackout dates apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not valid for Wednesday or Thursday check-in. Valid for new bookings only.