Summer doesn't end on Catalina Island when Labor Day passes.
While much of the mainland shifts into fall routines, Catalina enters its own version of extended summer. The crowds begin to thin, activities and dining become easier to secure, and warm sunshine lingers well into September and October, even November! It's the season savvy travelers know and love, and many first-time visitors discover by happy surprise.
For travelers throughout California and the western United States, Catalina Island offers an easy escape that feels worlds away. Just a short ferry ride from the Southern California coast delivers you to an island where summer adventures, waterfront dining, and unforgettable views are still very much in season.
Why September and October Are Catalina's Best-Kept Secret
If you've ever wondered whether September and October are good times to visit Catalina Island, the answer is a resounding yes.
The island's Mediterranean climate means warm days, comfortable evenings, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures long after peak summer ends. Better yet, you'll often experience shorter lines, a more relaxed pace, and extra room to explore the island your way.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a midweek recharge, or one final summer-inspired vacation before the holidays, Catalina's extended summer is the perfect excuse to get away.
Make the Most of Extended Summer Adventures
September and October are ideal for experiencing many of Catalina's most popular outdoor activities.
Soar above Descanso Canyon on the Catalina Zip Line Eco Tour, navigate suspended obstacles on the Aerial Adventure, or venture into Catalina's rugged interior on a Bison Expedition or Journey to Island’s End.
Skate the Wrigley Ballroom offers a playful, unexpected island experience and includes admission to the iconic Catalina Casino, one of Avalon’s most recognizable landmarks.
And because it still feels like summer, the water remains part of the adventure. Explore the diverse marine life of Lover's Cove aboard the Undersea Sub Expedition, or spend an afternoon paddling the coastline with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental from Descanso Beach Ocean Sports.
For an easy beach-day addition to your itinerary, Descanso Beach Club keeps the summer feeling going with private cabana and chaise lounge chair bookings available through November, making it a perfect extended-season stop for sun, sand, delicious cocktails, and oceanfront relaxation.
Fall Events Keep the Island Buzzing
Catalina's extended summer comes with a calendar full of seasonal celebrations.
Raise a glass during the annual Two Harbors Wine Fest, Flx Biergarten’s OktoberFlx, or embrace your pirate spirit during Buccaneer Days, the annual pirate festival in Two Harbors.
Visitors this season can also celebrate a special milestone as the historic Catalina Chimes Tower marks its centennial year of the first notes played from the Chimes Tower in 1926. Take the scenic walk from Avalon, enjoy panoramic views of the harbor, and listen as the chimes echo across the island just as they have for generations.
Eat, Sip, and Stay in Vacation Mode
One of the best parts of visiting during Catalina's extended summer is having more time to slow down and savor the experience.
Start your day with breakfast at the Bistro at the Atwater. Enjoy craft brews and casual bites at Flx Biergarten, waterfront dining at Pier 24, or harbor views at Avalon Grille. For toes-in-the-sand dining and a signature island cocktail, spend an afternoon at Descanso Beach Club.
Plan Your Extended Summer Escape
Summer may be winding down elsewhere, but on Catalina Island, the season is far from over.
With warm weather, unforgettable adventures, seasonal events, and fewer crowds, September and October might just be the best time of year to visit.
The newly refreshed Pavilion Hotel is just steps from the beach and offers renewed guest rooms, relaxed island style, a lush courtyard, and inviting complimentary nightly social hour. Nearby, the renovated Hotel Atwater offers a central location near the beach, Tour Plaza, dining, shopping, and island adventures, making either property an easy home base for your extended summer getaway. Make planning a breeze with a Boat & Hotel Package, combining transportation and accommodations into one convenient getaway.
If your adventures take you to the island's west end, you can enjoy an unplugged experience at Banning House Lodge & Villas, camping in Two Harbors Campground, and mooring in Two Harbors.
Sail over and discover why Catalina's extended summer is Southern California's best-kept secret.
Call 877-778-8322 to book your island escape today.
