It is believed that Catalina Island has had human inhabitants since 7000 BC. The island’s native people, the Tongva, had mainland settlements in modern day Los Angeles; the Tongva people created vessels to travel back and forth across the part of the Pacific that we call the Catalina Channel. Centuries later, Catalina became the backdrop for plenty of notable history: European exploration, land claims by the Spanish, a small gold rush, and a sheep herding settlement. A real estate boom in the late 1800s helped to inspire development on the island. This led to plenty of pleasure seekers heading to Catalina to enjoy life by the sea, away from the bustling California cities on the mainland. Catalina really came into its prime as a resort town when the Wrigley family invested heavily in the island’s attractions and infrastructure. Wisely, the Wrigleys also aimed to protect its natural beauty; about 88% of the island is protected from development today.
When you travel to Catalina, you really are getting the opportunity to see the island as it was when it was discovered by its first human residents long ago. So, when is the best time of year to visit Catalina? Ask around, and you’ll get all kinds of answers. Some visitors prefer “locals summer” in the fall; families tend to flock to Avalon through the busy, warm summer months. The island tends to be a favorite, for spring break and sunny getaways or even for a sleepy, coastal (but not-too-cold) town in the winter. There’s plenty more to discover in all four seasons on Catalina. Read on to learn more about when is the best time to visit Catalina.
Make a winter escape. No matter what winter holiday you celebrate, there is always plenty to do on Catalina Island. The Aurora Hotel offers the best rates of the season from November through March. Book their Best of Winter package: a two-night stay during the middle of the week. This includes your accommodations at the Aurora plus roundtrip boat transportation and a continental breakfast. You can opt to sign up for a few island adventures during your stay. At the Aurora, we like to say that winter on Catalina is hushed and unrushed. Winter can be a great time to hike the island’s less busy trails, take a tour of Avalon, or explore the island’s less-crowded local beaches. If you need more indoor activities, you can stroll the shops, and enjoy local restaurants.
Be mine, island valentine. What’s more romantic than an island paradise for two? Valentine’s Day could be the perfect time to plan a weekend away with your loved one. The Aurora Hotel offers couples a Dash of Romance package—a great way to treat yourselves to a retreat. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a bottle of wine and a bouquet of flowers. This Aurora getaway also includes round trip boat transportation to the island, a taxi ride to the hotel from the boat dock, as well as a couples massage.
Get to know Catalina like a local. More than 4000 people call the town of Avalon home year round. In any season, you can book the Authentic Catalina Adventure package at the Aurora Hotel to learn more about life as a local on the island. When you arrive, enjoy a welcome bottle of wine. The package also includes round trip boat transport for two, transfers to and from the hotel, tickets to the Catalina Island Museum, a private Catalina Island interior tour, and continental breakfast. Visiting the Catalina Island Museum allows guests to learn about the culture and history of the island through fine art, artifacts, and exhibitions. Exploring the interior allows you to see the untouched inland of the island, with a chance to also see some favorite local wildlife like bison, deer, or an island fox.
Take a classic summer trip. Enjoy 4th of July fireworks from the fun roof deck of the Aurora Hotel. Independence Day is one of the most popular times to visit the island; it’s an exemplary experience of small town summer holiday traditions. Any time in June, July, or August can be great for beach days, fishing trips, boat tours, ice cream breaks, or downtown dining. The Aurora is conveniently located in Avalon, within walking distance to beaches, restaurants, and shops.
Come for a feast. Are you a food lover? From fresh seafood to Italian, Mexican to steaks, there is a wide variety of eating establishments on the island that are ready to serve you. There is also a good range of casual to upscale spots, depending on what you’re in the mood for. You can take a Catalina food tour, or you can get the best recommendations from our hotel staff at the Aurora.
Catalina is fabulous any time of the year. Just ask the staff at the Aurora Hotel. When you’re a guest here, our team is ready to recommend the best places to eat and activities to do on the island. Call us at 310-510-0454 or click here to book your stay.