Why Catalina Island Should be on Your Vacation List This Spring

One of the great things about family travel to Southern California is you can do it any time of year, but when it comes to Catalina, spring just may be the best time to experience the sun-drenched island getaway.

Spring is the unofficial off-season, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to discover the island’s many charms without fighting the crowds or paying premium prices for accommodations. During the spring months, the hiking trails are less crowded and the shops and restaurants begin to extend their hours in preparation for the summer tourists. In essence, experience island life at your leisure.

Spring is a time of renewal and awakening, making it an ideal time to experience the island’s natural beauty. While the island is known for its rocky, arid terrain, it is home to many beautiful varieties of plants, including endemic species you won’t see anywhere else in the world, like the Catalina Lifeforevor and the Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany. During the spring, these fascinating plants are in full bloom, bringing new life and a brilliant splash of color to the landscape.

The summer months can get a bit warm on the island, but in the spring, daytime temperatures are extremely pleasant, averaging in the 70s. The cool weather and soothing offshore breezes make it the perfect time for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping and exploring the wilderness. Wildlife is out in abundance enjoying the abundant foliage, creating the perfect opportunity to spot local animal inhabitants in their natural habitat, like the bison and foxes that call the island home.

Getting to the island is easy with year-round service from Catalina Express, which offers up to 30 daily departures from one of three Southern California ports: Long Beach, Dana Point and San Pedro. The 22-mile ride takes about an hour, making it easy to visit the island for a daytrip during your Southern California vacation.