Avalon, California

22 miles south of Los Angeles, Avalon is a unique place for you to escape the city during fall. Who wouldn’t want to experience the beauty of the changing leaves in a truly majestic city? This picturesque seaport is (need we say it?) ideal for families who need a little break from all the traffic and concrete buildings.

Paddleboarding, zip-lining, and boat rides are par for the course in Avalon. You could also go for a swim in the ocean as locals say fall feels more like an Indian summer. Basically, you won’t have to pack all your warmest clothes for this vacation and if the weather is just right you could simply stroll around in a T-shirt.

The Catalina Swing Dance Festival, JazzTrax, the Catalina Art Festival, and the Catalina Air Show all take place during fall, so make sure there’s enough time left in your itinerary to enjoy as many as possible.

The Hotel Metropole, an upscale hotel that overlooks the harbor, is a great place to stay thanks to their spacious, modern rooms, fireplaces, restaurants, and onsite hopping. The Catalina Island Inn Hotel is also great for families, especially thanks to their deluxe plush beds, which reviewers have all raved about. Their complimentary continental breakfast is just the cherry on top.