It’s the not-so-little island that sits some 20 miles off the coast of Orange County. It draws visitors all summer, but once the leaves start to fall, the tide of visitors turns to a trickle. With plenty to do and off-season prices, however, the autumn months are a perfect time to pay a visit to Catalina Island. Here are five reasons why Catalina is an ideal fall getaway:

FESTIVALS 1 Although the weekday crowds have largely disappeared, the festivities continue in Avalon. From smooth jazz festivals to fall celebrations, a harvest dinner, Halloween parade and costume party Avalon comes alive in the fall. This year is the first the city will play host to Oktoberfest on the Beach (on Saturday) with appetizers and unlimited beer tasting with the purchase of a $60 ticket. Proceeds from the festival benefit island youth charities, according to the city of Avalon. For more information, visit catalinachamber.com or call 310-510-1520.

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