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The Ultimate Guide to Channel Islands National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

756 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3036 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Where Is Channel Islands National Park?

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Channel Islands National Park offers a solitary place to retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This park has abundant opportunities to explore and discover the beauty of this area of the world. Each year, over 400,000 visitors come to see the wonder of this national park.

Let’s journey together to discover the adventure waiting for you at Channel Islands National Park.

How To Get to Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is located near the city of Ventura, California, and spreads across 5 separate islands. This national park stretches over 390 square miles of land and water. The mainland visitor centers are located along the southern coast of California, and the park is just a short boat ride from there. 

Several airport options exist for visitors who want to fly into the Channel Islands National Park area. Some airports are large international airports, while others are small, regional ones. Let’s explore these options to see which will work best for your national park adventure.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Hollywood Burbank Airport is located in Burbank, California, a little over an hour from Channel Islands National Park. 

This airport offers nonstop flights to nearly U.S. 30 cities, such as Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, and New York, and dozens of locations in the country’s western region. Airlines served by Hollywood Burbank Airport include American, Avelo, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit. 

Hollywood Burbank Airport is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the national park. Its proximity and numerous flights and airlines make it an excellent option for flying into the Channel Islands National Park area. 

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport is 80 minutes from Channel Islands National Park and is a popular airport for those traveling to the park. 

LAX offers nonstop flights to hundreds of places worldwide. This airport services many major airlines, including American, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest. With its proximity to Channel Islands National Park and a long list of airlines and cities served, Los Angeles International Airport is an excellent choice for visitors flying into this park area.

Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)

Santa Barabara Airport is a tri-county airport located approximately 45 minutes from the mainland visitor center of Channel Islands National Park.  This airport offers 20 nonstop flights to 10 U.S. locations. Santa Barbara Airport services many major airlines, including Alaska, American, Southwest, and United. 

If you are looking for the closest airport to Channel Islands National Park, look no further than Santa Barbara Airport. 

While you can not drive directly to Channel Islands National Park, you can drive to the mainland visitor centers in either Santa Barbara or Ventura. These visitor centers can be accessed by Freeway 101 . From the visitor center, a boat is needed to arrive at the park.

For those who want to experience a national park vacation by railway, Channel Islands National Park’s mainland visitor centers can all be accessed by train. Amtrak and Metrolink are 2 options for visitors to utilize when visiting Channel Islands National Park. Once arriving at the Oxnard train station, it’s a short drive to the harbor to access a boat to take you the rest of the way to the park.

There are several options for visitors who want to visit Channel Islands National Park by bus as there are bus stations near the mainland visitor centers. Utilizing a bus is a great way to save money while traveling and let someone else take over the stress of driving and navigating.

Options for taking the bus to Channel Islands National Park include Greyhound and Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District . You can select the bus service you will need depending on which island you are wanting to visit, and from the station, it is a short journey to the park.

Island Packers is the sole provider for transport from the mainland to the different islands at Channel Islands National Park.

This concessionaire provides a variety of trips to each island on a regular schedule. Utilizing Island Packers is the only option for arriving at the park. The trip durations range from 1 to 4 hours.

Visitors can also choose to arrive to Channel Islands National Park by private boat. Rules and regulations for using a private boat are found on the park’s boating page .

Since Channel Islands National Park is an island park composed of several islands, it can be tricky to get around. There is no transportation available on the islands. This park can only be explored on foot or by private boat or kayak. The National Park Service offers a variety of printable and interactive maps to help you plan your adventures while visiting Channel Islands National Park.

What To See and Do in Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park has a host of activities for guests to enjoy while visiting. From informative programs to hiking, from kayaking to scuba diving, there’s no shortage of recreation at this national park.

The majority of Channel Islands National Park is underwater, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the world under the sea during your visit. 

Diving and snorkeling are exciting activities that visitors love to participate in. Kelp forests, tropical fish, and sea caves are some of the most exciting sights when participating in these underwater activities . The best areas of the park for diving and snorkeling include Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and the eastern Santa Cruz Islands.

Exploring Channel Islands National Park by diving and snorkeling is a fantastic opportunity to discover the wonder that awaits you below the surface.

Hiking around Channel Islands National Park provides breathtaking views of the island’s landscape, wildlife, and plant life. A wide variety of hikes are available throughout the islands, ranging from easy to strenuous.

Santa Cruz is one of the most popular places for hiking in Channel Islands National Park. This area has the most opportunities for adventurers and is a popular place for exploring caves. If you plan to hike while visiting this park, be sure to have everything you may need, as there are no places to stop for food and water throughout this island park.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the opportunities for kayaking at Channel Islands National Park. This national park features a pristine marine environment just waiting to be explored. The park offers kayaking tours, but experienced kayakers can set out on a self-guided excursion. There are plenty of chances to see marine life and even opportunities to kayak through caves.

Scorpion Beach on East Santa Cruz Island is the most popular area for kayaking at Channel Islands National Park. Exploring the park while kayaking is a unique way to discover its mystery and appeal.

Packing a picnic to enjoy at Channel Islands National Park is a beautiful, free activity. Picnic tables are available on all the islands except for San Miguel Islands. Another popular area for picnicking in the park is on the beaches. 

If you plan to have a picnic in Channel Islands National Park, it is essential to note that you will need to bring everything you will need for your meal. The park has no places for food or water, so coming prepared is essential.

Another necessary thing to note is that many scavenging animals, birds included, will be eager to share your meal with you. Be sure to secure food and trash at all times and avoid feeding the animals in order to protect their ecosystem.

Having a meal while enjoying the spectacular views of Channel Islands National Park is an excellent way to slow down and enjoy the beauty and wonder of the islands. Everyone loves a meal with a view, and this is one you won’t easily forget.

Channel Islands National Park has some of the best tidepools in southern California because of its isolation and protection. The park offers opportunities for visitors to explore these windows of the sea, including guided tidepool tours and self-guided discovery opportunities.

Popular places for tidepooling include East Point on Santa Rosa Island, Smuggler’s Cove on Santa Cruz Island, Frenchy’s Cove on Anacapa Island, and Becher’s Bay at the pier. Some of the species that can be seen at these tidepool sites include starfish, urchins, anemones, barnacles, and mussels. 

TIdepooling is an activity that will help you to learn about the diverse ecosystems in the world and get a glimpse of the life that thrives under the sea.

Channel Islands National Park has several visitor centers that are a great starting point for your park adventures. One of the visitor centers, The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, is located on the mainland in Ventura. There are small visitor centers at Santa Barbara, Anacapa Islands, and on Santa Cruz Island at Scorpion Ranch.

The mainland visitor center has a bookstore, marine life display, and several exhibits showcasing the features of each island in the park. This visitor center also has a 25-minute movie called “A Treasure in the Sea” where tourists can learn about the park’s history visually. Another bonus of this visitor center is that rangers are stationed to answer questions about the park and help you plan your outings. These rangers also host a variety of free programs about the park.

The Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center , located at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum , has one of the best views of Santa Barbara. This visitor center has numerous exhibits about Channel Islands National Park, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary , and  Los Padres National Forest . Visiting the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center is an excellent idea for those wanting to learn about the park and marine life and get spectacular views of this beautiful island.

Visiting one or all of the visitor centers at Channel Islands National Park is a great way to better understand this fantastic national park.

One of the most exciting activities at Channel Islands National Park is whale watching . This activity is best enjoyed from mid-December through the middle of March. There are 27 species that have been sighted at this park, including blue, humpback, gray, sperm, and orca whales. Bottlenose dolphins are also seen year-round.

The best place to watch for whales is on a whale-watching boat or private boat, but whales can also be seen from the shore. Several concessionaires offer whale-watching tours and depart from the nearby harbors. Getting a view of one of the magnificent creatures that journey through these areas is a remarkable experience that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Channel Islands National Park houses over 800 plant species. Each island has its own unique flora due to a variety of factors such as island size, climate, distance from the mainland and other islands, elevations, and topography. Because of this diversity, wildflower viewing is a favorite activity of guests visiting Channel Islands National Park.

The wildflowers typically reach their peak bloom in the late winter and spring. Some of the most brilliant wildflowers are the yellow coreopsis flowers. These flowers are at their blooming peak in late January through March. Some of the best areas to see these flowers are Anacapa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands.

The view of the sea, coast, rocks, and bright wildflowers creates a beautiful painting that will be forever in your heart and memories.

Best Times To Visit Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is unique in that this park stays about the same temperature throughout the year. If there are specific sights you hope to see, there may be better times than others to plan a visit to this national park. Check out the best times to visit the Channel Islands to see when you would like to visit.

Lots of people enjoy traveling during the winter. If you hope to visit Channel Islands National Park, the best winter month to visit is in November. This is the closest month to winter when the rain will not interfere with your plans. November will allow you to enjoy the park at comfortable temperatures and with fewer crowds. 

A trip during the early fall is the ideal time for travelers who want to experience Channel Islands National Park without crowds. Visiting this national park in mid to late September will provide visitors with a less crowded visit. Schools have typically returned from summer vacation, and the park is tranquil once the Labor Day travelers leave.

A September visit will allow you to explore the park at your own pace and not worry about the stress of crowds and heavy foot traffic.

Whale watching is a favored activity for tourists at Channel Islands National Park. March is an excellent time to visit the park if you have hopes of whale watching. There are excellent chances of spotting gray whales, humpbacks, and gray whales with their young calves in March. This is also right before the busy season starts at the park, so you will be able to enjoy the park with fewer crowds. 

If you are hoping to visit Channel Islands National Park and go easy on your budget, a trip in late January is your best bet. Late January typically has reduced flight rates and cheaper accommodations in the nearby towns. Saving money while traveling is always a nice bonus, and it can really come in handy when visiting this island park.

Channel Islands National Park hosts a series of events on a regular schedule, from guided hikes to tidepool talks to cultural demonstrations. There are also several annual events that take place that visitors love to be a part of. Let’s take a look at some of the top events in Channel Islands National Park. 

Celebration of the Whales

Every year in March, Channel Island Harbor hosts the annual Celebration of the Whales. This event has been taking place for 24 years . Visitors enjoy this celebration as they have the opportunity to participate in many activities and see and learn about the Gray Whale Migration Trail. This event is perfect for children and adults and features exciting events, including live concerts, chalk art, and shopping. 

Chumash Journey to Limuw

Each September, a special event called the Chumash Journey to Limuw occurs in Channel Islands National Park. This event celebrates the Chumash heritage and offers visitors a chance to see members of the Chumash community take their journey to their homeland of Limuw , which today is known as Santa Cruz Island.

The Chumash Journey to Limuw features the Chumash people paddling across the ocean to their native island. The boat used for this is called a tomol, which is the oldest type of watercraft suitable for traveling across the ocean.

Parade of Frights

The Parade of Frights takes place each year at Halloween time at the Channel Islands Harbor. Those participating in this event are encouraged to wear costumes for a spooktacular time. Visitors are able to enjoy hand-crafted treats, unique foods, a play zone for kids, and trick-or-treating at the market. The grand finale of this event is a boat parade that can be viewed from the parks and restaurants at the harbor.

Where To Stay in Channel Islands National Park

When planning a vacation, one of the first decisions to make is where you will lodge during your stay. There are several options for camping within the park’s boundaries and several communities near the park if you prefer a different type of accommodation. Let’s explore the various options for lodging during your Channel Islands National Park vacation. 

Camping is the only option for lodging at Channel Islands National Park. Each island has its own established campground. Visitors are able to make reservations and pay camping fees in advance through the park’s camping page . 

These primitive campgrounds offer amenities such as a picnic table, food storage box, wind shelter, and pit toilets. There is no water available at these campgrounds, and most will involve lots of walking and steep climbs. 

Camping on one of the islands is an excellent way to appreciate the beauty of Channel Islands National Park. This unforgettable experience will create memories that will last a lifetime. 

Visitors who don’t want to camp on one of Channel Islands National Park’s islands have several options in the towns close to the park. Several communities near the park make a great home away from home during your trip. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular locations for lodging near Channel Islands National Park.

Oxnard, California

Oxnard is slightly over 8 miles from the Channel Islands National Park mainland visitor center. This town has an incredible assortment of accommodations, restaurants, and recreational opportunities. Many visitors choose to make Oxnard their base camp when visiting Channel Islands National Park.

The town has accommodations galore. From luxury hotels to private rentals, from RV parks to motor lodges, there is a perfect accommodation for every traveler.

Food enthusiasts are in for a treat when it comes time to eat in Oxnard. The downtown area of Oxnard has 40 different restaurants to choose from. There are authentic restaurants featuring Mexican, Italian, Thia, Brazilian, Mediterranean, and more. 

Wine tasting is a popular activity in Oxnard. There are wine cellars and wineries all around this charming town. Other activities include visiting the beaches, shopping at unique shops, dancing at nightclubs, and visiting museums and theaters. 

Book your stay in Oxnard when visiting Channel Islands National Park for a fantastic location with lots to see and do. You will be rewarded with an incredible experience and lifelong memories.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is a popular place to stay when visiting Channel Islands National Park. This city is less than 10 minutes from the Channel Islands National Park mainland visitor center. Santa Barbara has incredible lodging, dining, and entertainment options.

The area has many lodging options, including campgrounds and RV parks, chain hotels and affordable motels, luxury resorts, and private vacation rentals. No matter what you seek for your home away from home, you will find the perfect accommodations in Santa Barbara.

The dining opportunities are endless with over 450 restaurants to choose from, including homestyle diners, freshly caught seafood eateries, and authentic cultural cuisine from around the world. No matter what you crave, you will find precisely what you’re looking for in Santa Barbara. 

If you are looking for entertainment and recreation during your visit to Channel Islands National Park, you may want to make your base camp Santa Barbara. This well-known town has so many activities, sights, and attractions. Some popular activities visitors enjoy include appreciating the exotic flowers, plants, and trees at the numerous botanical gardens found in the city.

The Santa Barabara Zoo and the Sea Center also provide lots of entertainment for tourists. There’s also an unbeatable live music scene in Santa Barbara in many different areas of the town. 

For fantastic accommodations, restaurants, and activities, look no further than Santa Barbara when planning where to stay during your Channel Islands National Park vacation. You will find everything you seek and more in this lovely city. 

Ventura, California

Ventura is one of the most popular places to set up a home base when visiting Channel Islands National Park. This community is only 5 miles from the Channel Islands National Park mainland visitor center. 

This coastal community has a variety of accommodations available, including popular chain hotels, budget-friendly motels, beach resorts, and private rentals.

Dining in Ventura is a true culinary adventure. There are dozens of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. Fresh seafood restaurants are in abundance, as well as authentic cultural restaurants. There’s something for every palate in this community. 

There are several opportunities for recreation and adventure in Ventura. Visitors enjoy exploring historic missions, beautiful botanical gardens, and parks. Other activities include spending time on the beach, surfing, and kayaking tours.

With its proximity to the mainland visitor center and endless dining, lodging, and recreation opportunities, Ventura is an ideal choice for setting up a home away from home during your Channel Islands National Park vacation. 

Where To Eat Near Channel Islands National Park

There are no restaurants in Channel Islands National Park, so if you want to eat at a restaurant, your best option is to dine at one of the restaurants near the mainland visitor center. There are plenty of restaurants near this visitor center. No matter what you crave, you will find the perfect solution at one of the many restaurants near this national park. Let’s take a look at some fantastic restaurants you can visit near Channel Islands National Park.

Café Nouveau is located in Ventura and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant has an incredible array of specialties and dishes for every diner, including vegetarians, vegans, and those on a gluten-free diet. 

This restaurant serves a menu of American classics and authentic cultural dishes from around the world. The most popular dishes include chicken Marsalis, creole eggs Benedict, coconut shrimp, and avocado rolls. 

For a culinary experience that will leave you wanting to return again and again, give Café Nouveau a try during your Channel Islands National Park trip.

Lure Fish House is an incredible upscale restaurant in Ventura that serves freshly caught seafood specialties for lunch and dinner daily. 

This 5-star restaurant serves an impressive menu featuring signature seafood dishes, pasta specialties, and freshly-made salads. Customers rave about the clam chowder, calamari, and ahi tuna. Lure Fish House also has a lovely drink menu featuring fine wines, draft beers, and signature cocktails. 

If you are looking for a seafood restaurant when traveling to Channel Islands National Park, you will undoubtedly want to add Lure Fish House to your travel itinerary. Your tastebuds will be very appreciative. 

Pete’s Breakfast House Restaurant is a favorite restaurant of locals and tourists alike. This top-ranked restaurant is located in Ventura, just a few minutes from Channel Island National Park’s mainland visitor center. 

The restaurant serves a menu of breakfast cuisine from places around the world, like Mexico, Greece, and Italy. Customer favorites include the breakfast burrito, the Working Man’s breakfast special, and the huevos rancheros. 

If you are looking for a place to fill up before your park adventures, be sure to stop by Pete’s Breakfast House Restaurant for a hearty meal that will give you lots of energy for your time at Channel Islands National Park.

If you love fish tacos and fresh seafood, Spencer Makenzie’s Fish should be on your Channel Islands National Park itinerary. This restaurant is located in Ventura and is a highly-rated restaurant that serves lunch and dinner daily.

Spencer Makenzie’s Fish is notorious for its “World Famous Fish Tacos,” but that’s not all it has to offer. Its menu also includes fresh seafood appetizers, fried fish and chips, wraps, and crisp salads. 

For some of the best fish tacos in the world and a great place to refuel after a visit to Channel Islands National Park, stop by Spencer Makenzie’s Fish for a meal you won’t ever forget.

Taj Café Indian Cuisine is a remarkable restaurant located near Channel Island National Park’s mainland visitor center in Ventura. This authentic Indian restaurant is one of the top-rated restaurants in the city. 

It brings traditional village-style cooking to Ventura and has an outstanding menu of traditional Indian dishes. Popular menu items include the lamb coconut curry, the mirchi chicken, and the samosa chaat. 

If you love Indian food or want to experience it for the first time, you can’t go wrong when dining at Taj Café Indian Cuisine.

1. A New National Park

In 1938, Santa Barbara and Anacapa were designated as a national monument. President Jimmy Carter was a key contributor to the establishment of this national park. On March 5, 1980, Congress established Channel Islands National Park, which included San Miguel, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, and Santa Barabara, as well as the surrounding waters.

2. Original People

The Channel Islands National Park area has been home to diverse people groups over the last 10,000 years. The native people of this area were the Chumash, and they relied on the sea for nourishment as well as for their tools and trade items. This native group traveled from one island to another in a boat called a tomol.

3. Sinking Ships

There are over 100 shipwrecks in the waters of Channel Islands National Park. Some of these shipwrecks include Winfield Scott in 1853, Goldenhorn in 1992, and the Chickasaw in 1962. Several shipwrecks can be viewed by scuba diving, and some can be viewed by snorkeling or kayaking. 

4. Celebrity Status

Santa Cruz Island has been a famous filming location for several well-known movies. Some of these movies include “Diamond in the Sky,” “Pearls of Paradise,” and the 1924 “Peter Pan.”

5. Painted Cave

Painted Cave is a popular attraction for visitors of Channel Islands National Park. This amazing cave is one of the largest sea caves in the world. This cave is beautiful and features brightly colored walls and a waterway cutting through it. This cave and some others on Santa Cruz Islands inspired the sets for the blockbuster hit “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

6. Diablo Peak

Diablo Peak, also known as Devil’s Peak, is the tallest mountain in Channel Islands National Park. This peak measures 3,450 feet in elevation.

7. Seals and Sea Lions Galore

Channel Islands National Park offers visitors exceptional opportunities to see wildlife. Some incredible animals that live in the park for a portion of the year include elephant seals, harbor seals, California sea lions, and northern fur seals. These seals and sea lions can likely be spotted on San Miguel Island as the park has one of the world’s largest gatherings of these marine animals. 

8. Minimal Mammals

There aren’t very many mammals that can be found living on the land of this park. Some mammal species found in Channel Islands National Park include the island fox, the harvest mouse, bats, the island deer mouse, and the spotted skunk. 

9. Diverse Plant Life

There are over 800 types of plants that have been identified in Channel Islands National Park. Most kinds of plants in the park include grasslands, island oak woodlands, pine stands, and coastal bluffs. There are also 14 types of plants that are on the federal threatened or endangered plant list. Channel Islands National Park plants are vibrant and colorful, dotting the park with bursts of color.

10. Vulnerable Species

Because Channel Islands National Park has such a unique and diverse collection of animals and plants, there are 145 species that are only found in the Channel Islands. Due to the isolation of the islands, several species are vulnerable. The island fox is the largest native mammal in Channel Islands. This fox has had a drastic decline in numbers since the 1990s. Channel Islands National Park has been working to restore the number of island foxes. In 2004, this species was federally listed as endangered. 

A trip to Channel Islands National Park is an experience of a lifetime. With so much to see and do, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories. Book your vacation to Channel Islands National Park and discover the countless opportunities to learn, explore, and appreciate this national park’s beauty and wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter channel islands national park.

Channel Islands National Park is a free-entry park. There is a fee for the boat ride to the park, and there are also fees for special activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Can I bring my dog with me to Channel Islands National Park?

Pets are not permitted at Channel Islands National Park in order to protect the park’s ecosystems.

How many days should I plan to visit Channel Islands National Park?

A single-day trip is perfect for visiting Channel Islands National Park. Still, if you want to camp while visiting, you should plan for at least 2 days.

Which island should I visit at Channel Islands National Park?

Santa Cruz Island is an excellent island to visit if you have to choose just one. This island features Scorpion Anchorage and has a lot of opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking. This island also has an abundance of hiking trails with the chance to spot the island foxes that make their home in the park. This is an excellent island for visitors of all ages.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Ultimate Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide

Drawing parallels with the Galápagos Islands, this marine wonderland is a similarly diverse treasure found just off the Southern California coast, home to 2,000-plus species, some 150 of which can be found nowhere else

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

While cutting lazy circles in the teal waters near Channel Islands National Park ’s Scorpion Anchorage during my second-ever sea-kayaking experience, I made a rookie mistake. “What are some of the most memorable wildlife encounters you’ve had at the park?” I asked Chuck Graham , a writer, photographer, and paddler who’s been guiding here for almost 20 years. He didn’t miss a beat. “Well, probably the two encounters I’ve had with great white sharks.”

It’s a testament to the stunning beauty of these islands and the Pacific waters surrounding them that I only ruminated on his response for a moment. The idea of killer sharks existing in a place like this was akin to a villain in a Disney film to me; even they took on an unthreatening feeling. On this perfect spring day, fingers of feather boa and giant bladder kelp swayed beneath my kayak. A squadron of California brown pelicans perched nearby on craggy Scorpion Rock, while peregrine falcons swooped down to ruffle their feathers. Fleshy harbor seals sunbathed on craggy outcroppings as a bald eagle cruised a thermal above. Beyond it all, the yawning mouths of barnacle-crusted sea caves beckoned like geologic sirens. You better bet I answered the call.

Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of Southern California, provides visitors countless pinch-me moments, but despite a fellow tourist blurting out that she felt like she was living in a movie, I can assure you that everything here is quite real. Four of the park’s five islands (Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa) once existed as a single volcanic landmass that was partially submerged during a post-ice-age period of glacial melt, creating the chain we see today. Over time, the Chumash and Tongva people came to inhabit the islands, and their descendants remain connected to them over 10,000 years later.

Because the islands are isolated from the mainland, nearly 150 of the more than 2,000 species of plants and animals existing across them are found nowhere else in the world. The most famous of these is the island fox, an adorable floof that’s roughly the size of a well-fed house cat. I’ve never not seen one on Santa Cruz, where they roam Scorpion Anchorage and the nearby campground looking for discarded   snacks—that is, if the massive (and surprisingly dexterous) ravens don’t get to them first.

When I asked Graham why he’d spent almost two decades of his life connected to this place of tiny foxes and outsize scenery, he responded that it was because he could experience the land and the ocean as they once were—before the 1980 creation of the national park, and before Spanish missionaries arrived in the 16th century and nearly decimated both the landscape and the Chumash and Tongva ways of life. I could tell that the Channel Islands had burrowed deep within his heart, and I suspect that after a visit, you might feel the same.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting

Get your logistical ducks in order. Unlike most national parks, this one is car-free—well, except for the main visitor center, which is located in the harbor area of the park’s gateway town, Ventura, California—so you’ll need to arrive via sea or sky. Most folks cruise over on the Island Packers ferry (more on this shortly), and I recommend taking the earliest one you can schedule to maximize your island time. It’s not as crucial to strike out early if you’re camping, but you will need to coordinate carefully and book early to ensure that campsites and boats are available on the same dates. Weekends fill up quickly for both, especially in the warmer months. And I do recommend camping, especially if you’re visiting the two biggest islands, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, since there’s so much to see.

Pack everything you need—yes, everything . Infrastructure is minimal across the islands. Unlike many other marquee parks, there are no restaurants, hotels, stores, and traffic… which is actually a huge plus. With the exception of the Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz and the Water Canyon Campground on Santa Rosa, there’s also no potable water. Plan to carry a gallon per day per person if you’re traveling outside those areas. In addition, visitors should pack plenty of layers, a personal first aid kit, and food for the day. If you forget the latter, or if you want to supplement your stash, the Island Packers ferry sell snacks and libations (including the adult variety) on board.

It’s wild out there. The islands sit on the southern side of the Santa Barbara Channel, and the shortest ferry crossing takes roughly an hour. It can get mighty windy out here, which creates chop, so anyone prone to seasickness might consider popping Dramamine before boarding. If you’re scanning for seabirds or marine life, the bow (or front) of the boat is the place to be—but hang on tight, because it’s a wild (and often wet) ride. Once on shore, the weather varies from island to island, with the outer isles (San Miguel and Santa Rosa) most likely to be hammered by the wind. There’s not a lot of shade available, save for scattered stands that include oaks and rare Torrey pines, so good sun protection is a must. Finally, keep your distance from cliff edges (there are many), which are subject to erosion.

How to Get There

It’s about a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles International northwest to Ventura Harbor, where boats depart for the islands. Alternatively, Ventura County Shuttle  offers service between LAX and the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, located at the harbor front.

While Channel Islands Aviation runs private (and pricey) flights to Santa Rosa and San Miguel, most people travel via ferry. Island Packers, the official park concessionaire, runs frequent trips to Santa Cruz and Anacapa year-round (one hour each way) and to the other three islands spring through fall (roughly three to four hours each way, depending on conditions). The crew does a fantastic job of whipping up excitement about the national park and its surrounding waters, and they often have a guest naturalist or ranger on board to answer any questions. In addition, they will often stop for wildlife sightings and may even pilot the boat into Santa Cruz’s Painted Cave, one of the longest sea caves in the world, if you’re in that area. During a recent trip, we spotted a pair of humpback whales, along with a colossal pod of dolphins who were in cahoots with the pelicans, staging an elaborate routine to round up fish for one another. Be sure to drop a few bucks in the tip jar (for the humans) on your return voyage.

Traveling between islands isn’t impossible, but it does require some logistical gymnastics. Island Packers offers occasional service between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz, but otherwise you’re rolling solo. Experienced boaters and kayakers who are equipped with proper safety and navigation gear can island-hop if the weather cooperates, but research landing and camping options ahead of time. There aren’t many, and with the exception of Scorpion Cove and its nearby campground, few are convenient. It’s also possible to pilot your own craft from the mainland to the islands, although you’ll be traveling across major shipping lanes—not an endeavor for the faint of heart.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Channel Islands?

Come December, it’s not just colder, hovering in the low sixties during the day and the high thirties at night, but also stormier, with the likelihood of rain and high winds increasing through March. The upside to a late-winter visit is that the islands practically glow with chlorophyll, and wildflowers add even more color—my favorite is the giant coreopsis, whose daisylike yellow blooms and feathery foliage cluster at the end of twisted, woody branches, giving it a somewhat Seussian appearance. Mid-December also marks the beginning of the annual gray whale migration; scan the channel as you cross to see if you can spot their misty spouts.

As daytime temperatures rise to the high sixties and rain decreases in frequency, the greenery fades. But luckily, flowers continue to dot the landscape, and whales keep on swimming in the vicinity. Come April, seabirds—including western gulls and California brown pelicans—begin nesting in earnest. This is especially obvious on the tiny island of Anacapa, where they usually kick back en masse until mid-August. Plan your visit to this mini chain of three islets for any other time of year, unless you enjoy dodging poop missiles while accompanied by the dulcet tones of incessant squawking.

This is the most popular time to visit the islands, when air and water temperatures climb to their warmest, in the seventies, and children are out of school. Weather conditions—and thus ocean conditions—are also typically at their calmest, creating excellent underwater visibility for swimmers, snorkelers, and divers. The odds also increase for marine-wildlife sightings, since blue and humpback whales are migrating past the Channel Islands during these months.

Water temperatures reach their peak in early fall, which makes this the best season to take a dip if you’re so inclined. Autumn is also prime time to witness seabirds and elephant seals settling into their nests and rookeries around the park; just remember to give these island residents their privacy. By October, the infamous Santa Ana winds begin to pick up, blowing hard through January.

Where to Stay near Channel Islands

Campgrounds

A single walk-in campground is available on each of the islands, with the exception of Santa Cruz, which has two. To reach them, plan to hike anywhere from a quarter-mile to a full mile (and up a steep flight of stairs on Anacapa) with your gear. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov ($15). It’s also possible to reserve space on several of Santa Rosa’s remote beaches from mid-August to December ($10). No matter where you intend to snooze, book your ferry ticket first, since those get snapped up quickly.

While there isn’t any brick-and-mortar lodging on the islands, you’ll find a pair of chain hotels at the Ventura harbor, located only a mile from the ferry, with more scattered along the coast. I can vouch for the Four Points by Sheraton  (from $170), which features serene landscaped grounds and what I can only describe as a hot-tub terrarium (trust me, that’s a good thing). Closer to downtown and its popular pier, the almost beachside Waypoint Ventura  (campsites from $59; trailers from $175) features over a dozen quirky vintage trailers for rent, along with even more space to park your own (BYOT, if you will). For a more refined aesthetic, splash out for a stay at one of the two century-old Craftsman-style cottages at the  Pierpont Inn  (from $127), a property built in 1910 that has long hosted Hollywood luminaries and others who appreciate historic architecture (and ocean views).

What to Do While You’re There

Santa Cruz (Limuw in the Chumash language) is the park’s most popular destination and its largest at 62,000 acres. Only 24 percent of the island is accessible to visitors, however, since the Nature Conservancy manages the remaining acreage. There’s still too much to see in a day (or even two), so spend a night if you can. My favorite day hike is the 7.5-mile round trip from Scorpion Anchorage to Smuggler’s Cove, climbing to the fox-filled grasslands atop the island before dropping down to a pebble-strewn beach littered with tide pools. On the north side of the island, it’s only a five-mile round trip to score an eagle’s-eye view of the rugged coastline and brilliant blue waters at Potato Harbor; if you’re short on time, the two-mile Cavern Point Loop keeps you closer to Scorpion Anchorage while still offering a bluff-top vantage. For something less traveled, stroll the 4.5-mile Scorpion Canyon Loop, which serves as prime habitat for the bright blue island scrub jay, a species endemic to Santa Cruz.

The second-largest island, Santa Rosa (Wima), is also flush with trails. It might be tempting to park yourself on the pristine white sands that curl around Bechers Bay near the landing dock, but make time to soak in the landscape. Day-trippers will be able to complete the 3.5-mile Cherry Canyon Loop, which follows a thin singletrack through its namesake gorge before depositing you atop a bluff with exceptional views of the coastline and rugged interior. If you’re staying longer, extend the route for a total of eight miles to tag 1,298-foot Black Mountain and enjoy the 360-degree panoramas at its summit. From the dock, it’s about 4.5 miles one-way to the mouth of Lobo Canyon, a winding slot of wind- and water-carved sandstone that travels roughly 1.5 miles before spilling out onto what feels like your own private beach.

San Miguel (Tuqan) is the park’s westernmost island, which means it’s susceptible to the gnarliest weather; windbreakers are all but mandatory. Due to possible unexploded ordinance (the Navy once committed the sacrilege of holding bombing practice here), unaccompanied visitors are restricted to a relatively small chunk of island’s northeastern quadrant near the ranger station. That’s why it’s worth it to call ahead and ensure that a ranger is available to guide the 16-mile out-and-back traverse to Point Bennett, where you can gawk at a gaggle of chatty seals and sea lions living their best lives at one of the most densely populated rookeries in the world.

Hiking opportunities are slim on tiny Anacapa (Anyapax) and Santa Barbara (Siwot). On the former, a 1.5-mile round trip drops you at Instagram-worthy Inspiration Point, while a 2.5-mile out-and-back to Elephant Seal Cove on the latter treats you to a sweeping view of its namesake pinnipeds in beachy repose.

Backpacking

Limited campsites and potable water make backpacking a little tricky. On Santa Rosa, reserve a backcountry beach-camping permit, then strike out from the dock to hike 12.4 miles along the unpaved former ranch road that traces Water Canyon before reaching prime spots near the mouth of La Jolla Vieja Canyon. Dispersed camping is available along the beach; be sure to pitch your tent above the high-water mark. On Santa Cruz, book a spot at the remote, oak-dappled Del Norte backcountry camp. This lofty perch, with only four designated sites, is a short 3.5 miles from Prisoner’s Harbor, but it feels more deliciously remote if you use it as a waypoint during a 24-mile loop from Scorpion Anchorage.

Listen, I’m a hiker through and through, but the best experience I’ve ever had at the park was sea-kayaking near Scorpion Anchorage. Unless you’re an experienced paddler, book a tour through Channel Islands Adventure Company  (from $118), which provides knowledgeable guides like Graham, along with all the equipment you’ll need for a few hours or a half day on the water. If you are already one with the ocean, rent a kayak from Channel Islands Kayak Center  (from $12.50 per hour) at least one day before your trip, or bring your own (contact Island Packers to make sure they have room on board; kayak transport is $20 to $28 on top of your ferry-ticket price, depending on its size). Scorpion Anchorage features the friendliest waters, followed by Anacapa, where you’ll find incredible tide pools at isolated Frenchy’s Cove. Due to their more unpredictable weather and waters, touring the outer islands is only recommended for the most experienced paddlers.

Snorkeling and Diving

Roughly half of Channel Islands National Park is underwater, with its boundary stretching a nautical mile out from shore; a zone six nautical miles beyond that is protected as a national marine sanctuary. This makes the park’s waters an extraordinary place to view marine life. Channel Islands Adventure Company also leads beginner-friendly snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage, where you’ll marvel at sunlit kelp forests brimming with sea life, including the neon orange garibaldi, California’s state marine fish. Experienced snorkelers and divers will also enjoy the biodiversity in the waters surrounding Anacapa and Santa Barbara Islands. Wetsuits are recommended year-round. Snorkeling gear rentals are available via Channel Islands Adventure Company (reserve equipment before arriving on the island); divers can rent their gear back on the mainland at Ventura Dive and Sport , located in the harbor.

The Best Places to Eat and Drink Around Ventura

Nearly every time I take an early ferry to the islands, I make a quick pit stop at the Harbor Cove Café , just a short walk from the Island Packers office. It serves a thick-as-your-arm Hawaiian-inspired burrito stuffed with pineapple and Spam. And ask about its lunch boxes to go. After your return, linger awhile at the harbor to replenish your carb stash at Copa Cubana (start with the yuca mojo de ajo ), nosh on seafood classics at Brophy Bros , or cool off with the frosty Technicolor concoctions dished up at Coastal Cone .

Slightly farther afield, even carnivores will find plenty to sink their teeth into at the punk-inspired Fatty Vegan , which serves up hearty, meatless riffs on all-American classics. Opt for the Mr. BBQ jackfruit sammy with a side of Nardcorn, a loose-kernel version on elote . The same unassuming strip mall features the Galloping Hen , a brunch joint whose bold claim to “The Best Homemade Chorizo in Ventura” I cannot deny. There’s even more to choose from in the heart of downtown. A local pal of mine is a fan of the curries at Rice Thai Cuisine , another friend makes a habit of stopping for a few island potions at VenTiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai , and I personally can’t wait to sample more of the fare at tucked-away Rumfish y Vino , the seafood-heavy California outpost of a Belizean gastropub. For a more casual experience, grab some local craft brews (more on this in a moment) and head to nearby San Buenaventura State Beach, where you can tuck into briny bivalves at the  Jolly Oyster .

If You Have Time for a Detour

Immortalized in song (press play on the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ U.S.A.” if you don’t believe me), Ventura is one of the world’s most iconic surfing locations. Grab your board and head to—wait for it—Surfer’s Point, a popular break near the downtown pier; tamer waters roll in a few minutes up the coast at Mondo’s Beach. Less than 15 miles north of downtown Ventura, Rincon Beach Park , home to the annual Rincon Classic, draws experienced surfers to a trio of good breaks. If you don’t have a board, rent one from the old-timers at Ventura Surf Shop , which has been catering to wave hounds since the sixties. If you don’t have the skills, learn from the crew at Ventura Makos ; they teach groms of all ages.

For a short stroll or run, check out pastoral Harmon Canyon Preserve , which slices through the mountainous foothills perched at the city’s northern edge. For something a little more adventurous, the rugged Los Padres National Forest fans out to the north, with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area rising from the Pacific just a half-hour to the southeast. Cyclists will find plenty to enjoy in both of these areas, but there’s also great cruising right in town along several paved routes, including the 12-mile Ventura Pacific Coast Bikeway and the 16.5-mile Ventura River Parkway. Rent your wheels (or schedule a tour) at Ventura Bike Depot .

Finally, book an extra night in your hotel (and secure a designated driver) so that you can partake in samples offered by the region’s many purveyors of adult liquid delights. While the central coast’s famed wine country isn’t all that far away, Ventura is better known for its craft-brew scene, which includes Leashless Brewing (which keeps several gluten-reduced beers in rotation), MadeWest Brewing Company (whose Donlon Double IPA snagged a World Beer Cup award in 2018), and brand-new Transmission Brewing (whose Peelin’ Out incorporates locally grown tangerines). That said, I truly can’t wait until I can once again kick back and sip a dreamy, creamy Tux Nitro Milk Stout in the perfectly chill beer garden at Topa Topa Brewery ’s Colt Street headquarters, located just east of the harbor. Save room to visit the tasting room at Ventura Spirits , a distillery that uses overstock and less than perfect produce from area farms (and in the case of its agave spirit, plants that people no longer want in their yards) to conjure up a host of aromatic elixirs. Try its Wilder Gin, which tastes like all of my favorite California plants decided to get boozy together.

How to Be Conscious

There are no trash receptacles anywhere on the islands, so pack out everything you brought along for the adventure, including fruit peels and pits. I carry a reusable zip-top bag along for this purpose, just as I do when traveling anywhere in the backcountry.

Wildlife is one of the major draws of a visit to the Channel Islands, and it’s important to give our furry, finned, and feathery friends ample space to live their lives in peace while we gawk in wonder. This is especially important when seabirds and pinnipeds are caring for their young, which is why beach camping is not allowed on Santa Rosa from January through mid-August. The park suggests giving a 100-yard berth to any nesting or pupping wildlife, since our presence can spook away the parent, leaving their eggs or young unattended and vulnerable. For this same reason, tamper your squeals of joy and avoid shining lights if you enter sea caves while kayaking, since animals enjoy cozying up inside.

You can also protect the park’s wildlife by storing food in critter-proof containers, such as hard-sided coolers or the lockers provided at campsites and picnic tables. The ravens, mice, and foxes here are bold and skilled, especially on heavily touristed Santa Cruz, where they’ve evolved to learn how to open (and close— so stealthy! ) zippers. Graham shared that a cunning avian thief once swiped his car keys, which he later discovered dangling from a dock halfway around the island.

• Santa Barbara

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How to visit Channel Islands National Park

Five remote islands off the coast of Southern California are known as the “North American Galapagos.” These expert tips will help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

Why you should go to Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is often referred to as the “North American Galapagos” for good reason. Composed of five tectonically formed islands and surrounded by an extensive marine sanctuary, the park teems with wildlife not seen anywhere else on Earth. Endemic species of fox, skunk, and lizard, plus millions of shorebirds call these islands home. Humpback and gray whales travel the surrounding waters, while tens of thousands of elephant seals and sea lions find respite on sandy shores.

“Millions of people live on the Southern California mainland, but [in the park] you don't hear engines or see lights or have any sense that human beings other than you exist,” local novelist T.C. Boyle told Sunset magazine in 2011. Indeed, on these islands, nature rules.

Yet, archaeological evidence shows the presence of humans as far back as 13,000 years ago. The oldest human remains found anywhere are likely an ancestor of the Chumash , who lived here before they were forcibly moved to the mainland by Spanish conquerors in the 1820s.

Today, the islands remain the center of the Chumash creation story, told to overnight visitors by crackling campfire, under the stars. Activities like this are part of what makes a visit to Channel Islands National Park a remarkable adventure, just 20 miles from big city life.

Visitors are drawn to the park’s five islands seeking wildlife, solitude, and active adventures, such as sea kayaking and snorkeling. On Santa Cruz Island , you can paddle into North America’s second-largest sea cave, while nearby Anacapa Island provides extraordinary birding and photography opportunities. More remote islands like Santa Rosa offer challenging backpacking and rare pine trees, while San Miguel Island allows hardy travelers the chance to witness thousands of pinnipeds gathering on wide beaches. The smallest island, Santa Barbara comes alive with vibrant wildflowers in spring.

( Make the most of your next national park trip with these planning guides .)

Where to find the best views in the park

While every island has its own stunning viewpoints, many say Anacapa’s Inspiration Point   is the most breathtaking, even on a foggy day. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike begins at the pier with a steep 157-step ascent before crossing to this lofty perch. In spring, giant coreopsis with bright yellow flowers bloom before a dizzying vista of the Anacapa islets and, if you’re lucky, breaching whales.

( Take great travel photos with these essential tips .)

Where to find the park’s best hikes

Numerous trails meander across the Channel Islands following historic Chumash routes. One of the best day hikes for first-time visitors is the Potato Harbor Overlook on Santa Cruz Island. The moderate five-mile round-trip excursion begins at Scorpion Anchorage and skirts around marine terraces, leading to dramatic views of the harbor and the island’s western coastline.

Other popular hikes include the strenuous nine-mile Lobo Canyon hike on Santa Rosa Island, which follows a stream through sandstone formations to a dreamy coastline. Reminiscent of Utah ’s canyons, Lobo is like nothing else in the park.

Where to find the best spots for seeing wildlife

The endemic island fox —one of the smallest canids in the world—makes its rounds on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel islands, while the island spotted skunk is only found on Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. Endemic land birds such as the Channel Island song sparrow , island loggerhead shrike , and the island scrub jay , plus bald eagles can be seen soaring over the islands throughout the year.

Marine wildlife is more seasonal. In the spring, San Miguel is home to one of the largest pinniped colonies in North America, when over 100,000 seals and sea lions gather on Point Bennett . You can hike to various rookery overlooks on the island to see them, but you must be accompanied by a ranger as the island contains unexploded ordnance from when it was a U.S. military bombing site .

( Whale watching is booming. Here’s how to do it responsibly .)

Year-round, 27 species of cetaceans have been spotted in the Santa Barbara Channel, including migrating humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas. Common and bottlenose dolphins live in the channel throughout the year too. Look for marine mammals and flocks of colorful seabirds while crossing the channel via ferry.

How to visit the park like a Nat Geo Explorer

Thanks to his work studying ants and other insect biodiversity on the islands, David Holway , a University of California at San Diego ecologist and Nat Geo Explorer, has been able to visit all of the Channel Islands, including the three private southern islands outside of the park’s boundary: San Nicolas , Santa Catalina, and San Clemente. Although Santa Barbara Island is one of the more difficult to access, Holway recommends visiting it for some of the best views of all the Channel Islands in the park, except San Miguel.

Notable activities and excursions

An invaluable highlight of the islands is their link to Chumash culture. The four northern Channel Islands were once a massive single island called Santarosae , which was occupied by the ancestors of the Chumash more than 13,000 years ago   until Spanish colonization . During select nights in summer, Chumash elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie educates visitors by the fireside about Chumash culture on Santa Cruz Island. There, she tells the Chumash creation story, which originates on Santa Cruz, or Limuw .   To learn more about Chumash history and culture on your trip, visit the nearby Chumash Museum in Thousand Oaks, California, about 30 minutes by car from Ventura Harbor.

Best things to do for families

Families with kids will enjoy exploring Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Here, the half-mile Historic Scorpion Ranch hike stops by the late-1800s ranch house (now a visitors center) and includes displays of ranching equipment along the trail, which pair well with the Junior Ranger Booklet . Picnic tables and shade are available for day use and swimming is permitted at Scorpion Beach .

From the beach, visitors can also join kayaking and snorkeling tours along the island’s rugged coast with Santa Barbara Adventure Company . “There’s so much you can’t access on foot or by boat. [Kayaking] gives you a much better perspective of the islands,” says longtime Channel Islands guide Chuck Graham.

Where to stay in Channel Islands National Park

Camping:   There are 72 campsites across the park’s five islands, although they may not always be accessible due to boat schedules and seasonal closures. Reservations (required for all campers) should be made six months in advance through Recreation.gov .

Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz Island is the park’s largest, reachable via a flat half-mile walk from the pier. Sites on Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara are steeper, thus more challenging to access.

Hotels: Since most Island Packer boats depart from Ventura Harbor early in the morning, visitors may choose to stay overnight at one of many hotels downtown, just 10 minutes from the harbor.

( Here’s how to plan the ultimate camping adventure .)

Here’s what else you need to know

Visiting by boat: Channel Islands National Park has no visitor’s fee, but Island Packers —the official boat concessionaire of the park—charges a boarding fee for round-trip day tickets, starting at $63 for adults and $45 for children. Guests should book tickets a few months in advance, especially for holidays and weekends. Private boaters may visit but must dock in specific locations. Check the park’s boating page for landing instructions and locations.

First-timers:   Of all the islands in the park, Anacapa and Santa Cruz may be the most suitable for first-time visitors. They’re about an hour boat ride from shore and see less extreme conditions, making them great options for day trips.

Closures:   Note that various parts of the park close for wildlife conservation throughout the year. Check current conditions before your trip. As of January 2023, Santa Barbara Island is closed due to storm damage to the island’s wharf.

Plan ahead:   Because of the islands’ remote location, visitors must be cautious and self-reliant. There are no services on the islands, so bring food for day trips and ensure you have everything you need for overnight trips. Pack multiple layers since it can get very cold and windy overnight. You must pack out all your trash.

Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz are the only islands with potable water at campgrounds, so plan accordingly for trips at several parks over multiple nights.

Historical concerns: The islands preserve many archaeological sites and artifacts. Remember, it is illegal to touch, remove, or disturb them, and stay on trails.

Are pets allowed in Channel Islands National Park?

Pets are not allowed on any of the islands. Service animals are permitted in the mainland visitors centers and on Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa Islands after they have received a health screening. Vaccinations are required at least a month prior to visiting, so plan well in advance. See additional requirements here .

Accessibility

Due to the park’s isolation and challenging terrain, Channel Islands National Park is one of the least accessible parks, especially for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. The park’s two main visitors centers on the mainland are accessible.

Island Packer vessels have limited accessibility. Call 805-642-1393 for details. The concessionaire currently does not mandate masks on its vessels.

( Learn how the National Park Service is making its public lands more accessible .)

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Channel Islands National Park: The Complete Guide

Courtesy of Visit California

Things To Do

Kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba, where to camp, where to stay, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit.

Channel Islands National Park

Less than 100 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles’ freeways, dramatically jutting up from the Pacific Ocean and separated from the mainland by deep underwater channels, sit eight wild, rugged islands. The five that make up Channel Islands National Park —San Miguel. Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara—alongside 318 square miles of Marine Protected Areas are an invigorating glimpse into the California of yore with their rolling hills, sea caves, jagged cliffs, secluded coves, gorgeous vistas, kelp forests, and wildflower-covered rambles. Once the home of the Chumash Indians—remains found on Santa Rosa date back 13,000 years—and several ranching endeavors, it is now mostly untouched by man, save for a few rotating rangers, and instead inhabited by more than 2,000 species of plants and animals including 145 that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. It is one of the easiest places in the world to act on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s directive to “live in the sunshine, swim the sea, [and] drink the wild air.”

This complete guide aims to help you achieve all three. It covers which island offers what, how to get to them, where to camp, when to go, the best hikes, what to see and do while visiting, animals you might see, and its complicated history.

Gary Kavanagh/Getty Images

All Channel Islands deliver a peaceful respite from the loud and busy modern world, recreational activities like hiking and swimming, and an abundance of wildlife. Individually though, each island has unique draws like a petrified forest, ancient Chumash sites (read more of their history  here ), a lighthouse, and a sea lion rookery.

A good place to start your CINP journey is at the beachfront Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center on the mainland in Ventura. It features a 25-minutes film narrated by Kevin Costner, an aquarium with live animals, several exhibits, a third-floor viewing deck, a garden with native plants, and ranger programs.

Highlights for each island include:

• Anacapa Island (Chumash name is ‘ Anyapax  which means “mirage”): The 737-acre island comprises a spiny main hunk and three islets. Features the largest brown pelican rookery in the US, the last permanent lighthouse built on the West Coast, a bevy of seabirds, Chumash middens, Cathedral Cove, sea caves, wildflowers (best in winter and early spring), kelp forests, tidepools, great kayaking, and Arch Rock. This is a good pick for first visits or if you are short on time.
• Santa Cruz  (Limuw ): Split by a fault line, the park’s largest island (61,972 acres) is also the easiest to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Explore canyons, pristine beaches, sweeping hillsides, abandoned ranches, and one of the planet’s largest sea caves, Painted Cave.
• Santa Rosa ( Wima ): At 53,051 acres, it is the second-largest island and beckons with picturesque dunes, gnarled driftwood, rolling hills, rare Torrey pines, good tide-pooling, deep canyons like Lobo, a coastal lagoon, great wildlife viewing, and pretty beaches like Water Canyon. It even boasts good surfing. (Typically, the north shore is best in winter/spring and the south shore is better for summer/fall.) This is also where the most complete pygmy mammoth specimen was uncovered in 1994.
• San Miguel ( Tuqan) : The westernmost isle is battered by wind, fog, and severe weather and is the one island that requires a permit and liability waiver to come ashore as it is owned by the military and used to be a bombing range. The island is only open when park personnel is present. Reasons to visit include the calcified caliche forest, Lester Ranch ruins, interpretive programs in Cuyler Harbor, exceptional birding, Chumash sites, Cabrillo Monument, and Point Bennett, one of the largest congregations of wildlife (30,000 animals of five different species) in the world. 
• Santa Barbara ( Siwoth ): Centuries of explorers, commercial fishing, ranchers, seal, and abalone hunters, and the military took a toll on the smallest island (644 acres), but animals and plants—many of which are quite rare or only found here including the island night lizard and the live-forever plant—are finally making a comeback on its rocky shores, grassy mesa, twin peaks, and craggy cliffs. There are five miles of trails, stunning coastal overlooks, great underwater visibility, and sea lion and seal rookeries.

Blue Barron Photo/Getty Images

Nicknamed the U.S. Galapagos, CINP is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 145 endemic ones like the island fox, the island deer mouse, the island spotted skunk, several lizards, some birds like the song sparrow and scrub-jay, and some plants and trees. The islands were never connected to the mainland, which affected the types of animals present. Each island has a unique complement of animals, and over time some species have evolved into new species and subspecies. For instance, there are different versions of the fox and the deer mouse on each island.

When ranchers set up operations in the mid-19th century, they introduced non-native species like pigs and sheep, which wreaked havoc on the ecosystem. They hunted the island’s bald eagle population almost to extinction, a job that was finished off by the extensive use of DDT in the 1950s. From 2002 to 2006, 61 pairs of bald eagles were reintroduced, and today they are thriving and breeding once again. The foxes, all listed as endangered in the early 2000s, have also become a conservation and breeding program success story. It also helps that the park made concerted efforts to remove non-native species over the last few decades.

Thousands of northern elephant seals, California sea lions, northern fur seals, and harbor seals all breed at varying times throughout the year at Point Bennett, on the west end of San Miguel Island. To see the rookery up close requires a six-mile hike.

In winter, gray whales migrate through the area, and whale-watching tours can be taken from harbors in Ventura, Oxnard, or Santa Barbara from December through April. Likely, you would also see dolphins, seals, and sea lions. Potentially, a pod or orcas. Summer’s ocean upwelling fills the channel with plumes of plankton, and hungry whales come to feast. Generally, there are also whale-watching tours that take advantage of this annual occurrence from July through September. 

Some areas of the park remain closed to humans or boat landings to protect the creatures that live, breed, or nest in them. To learn about all closures, check this  link . 

FragmentOne/Getty Images

Best Hikes 

The park has many trails , which vary in difficulty, length, and maintenance levels. Maps are available at visitor centers and at island kiosks. Remember to stay on established trails when available. Bicycles are not allowed, and you must pack out all trash.  

Hiking highlights include:

• All Anacapa paths are rated easy and range in length from .4 to 1.5 miles. Inspiration Point offers one of the park’s most breathtaking vistas while another hike leads to the lighthouse.
• Santa Cruz has a fantastic variety, from an easy half-mile stroll to take in a ranch complex from the late-1800s to a strenuous 18-mile slog along an unmaintained trail to see Santa Cruz’s unique pine tree. Potato Harbor Overlook is also a stunning sight.
• On Santa Rosa choose between an easy 2-mile ramble along blufftops (Becher’s Bay), walks along white sandy beaches or stream beds in walled canyons (Water Canyon), or long steep mountainous climbs (Black Mountain).
• Owned by the Navy, San Miguel was a former bombing range and thus it’s critically important to stay on trail here as there might be undetonated ordnance. Observe seal and sea lion colonies after the strenuous 8-mile hike out to Point Bennett. A challenging 5 miles will land you at the Caliche Forest.
• Santa Barbara has a little more than 5 miles of paths that transverse the island. One mile of moderate hiking is rewarded with fabulous sunsets, seasonal flowers, and a view of Arch Point. Elephant Seal Cover Overlook provides a glimpse of pinnipeds and towering volcanic cliffs. 

Courtesy of Santa Barbara Adventure Company

The park is one of the  best places to kayak in California , thanks to its sizeable sea caves, thriving kelp forests, clear waters, and inquisitive marine life.  Santa Barbara Adventure Company  and Island Packers run organized kayaking tours of all skill levels from Santa Cruz Island’s Scorpion Anchorage. Some tours include a snorkeling portion. They also handle rentals, and IP can transport personal equipment for a fee. Several companies like the  Spectre Dive Boat  run diving trips for those who want to explore underwater. 

Overnighting in on the Channel Islands is the definition of roughing it as there are no goods or services on the islands. All campgrounds are quite primitive, there are ticks and rodents that potentially carry hantavirus, and all food must be packed in and all trash packed out. Be smart as there are no remedies on the island for poor planning.

Travelers must carry all of their gear from the ferry/airstrip to the campsite. Distances vary from .25 to 1.5 miles, sometimes up steep hills or, in Anacapa’s case, 157 stairs. Most landing areas also require gear to be carried up and down a ladder. You may also get wet during landing and loading.

Camping is available year-round, with 72 sites spread across all five islands. Reservations are required for all of them at all times. Each site has a picnic table. None of the campgrounds have showers. All have vault toilets except Santa Rosa, which has flushing facilities. Eastern Santa Cruz is the only campground with shade and trees. Only two islands, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, have potable water. Each site on San Miguel and Santa Rosa has a windbreak as 30-knot winds are not uncommon.  

Food and trash must be secured from birds and animals at all times in tamper-proof containers like sealing coolers. Food storage lockers are also available at the campgrounds. Single-use plastic bags are not allowed on the islands. Foxes and ravens can open zippers, so carabiners, paper clips, or twist ties are suggested to keep them out of your tent. Due to extreme fire danger, no campfires or charcoal fires are permitted. Use only enclosed gas camp stoves. Bring an extra day’s worth of food and water in case sea conditions prevent the boat shuttles from landing.

On Anacapa from April to Mid-August, nesting western gulls can cause adverse conditions (guano, strong odors, constant noise, and carcasses).

Limited backcountry camping is available. Available all year, Del Norte near Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz is nestled in a shaded oak grove 700 feet above sea level. Some secluded beaches on Santa Rosa are open for camping from Aug. 15 to Dec. 31. The closest site is nine miles from the boat/plane drop-off. These accommodations are not for the inexperienced or unfit as the hikes are along rugged beaches, dirt roads without signage, and unmaintained animal paths. You must also bring your own toilet paper and water.

Reserve spots on  Recreation.gov . Individual sites are $15 per night, and group sites on Santa Cruz are $40 per night.

Courtesy of the National Park Service

There is no lodging outside of the campgrounds within the park. Ventura, Oxnard, and Santa Barbara all have hotels and resorts at every budget level for the night before your boat ride to the islands or the night after you return to civilization. 

The park is only accessible by park concessionaire boats ( Island Packers Cruises ) and planes ( Channel Islands Aviation ). 

IPC is the official boat concessionaire and ferries visitors to Santa Cruz and Anacapa year-round while limited rides to the outer islands (Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) only occur from March through November. IPC also offers a series of trips that do not go ashore, including seasonal whale-watching tours, general island and wildlife viewing, and birding cruises. Prices range from $29 to $195 depending on the tour and passenger age and type. Camper passage is more expensive than daytrippers. Boats leave from Oxnard and Ventura harbors. 

CIA has been the park’s official airline since the mid-1990s, although it has run charters to the islands aboard its Britten-Norman Islander (seats eight) since 1975. Flights leave from the Camarillo Airport, and prices start at $1,200 for exclusive plane use. CIA runs deluxe and half-day trips to Santa Rosa and San Miguel and can haul you and your gear out and back for multi-day camping trips.  

Personal boats can be used to get to the islands, but there are restrictions like personal watercraft such as jet skis are not allowed in park waters, and landing on offshore rocks or islets is not permitted. To learn more, go  here . 

The main visitor center is fully accessible thanks to ramps, a captioned film, designated parking stalls, an elevator to the lookout, and other features. The Santa Barbara station is also accessible. But the park, due to its rugged terrain and isolated location, is a difficult place for people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Many islands require offloading from the boat to a dock ladder, climbing stairs, and navigating narrow trails. 

To determine the accessibility of boats and planes that go to and from the park, contact the concessioners directly.

Some campsites on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa are level and have wheelchair-accessible tables. Assistance is available on those two islands to get people who need an extra hand to campgrounds. This requires pre-planning through the visitor center. Ranger-led programs or hikes can be modified in some ways, like ASL interpretation, but requests should be made at least two weeks in advance. 

Service animals are allowed in the visitor center, but a health screening and proof of vaccination are required for them to go ashore on Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel islands. 

Benedek/Getty Images

• There is no general admission fee for the park, but there are costs associated with transportation to the islands, campsites, tours, and gear rental.
• The park is open year-round, 24 hours a day but visitor centers have varying hours. Spring through Fall is the busiest season. If you plan to travel during that time, it would be wise to make transportation and campground reservations as far in advance as possible. The same goes for gear rentals.
• The weather is unpredictable, so layers are recommended. The wind can be fierce and pop up unexpectantly. Most of the campgrounds and many of the trails have minimal shade, so definitely don’t forget hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
• Feeding wildlife is illegal and makes them dangerously dependent on humans. Fishing within the marine protected areas is also a no-no, as is collecting, damaging, or injuring animals, plant life, natural features, or cultural items. Pets are not allowed in the park as they could endanger wildlife.
• Smoke only in designated areas.
• Cell phone and internet access are almost non-existent. In case of emergency, locate park staff.

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Here’s how to have an epic adventure at channel islands national park..

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Channel Islands National Park encompasses five ecologically rich islands located off the Southern Californian coast.

Photo by Justin Fantl

Located off the coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands are known as the “Galápagos of North America.”

In 1980, five of the eight islands in the archipelago were declared Channel Islands National Park : Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Development on them is minimal, with a few campsites, national park offices, and research stations. This makes them an Edenic retreat for hikers, bird-watchers, kayakers, divers, wildlife enthusiasts, and wildflower lovers.

The archipelago, and the extensive marine sanctuary surrounding it, is home to more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna. Visitors may catch a glimpse of some of the 145 endemic species of foxes, skunks, or birds that call the archipelago home. Tens of thousands of sea lions and elephant seals dot the shorelines, while dolphins and sperm whales swim through the waters, which are also home to kelp forests and deep-sea coral gardens.

The land and the surrounding waters hold immense cultural significance to the Chumash people, one of the archipelago’s original inhabitants. They believe the Earth Mother, Hutash, created their ancestors on Limuw , now known as Santa Cruz Island.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Channel Islands National Park:

How to get there

Channel Islands National Park can only be reached by ferry, private boat, or aerial helicopter tour. Island Packers Cruises is the park’s official boat concessionaire, with ports located about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles in Oxnard and Ventura. The trips to Santa Cruz and Anacapa take about an hour each, while journeys to the farther islands take between two and four hours. In harsh weather, the crossing may get rough and, in some cases, the ferry might be unable to dock.

Once on the archipelago, the only transportation options are kayak, foot, or a visitor’s own private boat. This makes it one of the least accessible national parks for visitors with mobility issues.

The islands have dozens of marked trails that range in difficulty: Inspiration Point is an hour-long stroll (Anacapa Island), while a visit to Point Bennett is part of a strenuous 16-mile loop where hikers can also observe colonies of seals (San Miguel Island). One of photographer Justin Fantl’s favorites is a nine-mile round-trip hike to the striated Lobo Canyon , where the sandstone has been carved by wind, water, and time (Santa Rosa Island).

On ferries to the park, visitors may get lucky and see dolphins or whales. Ocean-life enthusiasts may also consider one of Island Packers Cruises ’ whale-watching trips; from June to September, take a boat to the marine sanctuary to find humpback and blue whales, and from January to April, look for the gray whale. The company also runs boat tours to spot seals, sea lions, and birds.

Kayakers and snorkelers can rent gear from Channel Islands Adventure Company or Santa Barbara Adventure Company . Many kayak tours include visits to some of the islands’ cathedral-like sea caves, such as those near Scorpion Anchorage , a harbor on Santa Cruz Island. Back on the mainland, visitors can deepen their knowledge of the area’s Indigenous history with a visit to the Chumash Indian Museum in Thousand Oaks or the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History .

Humpback and gray whales often visit the waters surrounding the Channel Islands.

Photos by Justin Fantl

Most of the park’s 300,000 annual visitors enjoy the Channel Islands in the summer, but it’s never a bad time to travel to the park. Here are the best things about visiting the Channel Islands during each season.

• Spring: Wildflower blooms.
• Summer: Warm weather and calm water make it an ideal time to hike and kayak.
• Fall: Water visibility (up to 100 feet) is at its maximum
• Winter: Best time for whale spotting and for catching spectacular sunsets. (Note that there is limited transportation to the outer islands—Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara—during the winter months.)

Where to stay

There are primitive campsites located on each of the islands. Reservations are required. Each campsite offers pit toilets and picnic tables; all food must be carried in, and trash must be carried out. Campfires are not allowed. The most popular campgrounds are Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island and Water Canyon on Santa Rosa Island, both of which offer potable water (at the other campgrounds, water must be carried in). For travelers looking to level up their adventure even more, there are back country camping options on Santa Cruz or Santa Rosa islands.

But for those looking for less of a time commitment, it’s easy to day trip to the Channel Islands. Los Angeles , Ventura, and Santa Barbara are destinations in and of themselves and are located off the Pacific—all serve as natural entry ways to the park.

Tips for visiting

Given how remote and relatively inaccessible the islands are, and how little is available once you arrive, you’ll need to do some advance planning—as well as meticulous packing. “You have to be pretty self-sufficient, especially on islands like Santa Rosa or San Miguel,” says Fantl. “You get off the boat and that’s it, you’re alone. I’ve spent a whole day hiking and not seen anybody else.”

• Crossing the channel can get a bit rocky, depending on weather. Packing motion sickness medicine is recommended.
• Consider packing items like sunscreen, hiking boots, a lightweight jacket, a swimsuit, and a picnic blanket.
• The only fires permitted in the park must be started by enclosed gas stoves.
• Remember to follow “ Leave No Trace ” principles.
• The Channel Islands National Park’s website offers regulations and guidelines for visitors to limit their impact and reduce the spread of invasive species.

Channel Islands Ferry: Book Your Scenic Ride Today

Welcome to the world of scenic beauty and adventure at Channel Islands National Park! If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, look no further than the Channel Islands Ferry . As the official boat concessionaire for the park, Island Packers Cruises offers year-round transportation to Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands, with limited schedule trips to Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands from March through November.

Exciting news awaits all adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers! Island Packers Cruises is thrilled to announce a new reservation system starting in 2024, providing greater flexibility and convenience for passengers. Reserving your tickets for trips after May 31, 2024, can be done as early as January 1, 2024, ensuring you secure your spot on this breathtaking journey.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• Channel Islands Ferry offers transportation to Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands, providing access to the stunning Channel Islands National Park.
• Island Packers Cruises also offers limited schedule trips to Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands from March through November.
• Starting in 2024, a new reservation system will be implemented, allowing passengers to secure their trips well in advance.
• Reservations for trips after May 31, 2024, can be made as early as January 1, 2024.
• Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Galapagos of North America and witness the unique wildlife and natural wonders of the Channel Islands National Park.

Explore the Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands National Park is a breathtaking destination that comprises five remarkable islands – Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa. These islands, often referred to as the Galapagos of North America, are not only famous for their stunning beauty but also for the incredible diversity of wildlife and natural resources they harbor.

When you visit the Channel Islands National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a wide range of channel island animals and witness the wonders of channel islands wildlife . From the adorable island foxes and playful sea lions to the majestic bald eagles and unique plant species, there is always something fascinating to discover.

Aside from the abundance of channel island animals , the park also offers a wealth of recreational activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. You can go camping, hiking, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, diving, sportfishing, and even embark on thrilling whale watching expeditions. It’s an outdoor paradise that caters to all interests.

The Channel Islands National Park is surrounded by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, making it a haven for marine life and a vital conservation area. The sanctuary acts as a protective buffer, ensuring the preservation and sustainability of the diverse ecosystems found in the park.

Whether you’re captivated by the channel islands wildlife or simply seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, the Channel Islands National Park will leave you in awe. It’s a destination where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world and create unforgettable memories.

Island Trips and Wildlife Viewing Options

When visiting the Channel Islands, there are numerous island trips available that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this breathtaking destination. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a longer vacation, Island Packers Cruises offers a variety of options to suit your preferences.

Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the islands, is a must-visit destination. With year-round visits and a wide range of activities, there’s always something to explore. From hiking through scenic trails to kayaking in crystal clear waters, Santa Cruz Island offers an abundance of adventure and tranquility.

If you’re seeking a wildlife experience, head to Anacapa Island. Being the closest island to the mainland, it provides convenient access for wildlife viewing. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, seals, and a variety of seabirds that call this island home. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close and personal.

For a more exclusive experience, Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands are open for limited visits during specific months. These trips offer a unique chance to explore lesser-known islands and discover hidden gems. Witnessing the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of these islands will leave you in awe.

Channel Islands National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be explored. From the rugged coastline to the vibrant marine life, each island offers a different perspective and a chance to connect with nature. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an island adventure of a lifetime.

Imagine yourself on a boat ride, cruising along the sparkling waters of the Channel Islands. The sun is shining, the sea breeze is refreshing, and the anticipation of an incredible adventure fills the air. It’s a journey that will take you to remote islands, where breathtaking landscapes and fascinating wildlife await. Discover the wonders of the Channel Islands National Park and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover the Beautiful Sea Caves

The Channel Islands are renowned for their stunning sea caves, which can be explored through guided kayak tours. These mesmerizing natural wonders offer visitors an unforgettable experience in the heart of Channel Islands National Park.

One popular option is the Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. This tour takes you on a journey through the breathtaking sea caves, lush kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Paddling through these enchanting caves and immersing yourself in the surrounding beauty is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

For those seeking different levels of difficulty and durations, there are other kayaking tours available. The Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour and the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour offer diverse options to suit every adventurer’s preferences.

Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, these guided tours provide a safe and informative way to explore the sea caves and learn about the unique ecosystem of the Channel Islands. Get ready to witness the mesmerizing beauty of these hidden gems from the comfort of your kayak.

Guided Snorkel Excursions in Channel Islands National Park

Experience the incredible underwater world of Channel Islands National Park with guided snorkel excursions offered by Channel Islands Adventure Company . Located at Scorpion Anchorage, these tours provide the perfect opportunity for snorkelers to explore the vibrant sea life and diverse marine ecosystems of the park.

During the snorkel excursions, expert guides will accompany you, sharing their knowledge of marine ecology and the natural history of the islands. You’ll learn fascinating facts about the unique species that call the Channel Islands their home, enhancing your experience and understanding of this remarkable underwater world.

To ensure you have everything you need for a fantastic snorkeling adventure, snorkel gear is available for rent at the company’s conveniently located storefront on the island. With the necessary equipment in hand, you can dive into the crystal-clear waters, marvel at the colorful marine life, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean.

Exploring the Channel Islands through snorkeling is an unforgettable experience that allows you to witness the mesmerizing beauty of nature up close. Book your guided snorkel excursion with Channel Islands Adventure Company , and let their experienced guides take you on an extraordinary journey through the enchanting underwater realm of Channel Islands National Park.

Plan Your Channel Islands Trip

When it comes to planning your Channel Islands vacation , there are a few key factors to consider. Let’s explore some essential information to help you make the most of your visit to this stunning destination.

Getting to Channel Islands

Island Packers Cruises is the go-to provider for ferry transportation to the islands. Their reliable services ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. To facilitate a convenient experience for passengers, Island Packers Cruises has implemented a new reservation system, offering greater flexibility and ease of booking.

It is important to note that popular travel dates tend to sell out quickly. To secure your spot, it is advisable to make your reservations in advance. By doing so, you can guarantee a seat on the ferry and avoid any disappointments.

Visitor Information

Before embarking on your Channel Islands adventure, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the Channel Islands National Park. One important guideline is the prohibition of bringing nonnative species to the park. This measure ensures the preservation and protection of the park’s unique ecosystems and native wildlife.

Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to check the visitor information available on the park’s official website. This will provide you with important updates, safety guidelines, and any temporary closures or restrictions that may be in place.

Accommodations

While the Channel Islands do not offer overnight accommodations, there are nearby options where you can stay before or after your island excursion. Coastal cities such as Ventura and Oxnard provide a range of lodging options, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. These locations also offer a variety of dining experiences and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Remember to plan your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This will allow you to secure the best rates and make the most of your time on and off the islands.

With careful planning and preparation, your Channel Islands vacation is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Book your ferry ride with Island Packers Cruises, familiarize yourself with the visitor information, and secure your accommodations in advance. Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural wonders that await you in the Channel Islands National Park.

Whale Watching and Birding Trips

Are you ready for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the Channel Islands? Join us at Island Packers Cruises for our special whale watching and birding trips. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean and the diverse wildlife that calls the Channel Islands home.

On our whale watching trips, you’ll have the opportunity to witness various species of whales, dolphins, and other marine animals in their natural habitat. From the majestic humpback whales to the playful dolphins, every sighting will leave you in awe. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these incredible moments.

If you’re a birding enthusiast, our pelagic birding excursion is a must. Embark on a journey to spot a variety of seasonal pelagic species. From graceful albatrosses to colorful puffins, you’ll have the chance to observe these magnificent birds up close. Our experienced guides will provide insights into the unique behaviors and habitats of the birds, enriching your birding experience.

Whether you’re passionate about whales or birds, our trips offer a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the Channel Islands. You’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and serenaded by the sounds of the sea. It’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Join us on our whale watching and birding trips and create memories that will stay with you forever. Book your adventure with Island Packers Cruises today!

Embark on a mesmerizing journey with Channel Islands Ferry and explore the natural wonders of the Channel Islands National Park. Whether you choose to kayak through the sea caves , snorkel in the vibrant underwater world , or go on a wildlife viewing trip , the Channel Islands offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Plan your trip in advance , make your reservations , and get ready for an adventure-filled vacation surrounded by breathtaking landscapes , diverse wildlife , and the serenity of the untouched wilderness. Book your scenic ride today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Can I book a ferry ride to the Channel Islands?

Yes, you can book a ferry ride to the Channel Islands through Island Packers Cruises. They are the Official Boat Concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park and offer year-round transportation to Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands. Limited schedule trips to Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands are also available from March through November.

When does the new reservation system for Island Packers Cruises begin?

The new reservation system for Island Packers Cruises begins in 2024. Starting from January 1, 2024, you can make reservations for trips after May 31, 2024. The new system aims to provide greater freedoms and convenience for passengers.

How many islands are there in the Channel Islands National Park?

The Channel Islands National Park consists of five remarkable islands – Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa. These islands are known as the Galapagos of North America and are home to unique animals, plants, and archaeological resources.

What activities can I do in the Channel Islands National Park?

The Channel Islands National Park offers a range of activities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, diving, sportfishing, and whale watching. The park’s proximity to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary further enhances the biodiversity and conservation efforts in the area.

What island trips are available for visitors?

Island Packers Cruises offers various island trips for visitors to explore and experience the natural beauty of the Channel Islands. Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the islands, offers year-round visits and a diverse range of activities. Anacapa Island is accessible and provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands are open for limited visits during specific months, allowing visitors to witness the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes of the Channel Islands National Park.

Can I explore the sea caves in the Channel Islands?

Yes, the Channel Islands are renowned for their stunning sea caves, which can be explored through guided kayak tours. The Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage is a popular option, taking visitors through the unparalleled natural wonders of the area. Other kayaking tours, such as the Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour and the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour, provide different levels of difficulty and durations, allowing visitors to choose the experience that suits them best.

Are there snorkeling opportunities in the Channel Islands National Park?

Yes, the Channel Islands Adventure Company offers guided snorkel excursions at Scorpion Anchorage in Channel Islands National Park. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the vibrant sea life and underwater world of the park. Snorkelers can learn about marine ecology and the natural history of the islands from expert guides, enhancing their experience and understanding. Snorkel gear is available for rent at the company’s storefront on the island, allowing visitors to fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the ocean.

How should I plan my trip to the Channel Islands?

Planning a trip to the Channel Islands can be made easier by considering important factors such as ferry schedules and accommodations. Island Packers Cruises provides ferry transportation to the islands, and their new reservation system offers greater convenience for passengers. Visitors should make their reservations in advance, as popular dates may sell out quickly. It is also important to consider the unique regulations and guidelines of the Channel Islands National Park, such as the prohibition of bringing nonnative species to the park to protect its ecosystems.

Are there special trips for whale watching and birding?

Yes, Island Packers Cruises offers special trips for whale watching and birding enthusiasts. These trips provide opportunities to witness various species of whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. The pelagic birding excursion is a popular trip for birding enthusiasts, offering a chance to spot a variety of seasonal pelagic species. These trips allow visitors to connect with nature and observe the diverse wildlife that calls the Channel Islands home.

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The best channel islands itinerary: how to visit channel islands national park.

Disclosure : I was a guest of  Visit Ventura  but all opinions and recommendations are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. 

Looking for an awesome Channel Islands itinerary? Well, you’ve come to the right place! I had no idea what to expect from a Channel Islands day trip, but I’m so glad I *finally* got a chance to visit.

If you haven’t made a visit to Channel Islands National Park either, you’re not alone. Would you believe that out of 63 national parks, Channel Islands National Park is only the 47th most visited? Now that I’ve been there, I can’t believe it. Channel Islands National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in California!

Although I haven’t visited a ton of national parks (planning on changing that!), I’ve been wanting to see the Channel Islands for years. But it wasn’t until I boarded the ferry to Santa Cruz Island that I started to understand what I’d been missing. The islands are teeming with animals, plants, and birds you can’t see anywhere in the world. There’s a good chance you’ll see dolphins or seals or sea lions on the ferry ride. And the ocean views are beyond belief.

A Channel Islands itinerary is a must for anyone who loves to enjoy pristine, uncrowded nature. And if you’re wondering how to visit Channel Islands National Park and what to do there, you’re in the right place.

Table of Contents

About the Channel Islands

The history of the Channel Islands is super fascinating. Before becoming a park, the islands were privately owned and operated as ranches. The sheep and cattle they imported from the mainland changed the natural habitat of the island, and a lot of the old buildings are still there. It wasn’t officially established as a national park until 1980.

Before they were ranches though, the islands were home to the Chumash , the native population that lived there for thousands of years. It’s said that the Channel Islands were the birthplace of the tribe. They fished the local waters, manufactured tools and trade items, and traveled back and forth to the mainland in tomols – canoes they made from fallen redwood trees that drifted down the coast. You can learn more about the Chumash and Native Lands here .

The Channel Islands are also where archaeologists discovered the earliest evidence of humans in North America. The remains found in the excavation at Arlington Springs (on Santa Rosa island) are over 13,000 years old!

The Channel Islands became a National Park in 1980, and are home to over 100 species of plants and animals that can’t be found anywhere else in the world . The NPS is dedicated to protecting and restoring the natural resources of the Channel Islands. The park is also committed to honoring the islands’ history through archaeological excavations and hosts regular celebrations in collaboration with the Chumash people.

Eight islands make up the Channel Islands, but only five make up Channel Islands National Park.

Anacapa Island

Anacapa Island is a great place to visit if you’re interested in marine life. It’s actually three small islands, and its sea caves and surrounding kelp forest make it a great habitat for seals and sea lions. It is close to the California coast so it’s a good option for a Channel Islands day trip.

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is the best (and most popular) Channel Island to visit for first-time visitors. It has mountains, spectacular cliffs overlooking the ocean, tidepools, a fascinating visitor center, and gorgeous beaches. It’s basically everything you could ask for in an island!

If hiking is your thing, you’ve got tons of trails to choose from, and if you like the water, Santa Cruz is the best Channel Island for water activities like snorkeling and kayaking.

Santa Rosa Island

The best beach in the Channel Islands can be found on Santa Rosa Island . It can get pretty windy on Santa Rosa though, so water sports aren’t really recommended. It’s a better island to visit for hikers and overnight campers. 

San Miguel Island

Another island that you’ll want to camp on, San Miguel is the furthest island to the west. It doesn’t see as many visitors as the others, so it’s perfect for spotting wildlife – both on land and in the water! It’s not always open, so be sure to check the ferry schedule for up-to-date information.

Santa Barbara Island

Santa Barbara Island has limited ferry service, but it’s worth planning a visit if you can. The trails have incredible views, the wildflower fields are stunning, and there are birds and elephant seals everywhere!

Where are the Channel Islands?

So just how far are the Channel Islands from Los Angeles? The answer isn’t super straightforward because it depends on what island you’re visiting and where in Los Angeles you’re leaving from.

However, if you’re in Los Angeles county, like me, I highly recommend spending a weekend (or long weekend) in Ventura, like I did! That way, you can have a good night’s sleep and save your energy for all the island activities.

The Channel Islands sit northwest of Los Angeles. It’s about 70 miles to Ventura from Los Angeles and the closest island is about 50 nautical miles from Ventura and 70 miles from Santa Barbara. It’s wild that more people don’t visit! The islands are so close and an easily accessible day trip from Ventura or weekend trip from Los Angeles.

How to Get to the Channel Islands

They may only be fifty miles from the mainland, but the only way of getting to the Channel Islands is by boat or chartered flight . Even though it can be really choppy (like, really choppy), I recommend taking a boat. Not only is it more economical, but you’ll also have a great chance to see marine life like dolphins and seals on the way. 

From Ventura

The best way to get to the Channel Islands is to take a ferry from Ventura with Island Packers Cruises . They offer a wide variety of tour types to the various islands, which makes it easy to plan any Channel Islands itinerary. 

You’ll need to book your trip in advance . I recommend at least 3 weeks – more if you’re going in spring or summer. You’ll also need to call on the morning of your departure to make sure the ferry is still running.

Most of the trips to the Channel Islands leave from Ventura Harbor, but there are a few that depart from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard so be sure to check your confirmation to make sure you’re headed to the right place.  

From Santa Barbara

It’s possible to book a private boat out to the Channel Islands from Santa Barbara, but I still recommend driving to Ventura and using Island Packers . It’s only about a half-hour drive south on PCH (the Pacific Coast Highway) and it’s a gorgeous, scenic drive. 

The Best Time to Visit the Channel Islands

There really isn’t a bad time to visit the Channel Islands . Picking the right time for your Channel Islands National Park itinerary really depends on what you want to see and do when you get there. 

Summer and fall are the most popular times to visit. The park will be the most crowded then, but you’ll also have a lot more options for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and guided tours.

If you want to see whales, the summer is when you can see blue whales and humpback whales. Winter is when the gray whales migrate into the area. It’s also when the seals pup.

I visited in the spring, and I think spring is probably the best time to visit the Channel Islands National Park . It wasn’t crowded at all and there is usually plenty of wildlife to see on the cruise out to the island. Plus, there were plenty of beautiful wildflower fields all around the island; they were like fields of sunshine!

Pro Tip: The islands aren’t all open year-round. If you have a particular island you want to see, be sure to check the Channel Islands National Park site to see the opening schedules.

Best Things to do on Santa Cruz Island

If you’re taking a day trip to Channel Islands National Park, you’re probably only going to have time to really explore one island. Of all of them, Santa Cruz Island is the best Channel Island to visit. It’s the biggest and it’s open year-round.

Take a Hike with an NPS Ranger

The free guided hike with the NPS ranger is one of the best things to do on Santa Cruz Island when you first arrive. 

The hike leaves around 20-30 minutes after the ferry lands so you’ll have plenty of time to disembark, eat your breakfast (trust me, you want to wait to eat until you land), and meet up with the ranger.

The rangers know a ton about the history of the island. They also give great recommendations for more hikes to take based on everyone’s skill level and what we wanted to see. 

The NPS hike is a perfect way to get oriented to everything Santa Cruz Island has to offer, and definitely made the rest of the day more enjoyable.

Hike, Hike, and Hike Some More

Hiking is one of the best things to do in the Channel Islands . The hiking trails on Santa Cruz island have something for everyone. There are trails of various lengths, viewpoints, and levels. 

I took the Cavern Point Loop trail out to the Potato Harbor overlook. I wasn’t there at the right time of year, but in the right season, you can actually see whales from there ! How cool is that? The views on this trail were incredible , and except for one steep section, it was pretty moderate. If you want to avoid climbing the steep slope, hike the trail clockwise – starting from near campsite 22.

Pro tip: The National Park Service offers a really great Channel Islands hiking trails app . There’s no cell service on the island so you need to download the app before you go and save Santa Cruz Island for offline use.

Check Out the Sea Life

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Channel Islands National Park (@channelislandsnps)

If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see marine life like dolphins and seals during your ferry ride to and from the islands. Either way, it’s really fun to check out the sea caves and kelp forest around Santa Cruz Island.  

The ferry can sometimes take you into Painted Cave Channel Islands on the way back to the mainland (yes, the ferry fits into the cave !). But seeing it from a kayak is one of the coolest things to do in the Channel Islands. It’s the second-largest sea cave in the United States and the rocks are all these different, brilliant colors. In the rainy season, there are waterfalls too!

Whether you want to kayak to the sea caves or snorkel through the kelp forests, I recommend booking a guided tour here or with Channel Islands Kayaking Tours if that tour isn’t available . The guides know the area and the water, and they can take you to the best things to see in the Channel Islands on the day you visit.

If you prefer to explore on your own, you can rent kayaks through the Channel Islands Kayak Center . You can also bring your own equipment. Just be sure that your kayak complies with all the regulations before you go.

Whatever option you choose, be sure to book your tour or equipment rental ahead of time.

Watch for Whales (Depending on the Season!)

If you visit Channel Islands in summer or winter , your day trip to Channel Islands National Park could include a truly spectacular whale sighting. 

Blue whales and humpback whales swim the waters of the Channel Islands in the summer, and winter is the best time to spot gray whales. Island Packers offers whale watching cruises if you’d rather do that as your Channel Islands day trip.

There are also spots along the coastal hiking trails where you might be able to spot whales. The park ranger can point you to the best overlooks.

Explore the Scorpion Ranch Visitor Center

The Scorpion Ranch Visitor Center is a great place to explore on your day trip to Channel Islands National Park. The visitor center is located in the old Scorpion Ranch house and has several interactive exhibits on the history of the island.

You can also see old ranch buildings and read up on the island’s native species, and see conservation efforts that are underway (the bat roost was really cool, even if I didn’t get anywhere close to it!).

See the Foxes!

While you’re not guaranteed to see any wildlife while on the island, it’s hard to miss the Channel Island foxes. They’re super cute – only four pounds! – and can only be found on the Channel Islands. Just keep an eye on your bags. The foxes have learned to unzip bags and coolers in search of food.

I was also really entertained by the ravens. Apparently, a few of them have started stealing food from other animals, and they were marked with blue tags so the rangers could keep an eye on them. They didn’t seem too happy about it either because they were standing on a picnic table and squawking the whole time the ranger was talking about them.

If you’re interested in racking up a list of unusual wildlife, there are over 100 species of plants and animals that can only be found on the Channel Islands ! 

Should I Stay Overnight on Santa Cruz Island?

If you know anything about me, you know I’ll almost always opt out of camping unless necessary. I love me a glamp site though! My Channel Islands National Park day trip gave me plenty of time for hiking, but if you want to snorkel or kayak (it was a little too cold for those during my trip), you may wish you had a little more time to spend on the island. 

Camping is the best thing to do if you want to visit more than one of the Channel Islands. Some of the smaller islands are farther away from the mainland, and wouldn’t be possible to visit in a day.

And for anyone who wants to spend more time hiking, sitting on the beach, exploring the water, or just watching the sun set over the ocean, camping Channel Islands National Park is a good option.

Camping in Channel Islands National Park

If you decide to camp Channel Islands, be sure to pre-book a spot at least 2 months in advance at the NPS reservation site . There are a limited number of spots and they book fast.

Camping Channel Islands is pretty close to wild camping. There are toilets but beyond that, you’ll need to bring everything you need with you.. You can’t have open flames so I recommend non-perishable items. There are also food lockers available so you can avoid foxes and ravens stealing your food. 

Check the National Park Service site to see details on the available campsites. It also lists specific camping requirements you’ll need to check before you go.  If you’re reading this and end up camping, leave me a comment. I’m curious what the experience is like!

Where to Stay in Ventura

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanzi Hotel Ventura (@vchotel)

If you don’t want to camp, I highly recommend staying at the hotel here I stayed: the Amanzi Hotel Ventura . I Not only is it really clean and ultra-comfortable, but the location is spectacular. It’s an easy 10-minute drive to Ventura Harbor, but if you’re staying in Ventura for a little longer, it’s walking distance both from the pier  and Downtown Ventura. And it’s reasonably-priced to boot. Wins all around! 

Read TripAdvisor reviews | Book a Stay

What to Know when Visiting Channel Islands: Tips for First Time Visitors

If you haven’t taken a day trip to Channel Islands National Park before, keep reading for tips on how to visit Channel Islands National Park.

• Book everything ahead of time: Purchase your tickets and any excursions ahead. They really do sell out, especially during spring break, summer, and fall.
• Ferry tip: Don’t eat before taking the ferry, especially if you get seasick (when they say the water can be choppy, they mean it!). There are seasickness chews if you get a queasy stomach (or you can bring these with you and be totally prepared). Trust me – you won’t regret being prepared on this front. 
• There’s a Vons Deli right by the harbor. It opens early and it’s a great place to get food, snacks, and water for your day trip to Channel Islands . Harbor Cove Cafe also has a great breakfast and boxed lunch selection. Just be sure to order online the day before.
• The bathrooms on Santa Cruz island aren’t amazing, but they aren’t terrible either. There’s usually toilet paper, but better safe than sorry. Pack baby wipes .
• Pack plenty of water and stay hydrated! There’s minimal shade.
• Be prepared to spend the whole day on the island – the only evening ferries from Santa Cruz Island are 4-5 pm. I like to carry a day pack so I have plenty of room for food, water, and the layers I no longer need as the day warms up.
• Check the weather and sea conditions before you go. In the unlikely event the water is too choppy for the ferry, they’ll skip a day – meaning if you’re camping, you either have to go back a day early or be prepared to spend another night there.

What to Pack for the Channel Islands

There are no services on the Channel Islands, so you need to make sure you bring everything you need with you. 

• Make sure you pack sunscreen – t here isn’t much shade on the islands. I like to use water-resistant sunscreen so I’m prepared for whatever the day might bring. And don’t forget to protect your lips too. 
• Bring plenty of water . The good news is that there’s potable water at Scorpion Anchorage campground, so while it’s a good idea to carry in what you think you’ll need, you can also bring a refillable bottle to use if you need more than you brought. 
• Pack enough food and snacks for the day (these are currently my favorite easy-to-pack snacks ). You’ll get hungrier than you think after all the activities on the Channel Islands, and the ferry won’t be back until late afternoon!
• There are NPS rangers on the island, but I still like to carry this first aid kit with me when visiting National Parks. It’s always better to be prepared when you’re heading out into nature.
• Dress in layers – it’s cold on the ferry but it will warm up quickly when you start hiking. And these spf pants and spf shirts are perfect for trips like these!
• Don’t forget your hat , sunglasses , and comfortable hiking shoes .
• Bring a trash bag ! Leave no trace: there are no trash cans or services on the island so it’s crucial that you bring a bag for wrappers, trash, and any food remnants. 

Tell me: Is a Channel Islands National Park itinerary on your California bucket list? What else would you do when you visit Channel Islands National Park?

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The Channel Islands

Just off the coast of France, Jersey, Guernsey, Sark, Herm and Alderney beckon with exquisite coastlines, shaded lanes and old-world charm. Not quite Britain and not quite France, the islands are proudly independent, self-governing British Crown dependencies that straddle the gap between the two. Their citizens owe their allegiance to Her Majesty, but some still speak local dialects that stem from medieval Norman French.

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Is an island paradise calling your name? If so, consider sticking close to home with a number of exciting U.S. islands scattered across the country and beyond. 

You won’t have to travel far to visit these destinations, but you could offset your travel costs by using the best travel credit cards .

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St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Croix is one of the U.S. Virgin Islands located in the Caribbean and is the type of place most people would typically imagine when thinking about where to have a laid-back island experience. 

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Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head is a large island located close to the Georgia border in southern South Carolina, less than an hour’s drive from Savannah, Georgia. 

The area is perfect for family vacations or couples getaways because you have loads of activities to choose from. This includes visiting beaches, golfing, biking, and participating in plenty of water activities.

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Sanibel Island, Florida

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Why choose one U.S. island for your travels when you can experience multiple on the same trip? 

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Santa Catalina Island, California

The Los Angeles area is known for Hollywood, theme parks, and plenty of beachfront property. But if you want a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of this west coast city, head out to sea and visit Santa Catalina Island.

This island is located about 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast, and it’s a popular destination among California’s Channel Islands. It’s accessible by ferry, private boat, or private plane, with the ferry being the most common option.

Santa Catalina is full of adventures, from ocean excursions to zip-lining tours. Other activities include playing the Catalina Island Golf Course or visiting the Catalina Casino historic landmark.

Assateague Island, Virginia and Maryland

Assateague Island is located in both Virginia and Maryland, stretching 37 miles between the two states along the Atlantic Coast. 

Parts of the island are split into the Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park, so you have the opportunity to visit two states, a national seashore, and a state park all during the same trip.

If you’re a fan of wildlife viewing, don’t miss out on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is also on Assateague Island. 

Mount Desert Island, Maine

You may have heard of Acadia National Park in Maine, but have you heard of Mount Desert Island? This island in Maine is where most of Acadia National Park is located and the town of Bar Harbor.

The island is a prime destination for many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping. 

The best time to visit would typically be during the summer because it gets so cold during winter in Maine. But if you’re up for an adventure, winter activities, such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, are also available.

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Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

To the south of Cape Cod and a short 45-minute ferry ride away from the mainland lies the island of Martha’s Vineyard. 

This island has everything you might want in a charming New England destination. But it’s also an island. That means you get sandy beaches and ocean views all around, plus historic lighthouses and other landmarks.

The activities on Martha’s Vineyard are plentiful and largely revolve around the outdoor environment. They include biking, hiking, birding, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. However, the real treat of staying on the island may be the unique New England seafood you get to eat. 

Goat Island, New York

If you’ve ever seen an aerial view of Niagara Falls, you may have noticed an island sitting in the middle of the Niagara River along the U.S. and Canadian border. That’s Goat Island, and it’s likely a stop along your travels if Niagara Falls is on your bucket list.

This island, which is where Niagara Falls State Park is located, is accessible only by car from the U.S. side of the falls. The main attraction here is Niagara Falls, which you can spot from different viewpoints around the island. 

In addition, don’t miss out on the Cave of the Winds experience, which allows you to view the waterfalls from close up along wooden walkways. Just be warned: You’ll likely get wet.

Block Island, Rhode Island

This island off the coast of Rhode Island, and not too far from Long Island, is accessible by ferries from both Rhode Island and Connecticut. Block Island is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you want to engage in activities or simply enjoy ocean breezes anywhere you go.

Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and more. For a truly unique experience, don’t miss out on visiting Mohegan Bluffs. 

At this historic site of a 16th-century battle between Native American tribes, a set of 141 steps leads to a beautiful beach overshadowed by 200-foot cliffs. Whether you enjoy history or lovely scenery, it’s worth a visit.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island in Northern Michigan is a popular destination if you’re interested in getting away, but not too far away. It’s about a four-hour drive from Detroit and over three hours from Grand Rapids, so you aren’t necessarily close to any major cities. 

In addition, the border of Canada is just an hour’s drive to the north, which makes this a unique spot to visit. 

Camping isn’t allowed on the island, but you have your choice of hotels, inns, or bed and breakfasts to choose from for lodging.

Madeline Island, Wisconsin

Welcome to Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior in Wisconsin. 

Lake Superior may not be an ocean, but it’s one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. This gives you plenty of space for boating and other water-based activities, such as canoeing, swimming, and kayaking.

And even though Wisconsin isn’t seen as a big beach destination, you still get sandy beaches on Madeline Island for relaxing and having fun in the sun. When you’re not sunbathing, consider a hike through Big Bay State Park, located on the island, or check out a local restaurant for some delicious fare.

San Juan Islands, Washington

The San Juans, or San Juan Islands, are a grouping of 172 islands and reefs in San Juan County of Western Washington. The three most well-known and largest islands of the bunch are Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island.

Each island has its own unique activities and options for entertainment, so it’s hard to go wrong with selecting an island to visit. Kayaking, hiking, and fishing are fun pastimes on the islands, but it might be worth your time to book a whale-watching tour if you’ve never had this type of unique experience before.

Orcas, or killer whales, are year-round inhabitants of the San Juan Islands, but it’s possible to see other types of whales and wildlife as well, such as humpback whales or Steller sea lions.

Maui, Hawaii

Visiting Hawaii is a travel bucket list destination for many travel enthusiasts, but you have to decide which island(s) to visit before you go. For some, a stop on Maui is a no-brainer.

Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island and is sometimes called, “The Valley Isle.” When you think of island paradises, Maui could easily fit anyone’s imagination because of its sandy beaches and pristine waters. 

For a change of pace, go hiking or horseback riding through the countryside and enjoy the dense, green forests in the area.

Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island is located north of Seattle in Puget Sound and offers picturesque scenery for anyone visiting the area. 

A few main highways, 20 and 525, cut across the island from north to south, which makes it easy to visit different parts of the island. This includes crossing the Deception Pass Bridge to Pass Island and Fidalgo Island in the north or ending up at the Clinton Ferry in the south.

The most prominent attraction on the island for many people is the outdoors. You have windswept cliffs, beaches, and six different state parks to explore. 

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

For a more fast-paced island lifestyle compared with St. Croix, consider another U.S. Virgin Island with St. Thomas. This island offers loads of dining options, a golf course, a water park, and plenty of shopping selections.

If you don’t like to be disconnected from entertainment options but still want to be on a beautiful island, St. Thomas is likely the U.S. Virgin Island for you. 

You get to enjoy shopping and dining one day and relaxing at the beach the next. It’s the perfect combination of entertainment and nature.

Bottom line

If you want an island getaway but want a vacation within driving distance, the U.S. has plenty of beautiful destinations to choose from.

Whether it’s the U.S. Virgin Islands or an island off the coast of Washington, the locations are varied, interesting, and filled with things to do.

Remember to research different ways, such as using the best travel credit cards , if you want to help take the debt out of paying for a dream island vacation. 

There are so many great island destinations available just in the U.S. that the vacation of your dreams might be closer than you think. 

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Revenge travel is coming to an end in the US as price becomes a priority

Saturday, 23 Mar 2024

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Airfares in Asia are increasing, but in the US, the price of flights and hotels seem to be going down. — Pixabay

Travellers who sought vengeance after the pandemic halted plans for nearly two years have already rescheduled and gone on those trips, but now are looking to venture out to their next destination, according to travel experts.

After two years of travellers making up for lost time during the pandemic, leisure travel in the United States has finally reached a “new normal” and travellers are looking to head to new places. The days of revenge travel, or travelling because lockdowns and pandemic restrictions cancelled plans back in 2020, are over – at least that’s what travel experts say.

In turn, travellers in the US will see airfares that look similar or even less than what they paid in 2019.

Workplace flexibility enables leisure travel, thus decreasing revenge travel and the ongoing pent-up demand. He said there’s still a high desire to head out and experience a new place, said Matt Soderberg, US airline practice leader at Deloitte.

“It’s not just, ‘Hey, I want to go book a trip to a hotel’,” he said. “They’re also looking for excursions and experiences while on that trip.”

In 2021, half of summer travellers were looking to “escape after lockdowns”, according to Deloitte’s latest travel industry outlook. That continued into 2022 and early 2023, but declined by the 2023 holiday season, as 11% of people said they were making up trips.

Despite this, travel remains hotter than ever looking ahead into the year.

Hayley Berg, senior economist at the US travel app Hopper, said airfares will look a lot like what was available before the pandemic. Internationally, in regions where capacity has come back fully, like Europe, Mexico and Central America, prices will stay the same until there are significant changes. Those changes could be pre-pandemic changes that airlines monitored, increased competition, lower fuel costs, new entrants to the market or an airline expanding service.

“For Europe, for example, depending on where you’re going, airfares are a little bit elevated in most of the major cities like London, Paris, Rome, Athens ... you’ll see airfares that are probably still above 2019 levels, but far down from those incredible highs that we had seen the last couple of years,” Berg said.

“Asia remains the exception... Those are routes – Trans-Pacific – that are still recovering capacity in parts of Asia, so prices remain very inflated there compared to pre-pandemic.”

Demand for international travel remains high, Berg said. Last year, travellers flocked to destinations all over the world, despite higher airfares and hospitality expenses. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the national average for domestic airfare was US$367.79 (RM1,724.40) in the third quarter of last year. For that same quarter of 2019, the average was US$345.09 (RM1,67.95).

“Demand remains strong, and we have seen robust bookings to start the year, as travel trends have begun to normalise across entities (in the US),” said Robert Isom, CEO of American Airlines in the air carrier’s latest earnings call.

In 2023, the airline and its regional partners flew almost two million flights, with an average load factor of 83.5%, producing a historic “best-ever” fourth quarter and full-year completion factor. The company also reported the lowest number of cancellations annually since the merger with US Airways in 2013.

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan shared that same sentiment in the US air carrier’s latest earnings call, stating the air carrier is pleased with the “core demand” for its product.

“We saw close-in performance strengthen in November and December for both leisure and corporate travel,” Jordan told investors. “This led fourth quarter 2023 to be yet another record at just over US$6.8bil (RM31.9bil) in operating revenue, and we are seeing that strength continue into 2024.”

On the flip side, most employers have dramatically changed post-pandemic workspaces with remote and hybrid offices here to say, according to Deloitte. Soderberg called it the “laptop luggers” that will take work with them for these vacations or other excursions during the year. According to a report from Gallup, in 2019, 60% of remote-capable employees spent their week working in person. That number fell to 20% in 2023.

All the while, corporate travel continues to rebound, but gains are decelerating, Deloitte reported.

However, US corporate travel spending is likely to surpass pre-pandemic levels within the next year. According to the Global Business Travel Association’s Business Travel Index Outlook report released last summer, spending will speed up to US$1.8 trillion (RM8.44 trillion) by 2027.

American Airlines remains “very encouraged” by business travel, Isom told investors. Domestic revenues from business travel ended the fourth quarter at 90% of 2019 levels, the airline reported.

In March, “Spring Break” will be a focal point for air carriers in the US. According to Hopper, 90% of those travelling this spring say price and affordability are top of mind. Berg said 83% of travellers who are taking a spring break trip plan to fly to their destination.

Soderberg said this year will depend on “how economics play out” – if travellers can even afford to make big trips.

Domestic travel is back to pre-pandemic levels in the US, and slightly below in some cases.

“I do think there’s a bit of a new normal and I think the data is starting to show what that new normal will look like,” Soderberg said. – Tribune News Service

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Natural wonders. Napoleon’s exile. A remote island in the South Atlantic is now easier to reach

History buffs may know the remote island of St. Helena as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile, but the British overseas territory has another claim to fame: a 192-year-old tortoise named Jonathan. (March 20)

The city of Jamestown is pictured from the top of Jacob’s Ladder, a massive staircase carved into the side of a mountain on the remote island of St. Helena, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. The 600-foot-high stairway was originally a donkey-powered cart track used to transport goods in and out of the city. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

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The city of Jamestown is pictured between massive volcanic cliffs on the remote island of St. Helena, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. The quaint town is home to British Georgian-era colonial architecture, shops and restaurants. It’s also the main gathering place for the island’s festivals and celebrations. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

A hiker walks the Cox’s Battery trail on the island of St. Helena, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2024. The nearly three-mile trek is one of the remote territory’s 21 scenic hiking trails of varying difficulty. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Tourists take photos of Jonathan, a 192-year-old tortoise, on the lawn of Plantation House on the South Atlantic island of St. Helena on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

The site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb, known as the Valley of the Tomb, is seen on the British overseas territory of St. Helena in the South Atlantic, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

British Georgian-era colonial buildings line Main Street in Jamestown, St. Helena, on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. The British overseas territory, located nearly halfway between southern Africa and Brazil, is one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Scenic ocean views and rolling pastureland are seen on the island of St. Helena, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The remote British overseas territory is home to diverse landscapes and microclimates, ranging from misty tropical forests to windswept volcanic cliffs. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

A wooden bridge leading to the Heart Shaped Waterfall on the island of St. Helena on Feb. 21, 2024. The trek is one of the remote territory’s 21 scenic hiking trails of varying difficulty. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Neil Fantom of Wranghams coffee demonstrates his small-batch roasting process at his coffee plantation in Sandy Bay, St. Helena, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

St. Helena’s famed coffee is pictured during a farm tour and tasting at Wranghams, a small coffee plantation and homestay in Sandy Bay, St. Helena, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

The foyer of Plantation House, the official residence of the governor of the British overseas territory of St. Helena, is pictured Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. Visitors to the remote island can tour the ornately decorated rooms of the grand Georgian mansion built in 1792. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

The library inside Plantation House, the official residence of the governor of the British overseas territory of St. Helena, is pictured Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Sweeping views of Sandy Bay can be seen from Blue Point Trail on the island of St. Helena, on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. The 40-minute trek is one of the remote territory’s 21 scenic hiking trails of varying difficulty. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

Coconut fingers, a traditional celebration dessert of iced sponge cake dusted with coconut, are displayed at a restaurant on the island of St. Helena on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)

JAMESTOWN, St. Helena (AP) — St. Helena, a small, craggy island in the South Atlantic Ocean, hasn’t seen many tourists in the past for good reason: It’s one of the most remote inhabited places in the world.

Until 2017, it took five nights by boat to reach the British overseas territory, which is nearly halfway between southern Africa and Brazil. Today, with weekly commercial flights and the recent arrival of high-speed internet, the government is hoping to breathe new life into a fledgling tourism industry that welcomed about 2,100 leisure travelers in 2023.

The island has just a little more than 4,000 residents, or Saints as they call themselves, and is likely to attract a certain kind of visitor.

“It’s people with a real desire to travel and learn rather than, ‘let’s go somewhere to have a bit of sunshine and some nice food,’” says Emma Phillips, whose husband, Nigel, is St. Helena’s governor.

After all, weather can be unpredictable and supplies occasionally run low when you’re 1,200 miles from the nearest continent.

“You’ve got to be prepared to embrace all of that,” Phillips says, while extolling the island’s welcoming locals, rich history and natural wonders. “Come with an open mind.”

HISTORY: NAPOLEON, GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE

Perhaps best known as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, St. Helena features multiple heritage sites honoring the deposed French emperor. Visitors can tour his homes and his original burial grounds. His remains were returned to France in 1840.

The capital city, Jamestown, is an eclectic mix of new and old. British Georgian-era colonial buildings house small retail and grocery stores. There are a couple DVD rental shops — remnants of the island’s pre-high-speed internet days.

For a workout with a view, climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder on the edge of town. The 600-foot-high outdoor staircase was originally a donkey-powered cart track used to transport goods between the city and fortifications on the cliffs above.

Plantation House, 2 miles south of the capital, is a grand Georgian mansion built in 1792 by the British East India Company, which administered St. Helena until 1834. Now the official governor’s residence, the house features a collection of royal portraits and original furnishings, including antique china and a chandelier from Bonaparte’s final home.

NATURE: WHALE SHARKS, A LEGENDARY TORTOISE

Plantation House’s well-manicured yard is home to one of the island’s most famous residents, a venerable tortoise named Jonathan. At the approximate age of 192, Jonathan holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest living land animal. He has met several royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, who visited St. Helena in 1947, and Prince Edward, who made the trip in January.

“Jonathan is an enigmatic tortoise,” says Teeny Lucy, one of his caretakers for over a decade. “If you come to St. Helena, people usually know two things: Jonathan the tortoise and Napoleon Bonaparte.” She’s not sure who is the bigger celebrity.

Jonathan has lost his sight and sense of smell, but remains a major draw for tourists like Gilly Hill, who traveled from the U.K. to snap selfies with him.

“I just think he’s the most amazing creature,” she said.

Other bucket-list activities include swimming with Chilean devil rays or whale sharks, which are often spotted December through March. There’s also humpback whale watching from June to December. Come in January to catch peak nesting season for the wirebird, also known as the St. Helena plover, which can only be found on St. Helena.

FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS: BIODIVERSITY, SCENERY

Roughly one-third of all endemic biodiversity in U.K. territories can be found within the 47-square-mile island. More than 500 species are not seen anywhere else on earth, including 45 flowering plants and ferns.

Microclimates that range from cool tropical forests to sunny rolling grasslands and windswept volcanic cliffs can all be experienced within an hour’s drive.

With two dozen scenic trails, St. Helena can satisfy even the most avid hiker’s wanderlust. Serious trekkers might opt for the highest point, Diana’s Peak. The 2.3-mile hike takes you 2,690 feet above sea level and into Britain’s last remaining natural cloud forest.

Casual hikers can stroll along Blue Point Trail for spectacular views of Sandy Bay, Sperry Island and Castle Rock. For a moderate challenge, try the shaded hike to St. Helena’s famed Heart Shaped Waterfall, which only flows in winter and early spring. Be sure to catch the best views of the falls from the main road out of Jamestown.

FOR FOODIES: RARE COFFEE, COLORFUL CAKES

Perched at 1,700 feet on one of the lushest and most remote parts of the island lies a historic estate with sweeping cloud-forest views and a really good cup of joe.

Wranghams is a small coffee farm with tours and home stays, run by Neil and Debbie Fantom.

Coffee connoisseurs seek out St. Helena’s beans, often touted as one of the rarest and most expensive varieties in the world due to their export costs and single-origin status. It sells online for $150 per half pound. Extreme isolation has ensured that the coffee plants, which were imported from Yemen in the 18th century, have never been cross-fertilized.

“Is it the best in the world? I couldn’t tell you. Is it coffee that we enjoy producing and drinking? One hundred percent,” Neil says. “We’ve got the perfect climate for it, and we do it ourselves.”

“With love,” adds Debbie.

Other local culinary delights include plo, a cross between curry and Spanish paella, fresh fishcakes, and sponge cakes with bright pink icing known as coconut fingers.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Money: St. Helena has no ATMs, credit cards are not widely accepted, and the local bank has limited hours. Be sure to bring British pounds (GBP) to cover your stay and the 20 pounds entry fee (about $25). Another option is St. Helena Bank’s prepaid Tourist Card app, which can be loaded with debit cards online and is accepted throughout the island.

Connectivity: Download essentials like the Tourist Card app and offline Google maps before you arrive, as Wi-Fi and mobile data is limited and expensive.

Getting There: Airlink flies once weekly from Johannesburg. A mid-week flight is often added during the busier summer season, December to March. You’ll need proof of medical insurance covering at least 175,000 pounds (about $223,000) to board the plane.

Where to Stay: Accommodations range from simple home stays to boutique hotels. The higher-end Mantis St. Helena has 30 rooms and complimentary, reliable internet.

Getting Around: St. Helena’s narrow roads and blind curves are not for the faint of heart. If you’re comfortable driving stick shift on the left side of the road, rental cars are available. Otherwise, taxis are your best option for island adventuring.

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How can cruise lines deal with popular destinations getting sick of tourists? Develop private islands and exclusive stops, of course.

• Cruise lines are embracing private destinations in part due to overcrowding at popular ports.
• At least 14 private cruise destinations have opened or will open soon in the Caribbean.
• The exclusive stops could help manage overtourism by spreading out cruise passengers.

Cruises are more popular than ever , but they're also more controversial than ever, with destinations around the globe limiting or outright banning them from ports in an effort to combat over-tourism.

So what's a cruise line to do when it's no longer welcome at popular destinations? Create its own exclusive stops.

It's a strategy popular cruise lines are increasingly embracing. Private islands and beaches have popped up throughout the Caribbean, one of the world's hotspots for cruises. Travel Weekly reported there are already 14 private cruise destinations currently open or opening soon in the region, from Disney's Castaway Cay to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay , both located on private islands in the Bahamas.

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Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key , a $500 million project set to open in the Bahamas in July 2025 with resort-style amenities, is expected to welcome 2 million of its cruise passengers each year, Business Insider's Brittany Chang reported.

The private destinations are especially important in the Caribbean, where the demand for cruises continues to grow and where islands with cruise ports are already dealing with overcrowding. Travel blogs frequently instruct travelers on how to avoid crowds at the most popular cruise ports , like Cozumel, Mexico, and Nassau, Bahamas.

The private destinations in the Caribbean are also close to Florida, where residents of Key West have been trying to ban or limit cruise ships from docking there for years.

Destinations around the world have opted to ban or restrict cruise ships

Amsterdam, Barcelona, Venice, Santorini, and French Polynesia have all implemented restrictions on cruise liners, from outright bans to visitor limits or limiting cruise ship size. The destinations tend to cite overcrowding and environmental pollution as factors.

"There's tension for tourism, and then there's tensions for 'Well, wait a minute, this is too much tourism,'" Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer at Royal Caribbean, told Travel Weekly. "Whether it's working with local ports, whether it's working with local governments, trying to find that right balance is where that macro kind of viewpoint comes in."

Koreen McNutt, senior vice president of sales and trade engagement and commercial sales officer at MSC Cruises, told the outlet one benefit of private destinations is that they can ensure they are places where the cruise liners are actually wanted.

Tourism experts say overcrowding is not necessarily the result of too many tourists but the fact that everyone tends to go to the same places at the same time. Spreading out cruise passengers to private and exclusive destinations could help address that part of over-tourism.

"At the end of the day, there's roughly 8 billion people on the planet. In the next 20 to 30 years, there's going to be another billion people on the planet. A lot of those people will travel. Where are they going to go?" Alan Fyall, the Visit Orlando endowed chair of tourism marketing at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management, previously told Business Insider. "Well, the same places as everybody else."

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