Channel Islands National Park
National Park · Ventura, California
Channel Islands National Park is five islands off the coast near Ventura and Santa Barbara: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. They are often called the Galapagos of North America because of the plants and animals that live nowhere else, including the island fox. There is no bridge and no ferry service run by the park itself. You reach the islands by the park concession boat, a private boat or a small plane, and the crossing can be rough. Once there you find hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, camping, whale watching and quiet. There are no shops, and on most islands no drinking water, so you carry everything in and out. It suits hikers, paddlers and people who like wild places, and it is not an easy day for those who are prone to seasickness. Santa Cruz is the largest and busiest island, Anacapa is the nearest and smallest day trip, and the outer islands are for campers and long trips. Confirm the boat schedule, fees and park rules before booking.
1901 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, California, 93001, United States
The islands are open year-round, but access depends on boat or plane schedules, which change by season and by weather. The mainland visitor center at Ventura Harbor is usually open daily with shorter hours on some holidays, and rangers staff the main landings on busy days. The concession boat commonly runs most days in summer and fewer days in winter, and trips cancel in high wind or heavy swell. Day trips usually leave in the morning and return late afternoon, giving about four to six hours ashore. Confirm the current sailing schedule, park hours and any closures before you book, and check the forecast the night before you go.
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