Channel Islands
National Park
Channel Islands National Park, off of California’s coast, includes five of the eight Channel Islands along with their surrounding ocean habitats.
Home to the Chumash people for thousands of years, the islands were later used for sheep and cattle ranching before becoming a national park in 1980. Though it’s the least visited of California’s nine national parks, it’s rich in beauty and biodiversity.
Often called the “Galápagos of North America,” the islands are home to unique wildlife, including 23 species found nowhere else, like the island fox, and offer incredible coastal views and varied adventures on each island.
Channel Islands At a Glance
There is no fee to enter Channel Islands National Park, however you will have to pay for the boat ride to get there.
Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of Ventura, California, and getting here requires more planning and assistance than the average national park, since it’s only accessible by water!
The closest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport which is about a 2.5 hour drive away from Ventura Harbor. From there you’ll hop on a boat for another 1-4 hours, depending on the island you are visiting.
Channel Islands National Park has mild temperatures and is a great place to visit any month of the year, but in the winter and spring the islands are lush and green with wildflowers everywhere. The summer and fall however are the best times to get in the water, so if you plan to swim or kayak then we recommend visiting then.
Reservations are not required to enter the park, however you will have to purchase tickets for the boat ride there. These do sell out so it is highly recommended that you reserve well in advance.
Different Areas of the Park
The Channel Islands are 8 islands, 5 of which are part of Channel Islands National Park. These islands are Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. The two islands closest to the coast and are the most popular to visit are Anacapa and Santa Cruz. In addition, you’ll find the dock and the visitors center located in Ventura on the mainland of California.
The Best Things to do On Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is one of our FAVORITE national park experiences, but it does require some extra logistics to explore. In this guide we’re sharing how to visit Santa Cruz Island at Channel Islands National Park.
Backpacking Santa Cruz Island
Wanting to experience backpacking Santa Cruz Island at Channel Islands National Park? In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know, including routes, what to expect, what to bring, and more!
Videos
We spent three days backpacking across Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the islands, starting in Prisoners Harbor and going all of the way to Scorpion Cove. It was one of our favorite backpacking trips and national park adventures yet!
