If you decide to take the voyage to explore Channel Islands National Park, you will discover one of the most natural, untouched locations in all of America. Unique wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and stunning ocean vistas await you in every direction.
Despite being located just outside of Los Angeles, Channel Islands National Park is the 8th least visited national park in the contiguous United States and 17th overall, with around 400,000 annual visitors.
As a result, many people know very little about the park, while most haven’t even heard of it in the first place. That is why I want to give you a helping hand to discover all the wonders that await just off the coast.
I will explain what is so special about the islands, from their rare inhabitants to the unique ecosystems beneath the water. I’ll even tell you the best times to visit and explain how to go about getting there.
So, if you’re interested in the adventure of a lifetime, I highly suggest reading on.
Facts & Figures About Channel Islands National Park
Consisting of 5 of the 8 Channel Islands, the national park covers almost 250,000 acres, which makes it the 27th largest in the US and 18th in the lower 48 states.
More than half of the park is underwater, with the closest island located 12 miles of the coast of the California mainland.
In the 1500’s, the northernmost islands were inhabited by around 2,500 Native Americans from the Chumash tribe. In the centuries that followed, they were then also used for ranching by the Spanish settlers that colonised the area.
They achieved their first national recognition in 1938, when the Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands were designated as a National Monument.
All 8 Channel Islands were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976, before the national park was established 4 years later, in March 1980.
There is also a protected area covering the waters 6 miles around the park, known as the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
The islands are known for their warm-summer Mediterranean climate, which sees temperatures remain relatively warm and dry year-round.
They've become a wildly popular destination in recent years for activities like backpacking, boating, camping, hiking, kayaking, nature watching, scuba diving, and spear fishing.
Countless people also visit to explore their incredible complex of sea caves in a wide range of ways.
The Wildlife & Landscape Of Channel Islands National Park
The landscape of Channel Islands National Park is unlike anything else you are likely to find in America, completely unspoiled by man-made developments.
The islands themselves go from beachfront paradises to cliff top vistas in an instant. Thousands of species of plants grow freely in the wilds, with some species native exclusively to these islands, offering a truly unique experience.
Around the outskirts of some of the islands you then have a vast, complex collection of sea caves, demonstrating incredible geographic features, carved out over thousands of years.
Meanwhile, sea kelp grows extensively in the surrounding waters, with plants creating an underwater canopy from up to 100 feet below.
You then have the native wildlife of the islands, which is just as varied and unique as the rest of the park’s features.
Both the island fox and island fence lizard are endemic to the island, meaning they can’t be found in the wild anywhere else on Earth. You also have the Scripps murrelet, a sea bird that is not known to have nesting grounds elsewhere.
Other animals on the islands include the deer mouse, island night lizard, and spotted skunk, as well as nearly 400 species of birds, of which almost a third are believed to be endemic to the Channel Islands.
Meanwhile, in the surrounding waters, California sea lions, dolphins, harbor seals, spiny lobsters, and a variety of species of whales, including the endangered blue whale, make Channel Islands National Park a dream come true for any animal lover.
Top Attractions In Channel Islands National Park
The top attractions in Channel Islands National Park are the islands themselves, as well as the wildlife that lives in the water surrounding them.
Join me as I break down each of the individual islands in the park and explain everything they have to offer, so you can decide how many of the islands you want to visit and which ones.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is the largest island in all of the Channel Islands, as well as the largest in California as a whole. It is also one of the two most visited in Channel Islands National Park.
It is best known for its iconic sea caves, which visitors can swim, dive, and kayak through, for a truly unique experience. The largest of these is called Painted Cave and is among the largest sea caves on the planet.
Along the coastline beautiful sand beaches are located at the base of steep cliffs which tower above them. The tallest is Devils Peak, which stands at over 2,450 feet tall and offers some of the most spectacular views you will find anywhere in the Channel Islands.
Its central valley splits the island along the Santa Cruz fault, giving it two completely different appearances. The north is rugged and volcanic, while the south is made up largely of older, sedimentary rock.
Santa Rosa
The second largest of the Channel Islands, Santa Rosa is located immediately to the west of Santa Cruz. The island is best known for its history, with a number of remarkable archaeological finds having taken place on Santa Rosa.
In 1959, the Arlington Springs Man was discovered here. Dating back more than 13,000 years, they are thought to be the oldest human remains found anywhere in the Americas.
You also have remains of animals believed to have gone extinct around a similar time found here too, such as pygmy mammoths, giant mice, and flightless geese. This makes Santa Rosa an incredible destination for history lovers.
In modern times, the island is of particular interest to nature lovers, for the numerous rare species of plant that are found here.
The iconic Munchkin Dudleya is one of the symbols of the island, as well as one of six endemic species located on it.
You also have the Torrey pine and island oak trees, as well as the Hoffman’s rockcress flower, all of which are only known to exist in two places outside the Channel Islands.
San Miguel
San Miguel is the mid-sized island of the group, dramatically smaller than Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, yet miles bigger than the other two. As the westernmost of the group, it is also one of the two least visited islands in Channel Islands National Park.
Almost the entirety of San Miguel is listed as an archaeological district on the National Register Of Historic Places.
Among its historic finds are the remnants of Tuqan Man, believed to be around 10,000 years old, and the oldest coastal shell midden in North America, as well as ample evidence of the advanced fishing tribes that inhabited the island for centuries.
There has even been the remains of a bear found here, which have led researchers to question whether larger mammals once inhabited the island as well.
As the most remote of the islands, it is a great choice for anyone looking to take in the region’s natural beauty, without being surrounded by mobs of tourists.
As a result, many of the paths and trails are rugged and access to the island is only permitted after liability waivers have been signed.
San Miguel is also one of only 3 islands in the United States that have been colonised by northern fur seals. Combined with the killer whales and great white sharks that often follow them to the island, it makes for a fabulous spot to see some iconic wildlife.
Anacapa
Despite being the second smallest of the islands in Channel Islands National Park, Anacapa’s position as the closest to the mainland also makes it one of the most visited.
Comprised of three islets, it boasts one of the broadest collections of wildlife and nature in the group, including 150 species of plants, two of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world, and 69 species of birds, many of which are incredibly rare.
The island’s only mammal is a subspecies of deer mouse that is unique to the island, as is its only amphibian, the Channel Islands slender salamander. There are two native reptiles and one of these is also endemic to Anacapa, only furthering the unique experience.
The Anacapa Island Loop Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the whole park.
From the views and wildlife to the iconic Anacapa Island Lighthouse, it is undoubtedly the best option for anyone planning a day trip, or for explorers wanting a slightly gentler day during their expedition.
Santa Barbara
The smallest of all the islands in the Channel Islands, Santa Barbara is located quite a way from the rest of those covered by the national park, instead located nearer to the other 3.
Due to its size, there is very little to see on the island, while its location also makes it harder to get to.
People who do make the trip will find a large sea lion rookery and a number of nesting seabird colonies, including the world’s largest colony of the endangered Scripps murrelet, as well as those of 13 other species.
The collection of plant life is equally small yet unique, with the Dudleya traskiae and Eriogonium giganteum both endemic to the island and rare even on it.
Things To See And Do Near Channel Islands National Park
While Channel Islands National Park is a stunning destination, filled with incredible wildlife and natural beauty spots, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the surrounding area just as much when you visit the west coast.
The following are a collection of destinations in the immediate vicinity of the park, which all have plenty to offer, no matter what you are interested in.
Ventura
Ventura is the city where you will find Island Packers Cruises, the company that the vast majority of visitors use to reach the islands. This makes it the perfect destination to explore before and after you set off on your adventure.
The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center At Channel Islands National Park is a great place to learn more about the history of the islands, as well as pick up some lovely souvenirs.
You then have a collection of stunning, historic buildings to explore, including the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, the 9th to be established in California.
This is all without even mentioning Ventura’s incredible beaches, like San Buenaventura State Beach and its iconic wooden pier.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing time on the beach, a little urban history, or even more information on the Channel Islands, Ventura is sure to have you covered.
Oxnard
Oxnard is a beautiful beach city just south of the Santa Clara River. Its selection of beaches and small-town feel make it one of the best locations to discover what life is like for Californians.
It also has a number of locations that will be of particular interest to people wanting to explore Channel Islands National Park.
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is filled with art, culture, and history dedicated to both the islands and the surrounding area. Meanwhile, the Channel Islands Harbor also offers transportation to the islands, both public and private, at different times throughout the year.
Malibu
Malibu is one of the most upscale beach destinations in the United States, popular with celebrities, the rich and famous, and anyone looking for a truly relaxing trip to the beach.
Its “21 miles of scenic beauty” includes countless beautiful beaches, the vast majority of which are quieter and more relaxing than those within the city limits of Los Angeles.
It is also a renowned destination for surfers, with powerful currents making it the perfect place for riders of all abilities to test out their skills. Perhaps nowhere demonstrates this better than the world’s first surfing reserve, Surfrider Beach.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Covering more than 150,000 acres, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park on Earth.
Located on the northern outskirts of Los Angeles, it is a place filled with towering mountains, stunning rock formations, beautiful views, and incredible wildlife.
Its proximity to the city also allows it to offer a trip perfectly balanced with both the natural wilds and city comforts.
The second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles is a metropolis filled with celebrities, iconic locations, luxurious establishments and hideaways, and one of the best selections of bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops you will find anywhere in the world.
Located just a short way south of Channel Islands National Park, Los Angeles is the perfect destination to combine America’s nature and wildlife with its big cities, to complete a truly well-rounded vacation.
How To Get To Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is only accessible by boat. Those looking to book public transportation to the islands will need to book through Island Packers, an operator based out of Ventura Harbor.
Trips to Anacapa and Santa Cruz are available year-round, while the other 3 islands can be reached from April to November. The number of trips each week are extremely limited however, so it is important to book well in advance.
They also leave the harbour early each morning, so if you are staying further afield, ensure you leave plenty of time to reach the harbour, as boats won’t wait for stragglers and LA traffic can cause problems even in the early hours.
Those travelling by private boat are permitted to dock on all of the islands at any time, although all rules and signs must be adhered to.
Best Place To Stay Near Channel Islands National Park – Ventura
The best place to stay near Channel Islands National Park simply has to be Ventura. With the boats leaving from Ventura Harbor each morning, staying close by ensures you can get plenty of sleep, so you’ll be full of energy when you explore the islands.
Likewise, you also won’t have to worry about a long drive when you return after a long day.
It also gives you peace of mind that you won’t risk missing your boat due to traffic issues.
As someone who personally missed my first trip to the islands due to LA traffic, this is something that can’t be underestimated.
Best Hotel To Stay In Ventura – Four Points By Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort
The Four Points By Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort is a fabulous 4-star resort, located just a 5-minute drive from Ventura Harbor and surrounded by the city’s best shopping areas. This makes it perfectly situated to offer a comfortable, convenient, stress-free trip to the islands.
Each of the rooms features a chic style and offers conveniences like a flat screen cable TV, coffee maker, refrigerator, work desk, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ironing facilities, and beautifully upholstered seating areas.
Some also offer private balconies with seating and views of the harbour or marina.
An on-site restaurant provides fabulous cuisine, as well as bar service that can be enjoyed both indoors and on the patio. Those who are completely worn out from exploring the islands can even order it as room service.
Those who want to remain a little more energetic will enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub, which are open all year round, as well as a tennis court and well-equipped fitness centre.
There is even a business centre available, for anyone who needs to take care of a little work while they are away.
How Many Days To Spend In Channel Islands National Park
When determining how many days to spend in Channel Islands National Park, you first need to decide what sort of experience you are hoping to have.
Those who just want a general experience of the islands will often enjoy a day trip to a single island. This will allow them to do some hiking, explore the landscapes, and enjoy the stunning views and wildlife.
On the other hand, those who want a complete experience will want to dedicate a full 5 days, so they can spend a day on each of the islands.
For the majority of visitors though, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Channel Islands National Park.
After taking away half a day for the journey there and back, you then have half a day to spend on each of the islands. You can then adjust how much time you spend on each island accordingly, based on how large it is and what you plan to do there.
Most people who choose this option will need to be prepared to camp, as there are no buildings or services on the island.
However, depending on the time of year you visit or if you are using a private boat, you may be able to return to the mainland each night, although this will obviously cut into your time on the islands a little.
Best Time To Visit Channel Islands National Park
When deciding on the best time to visit Channel Islands National Park, June, July, and August are undoubtedly the best months.
During these three months, the islands receive virtually no rain or precipitation of any kind. Considering there is virtually no shelter on the islands aside from trees, this is essential to your enjoyment of your trip.
When combined with the wonderful temperature on offer at this time of the year, it makes the period the perfect choice to experience Channel Islands National Park in all its glory.
Conclusion
One of the more overlooked national parks in the country, despite being so close to a major city, Channel Islands National Park is a fabulous place to explore the natural landscapes and native wildlife of the region, as well as take in some breathtaking ocean vistas.
This article should hopefully have given you all the information you require to plan a trip that provides exactly the type of experience you are hoping to have.
From how long to spend there and where to stay, to what to do when you arrive, you will now be well-prepared for your adventure. All you need to do now is get everything booked, so you don’t risk missing out on the date or hotel you had in mind.
As someone who missed the boat on their first trip due to circumstances out of my control, you don’t want to have to settle for second best and risk ruining your trip.