Channel Islands National Park
National park · Santa Barbara County ·

Channel Islands National Park

National park · Santa Barbara County ·

Five islands with sea caves, wildlife, rare plants, and hiking

island fox
hiking
kayaking
boat ride
dolphins
wildlife
snorkeling
clear ocean water
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null
Channel Islands National Park by null

Information

California Get directions

Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

California Get directions

+1 805 658 5730
nps.gov
@channelislandsnps
𝕏
@chisnps

Features

•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 19, 2026

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Channel Islands National Park

Harrison

Google
Incredible sights and perfect for animal lovers! Best National Park in Southern California and top five at large. We booked our ferry through Island Packers to Scorpion Point, Santa Cruz Island. It took roughly three hours round-trip, but we saw SO much aquatic life along the way. Pelicans, seagulls, harbor seals, sea lions, a megapod of bottlenose dolphins, a juvenile fin whale, and half a dozen humpback whales!! Once we disembark, a Park Ranger greeted us and went over a few rules and we were free to hike. Potatoe Harbor trail offered some of stunning views I've ever witnessed. We also saw both of the islands exclusive critters: island scrub jays and island foxes. The foxes were the absolute highlight for me! Some words of warning: public lavatories are only at the ferry harbor and campsites. None on the trails. The ravens and foxes will absolutely rob you blind and YOU will be cited for feeding the animals, so lock your food and electronics away. There are zero trash cans on the island, so you must keep all trash with you until returning to the mainland. The island provides little to no shade whatsoever beyond the campgrounds. Dress accordingly.

Allison H.

Google
I visited Channel Islands in October and it was amazing! I would highly recommend visiting to anyone who loves an adventure! You can either camp or take a day trip to the island. I camped two nights with my sister and it was the perfect amount of time! We had time to hike, kayak and snorkel while still having time in the day to relax! Even though visiting Channel Islands takes more planning than other national parks it is đź’Ż worth it!!

nick W.

Google
Did a day trip and hiked to Potato Harbor. It was pretty nice this time of year. Not that many people went, so it was almost like we had the while island to ourselves. It was more wet and muddy than anticipated so make to either bring extra shoes and socks or waterproof shoes.

Russ D.

Google
I came here to camp and kayak, both of which were excellent. But the surprising bonus was the hikes! Beautiful views where you can see for miles, depending on the weather. You can do quick 1-milers or a solid 8-mile hike if you are more adventurous. You would be hard-pressed to find somewhere as beautiful and serene, while also feeling virtually untouched, this close to Los Angeles.

Christopher R.

Google
One of the most unique national parks in the country. Take a ferry from Ventura to any one of several islands for a day trip or camping adventure that promises seaside hikes and untouched or carefully restored wilderness. We spent two days and two nights on Santa Cruz. Potato Harbor, Scorpion Rock Overlook, Smugglers Cove, snorkeling and kayaking are not to be missed!

joseph H.

Google
WELCOME TO CHANNEL ISLANDS Californias least visited national park doesn’t do its beauty’s Justice at all. If you are a fan of nature i HIGHLY recommend to check out this National Park, - with its beautiful coastline and clear ocean water - beautiful Mountain nature and wildlife - well maintaned facilities and trails. - even the boat ride here is a beautiful experience in natures ride My trip here was exhilarating, traveling with my boy scout troop the -BOAT RIDE was encapsulated in my memory with dolphins appearing from the vast ocean expanse and bird watchers watching to spot rare cross pacific migratory birds - The islands water near shore itself was beautiful, clear full of life and clean. - the islands itself was very clean with well maintained facilities and trails. - The wildlife is EXQUISITE, we learned here on channel islands there are unique species that only can be found on the channel islands do to the unique isolation of the island. - More specifically we saw FOXES Which were everywhere, super cute and they were not super scared of you so you could get close to them. - the beach front you come up on you can swim in so i highly recommend to try that out but it is mostly rocky sooo don’t expect a sandy beach experience. - hiking is EXCELLENT with a lot of trails for different levels and the views are spectacular. Overall i recommend a trip to these channel islands a HIGHLY recommended trip 🙏❤️‍🩹

Amanda C

Google
I mean, how could you not love this place! We went to Santa Cruz Island (like most people do). We were able to hike and did sea kayaking during our time. So few people are in the island at any given time. You get to be in a remote place “alone”. There are bathrooms and drinking water that are extremely nice. You do have to pack out all your trash and bring 100% of your food with you. The weather is extremely pleasant. We went in mid-August and it was only a high of 70 degrees. It’s very sunny with not a lot of shade so dress appropriately for that. Visiting the island does take planning though. You need to make sure there is a ferry boat ride out and back in the day you would like to visit. If you have the opportunity to visit, highly recommend because of its unique experience of being “stuck” on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean for the day.

James F.

Google
A buckets list adventure, the ferry ride was fab, they go the extra mile to allow you to enjoy the whales and dolphins. It was a little cold at night but perfect weather during the day.