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.