Channel Islands National Park - California

Address:1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, California
Tel: (805) 658-5730

Some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth live in or around Channel Islands National Park including captivating, brightly-colored fish, sea lions, the blue whale (the largest animal on the planet) and only 3 other mammals endemic to the islands. The park, which is largely underwater, is made up of five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of southern California; San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara. All of the islands have great hiking trails, campgrounds, and wildlife observation opportunities, and most have fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving. Anacapa Island, the closest to the mainland, boasts a museum with lighthouse exhibits and is an unparalleled locale for exploring tidal pools. Santa Rosa is a great place to check out the canyons and beaches with the guidance of a park ranger. To preserve their wild, natural beauty, the islands are minimally developed and visitors must bring all of their own food, water, and supplies.

The park consists of the islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. Even though the islands seem tantalizingly close to the densely populated, southern California coast, their isolation has left them relatively undeveloped, making them an exciting place for visitors to explore.