A Visitor Guide to the Channel Islands

Settled off the California coastline, the Channel Islands’ eight outcroppings offer endless adventures, and it’s hard to believe that this plethora of natural beauty exists merely dozens of miles from the mainland. This top California destination comprises the five islands and surrounding ocean of Channel Island National Park, two military-controlled islands, and the popular Santa Catalina Island. With so many things to do in the Channel Islands and such diverse landscapes to explore, a day trip simply isn’t enough. 

A Brief Guide to the Channel Islands

The Channel Islands are located between 22 and 75 miles from the shores of California and are surprisingly spread out, stretching from Santa Barbara in the north to Del Mar in the south. The Channel Islands’ northernmost land mass is San Miguel Island, followed by Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands, Anacapa, San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, and Santa Catalina Islands, with San Clemente Island bringing up the south. 

Traditionally, visitors think of the five islands of the California national park—Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa Islands—when dreaming of a Channel Islands vacation. This is an understandable occurrence, considering that two of the other islands are owned by the military and that Santa Catalina Island is run independently by the Santa Catalina Conservancy. While Channel Islands National Park only stretches between Santa Barbara and Malibu, each island carries its own distinct personalities, ranging from remote destinations to tourist hot spots, so there’s an excursion for everyone. 

Overview of the Main Islands

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz, the largest island at 62,000 acres, is popular for its diverse activities. With over 60 miles of coastline and numerous trails, it offers everything from easy walks to challenging hikes like Montañon Ridge. The sea caves, particularly Painted Cave, draw kayakers. Camping is available at Scorpion Anchorage (reservations required) and you may spot island foxes or dolphins. Despite being the most visited island, it retains a sense of wilderness.

Anacapa Island

Small but charming, Anacapa is a haven for seabirds like pelicans and gulls – bring binoculars! Short hikes, such as the 2-mile Inspiration Point trail, offer stunning ocean views. With no camping or water supply, it’s ideal for day trips and is just an hour from Ventura, making it highly accessible.

Santa Rosa Island

Santa Rosa offers vast open spaces and fewer visitors, perfect for backcountry hiking. Trails lead to beaches, canyons and rare Torrey pine groves, where you might spot unique plants like the Chumash hutash. Camping is available at Water Canyon with a permit. The 2–3-hour ferry ride is longer, but the island’s serenity makes it worthwhile.

San Miguel Island

The wildest and most remote, San Miguel appeals to rugged adventurers. It’s known for its large seal and sea lion colonies – up to 30,000 in certain seasons. Hiking routes, like the 8-mile trek to Point Bennett, showcase windswept scenery. Camping is permitted but primitive, so check weather conditions. The ferry from Ventura takes about 3 hours.

Santa Barbara Island

The smallest and least visited, Santa Barbara spans just 640 acres and offers tranquility. Its 5 miles of trails provide stunning views and opportunities to observe seabirds and seals. Camping is permitted but basic, with no water available. Ferry services are limited, so plan ahead for a serene escape.

How to Get to the Channel Islands

Channel Islands National Park visitor centers can be found in Ventura and Santa Barbara, where visitors can get acquainted with the islands. But the only way to reach the park itself is via plane or boat. Channel Islands Aviation offers the flights for all the islands, while Island Packers and private boats provide aquatic transportation to and from the mainland. Though most of the islands are accessible year-round with advanced planning, Santa Barbara Island is inaccessible during the winter months.

It’s also important to note that there is no transportation on the islands themselves—aside from foot traffic on land and private kayaks and boats over water—and that all Channel Islands ferry rides require guests to climb steel-rung ladders upon arrival to any of the islands. 

Things to do in the Channel Islands

Make the most of your day trips or weekend getaway in the Channel Islands by checking some of these activities off your national park bucket list.

1. Visit all the islands

While Channel Islands National Park is home to five of the nearby land masses, there’s an exclusive club—which has just a few hundred members—for individuals who have visited all eight islands. If you can’t make it to all of them, at least see all five in the national park islands along with Catalina Island.

2. Go Surfing in Channel Islands National Park

Pick up a board from Channel Islands Surfboards and head out to Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, or San Miguel Island on a private boat. Make your way to the south shore during the summer and fall to enjoy the south swells, or head toward the north shores to experience the north-west swells the rest of the year. Watch out for the rugged terrain if you venture onto land after your epic surf sesh—the islands’ best surf spots are nestled a good hiking distance from the ferry drop-off points.

3. Stop by Moonstone Beach

Located on Catalina Island, Moonstone Beach was a hot spot in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for tourists searching for agates, moonstones, and water opals. Today, the private beach is operated by the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and has moorings for dozens of boats, but it is still worth visiting for nostalgia and a quick search for semi-precious stones. About half a mile north of Moonstone Beach, on the other side of a rocky point, lies White’s Landing—a beach regarded by some as the best on the island. 

4. Snorkeling and Diving

Top spots include

• Santa Cruz: Scorpion Anchorage offers calm, shallow waters teeming with fish and kelp.
• Anacapa: Landing Cove is a diver favorite for its kelp beds and sea stars.
• Santa Barbara: The southeast coastline has clear waters and Garibaldi fish.
• San Miguel: Point Bennett is ideal for experienced divers to see pinnipeds, though waters are cold and rough.

Rent equipment in Ventura or bring your own. Water temperatures range from 55–70°F, so wetsuits are essential.

5. Admire the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

This sanctuary protects 1,470 square miles of the ocean surrounding the national park. It’s home to shipwrecks, endangered species, and sensitive habitats such as kelp forests and gardens of sea coral.

6. Go camping

Camping on the Channel Islands provides some of the most incredible views you’ll ever witness. With a campground established on each of the five islands, you can choose your own adventure; whether you are new to camping or are looking for an ideal place to go backcountry camping, new memories await.

Campgrounds have limits on the number of campers per site – check nps.gov for details. A $15 nightly fee covers campground operations and reservation services. Recommended sites include:

• Santa Barbara Island: Above Landing Cove
• Anacapa Island: East Islet
• Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Canyon
• Santa Rosa Island: Water Canyon
• San Miguel Island: Cuyler Harbor

7. Learn about the islands

There’s a lot to learn about this unique, remote destination that was designated as a National Monument in 1938, a Biosphere Reserve in 1976, and a national park in 1980. Between manmade structures such as the Anacapa lighthouse, the island trails, the sea caves, the Torrey pines, and the unique marine environments, there’s no end to education on the Channel Islands. No matter what you’re interested in, you’re likely to find something in this natural oasis that piques your curiosity.