Channel Islands National Park

Just off the coast of one of the most densely-populated parts of America, Channel Islands National Park holds a treasure trove of undeveloped sea-bound wonderlands, filled with unique flora and fauna whose isolation has led them to evolve differently than their continental counterparts. The national park is comprised of five of the area’s eight channel islands, totaling just under 250,000 acres, and is located just a few miles off the coast of California’s Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

Thanks to their location off the coast of southern California, the channel islands enjoy relatively mild temperatures and a Mediterranean-style climate year round. Daytime highs tend to hover between 50-60 F. However, seasonal changes do affect ocean conditions, and high winds or rough seas can make visiting the islands treacherous. Fog can also descend on the landscape, especially during late spring, decreasing visibility.

The Channel Islands National Park visitors centers are on the mainland, in Santa Barbara and Ventura. These towns, and the greater Los Angeles area, serve as the park’s gateway cities, and offer a huge range of restaurants, shopping opportunities, and cultural events and exhibits.

This one-of-a-kind stretch of islands offers a wealth of adventures for the outdoorsy, from hiking and backcountry camping to kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling and diving in or on the interstitial waters. The park also boasts unparalleled wildlife sighting opportunities, thanks to its isolation from the mainland; many of the species that call the channel islands home are impossible to find elsewhere. Whale watching, birding, and tidepooling are particularly popular, and are often aided by ranger-led guided hikes. Click here to see the park’s official events calendar.