Close to the California Mainland...Yet Worlds Apart

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was. Read More

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Duration:
24 minutes, 9 seconds
ranger with visitor looking at map
Plan Your Visit

Plan Like a Park Ranger: Things to Know Before You Go

fox in grass
Protect Your Park

Conduct a biosecurity check before departing the mainland.

screenshot of mobile app home page with a variety of different images from the park.
The NPS App

Plan your trip and enrich your visit with our free app.

boy with ranger on rocky beach looking at crab
Share Your Park Story

Capture your favorite views, moments, and adventures at Channel Islands National Park and share them with us.

hikers standing on hillside overlooking ocean, islands, and flowers.
Virtual Visit

Visit the park virtually.

Adult eagles in nest with chick.
Webcams

View our bald eagle, ocean, Anacapa Island, and Mount Diablo webcams.

Park ranger SCUBA diving in kelp forest.
Channel Islands Live

Take a virtual visit to the Channel Islands through live broadcasts that highlight the park's natural and cultural resources.

Chinese Harbor, Santa Rosa Island ©timhaufphotography.com (Sand dunes next to ocean at sunset.)
Lecture Series

The "From Shore to Sea" lecture series focuses on current research in the park. Lectures occur throughout the year and are free.

Scorpion Anchorage, Santa Cruz Island ©timhaufphotography.com
Island Transportation

Transportation to the islands is available year-round only by park concessionaire boats and planes or by private boat.

Campground with lighhouse on Anacapa Island. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Camping

Camping is available year round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park in National Park Service-managed campgrounds.

Visitors along coastline. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Hiking

Many trails and roads traverse the islands, providing visitors with spectacular hiking opportunities.

Last updated: March 17, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001

Phone:

805 658-5730

Contact Us