Things To Do

Discover Tranquility at Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. These serene islands are perfect for creating memorable moments with family and friends. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, snorkeling, kayaking, birdwatching, photography, sketching, or simply relaxing to the gentle sounds of nature, the islands provide an ideal setting for all.

With five unique islands and the surrounding ocean to explore, choosing your adventure can be a bit daunting. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled a list of essential activities and highlights that should not be missed.

For more suggestions, please visit Places To Go, Activities, and Programs.

 
Hikers along coastal bluffs. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Activities

Learn about hiking, camping, water sports, and other activities in the park.

Campground on Anacapa Island with lighthouse in background. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Anacapa Island

Learn about things to do on Anacapa Island.

Visitor relaxing on beach with umbrellas. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Santa Cruz Island

Learn about things to do on Santa Cruz Island.

Caliche forest at sunset. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
San Miguel Island

Learn about things to do on San Miguel Island.

Snorkelers in green water with sea lions. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Santa Barbara Island

Learn about things to do on Santa Barbara Island.

Surfer on wave with island in background. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Santa Rosa Island

Learn about things to do on Santa Rosa Island.

Coreopsis blooming in the native plant garden. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Visitor Center

The visitor center in Ventura features a bookstore, exhibits, native plant garden, and park movie. Free. Open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm daily.

Park ranger SCUBA diving in kelp forest.
Channel Islands Live

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

Three islets surrounded by blew water. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Inspiration Point, Anacapa Island

Even on a foggy day, this is one of the best views in the park. Island Packers runs trips to Anacapa Island throughout the year.

Kayakers in blue water next to steep cliff. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Snorkeling | Diving | Kayaking

Cool off after a hike with a snorkel, dive, or kayak in the Landing Cove on Anacapa Island or at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island.

Yellow flowered coreopsis overlooking ocean bluffs. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Cavern Point, Santa Cruz Island

A Cavern Point hike includes great views and a tour of the visitor center in the historic ranch house. Island Packers runs daily trips.

Blue tent in campground with trees. © Kathy de-Wet Oleson
Camping, Santa Cruz Island

Scorpion Ranch Campground is the most convenient park campground and provides the most recreational opportunities.

Torrey pine tree overlooking brown bluff and blue ocean. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Torrey Pines, Santa Rosa Island

View one of the rarest trees in the world. Channel Islands Aviation flies year round while Island Packers runs trips spring through fall.

White sand beach with pinnpeds. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Point Bennett, San Miguel Island

Just a 4-hour boat ride (summer through fall) and a 16-mile round-trip hike to view 30,000 pinnipeds and up to five different species.

Humpback whale at surface in blue water. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com
Whale Watching

Over 30 different marine mammal species can be found in the park. For best viewing take a trip with Island Packers.

 

If time is a limiting factor in your visit, consider the following suggestions:

One Hour
Stop by one of our visitor centers in Ventura or Santa Barbara.

Half Day
Take a half-day non-landing boat tour around Anacapa or a half-day, express boat trip to Anacapa or Santa Cruz Islands via Island Packers. During gray whale season (December through April), take a half-day whale watch trip out of Ventura, Oxnard, or Santa Barbara Harbors.

Full Day
Take a day trip to any of the park islands via our park concessionaires. During blue whale season (Spring through Summer), take an all day whale watch trip out of Ventura or Santa Barbara Harbors.

Multiple Days
Camp on any of our park islands or take a multi-day, multi-island, live-aboard boat trip.

Last updated: September 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001

Phone:

805 658-5730

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