Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park protects five islands—Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara—along with the surrounding marine environment off the Southern California coast. Thousands of years of isolation have produced distinctive plants and animals, including species found nowhere else. The park also preserves archaeological sites and cultural landscapes connected to the Chumash people, ranching, fishing, maritime travel, and military history.

Reaching the islands requires more planning than visiting a drive-in national park. The islands are accessible only by the authorized park concessioner or by private boat, and advance transportation reservations are strongly recommended. Once visitors arrive, there are no roads, vehicle services, or public transportation; exploration is done on foot, by private boat, or by kayak. Bicycles are not permitted on the islands.

Hiking experiences vary considerably by island. Anacapa offers cliff-top trails, lighthouse views, seabird colonies, and overlooks above sea arches. Santa Cruz provides coastal hikes, historic ranching sites, sea-cave access, and opportunities to see the endemic island scrub-jay. Santa Rosa and San Miguel offer longer hikes through windswept landscapes, while Santa Barbara Island is known for rugged terrain, expansive ocean views, and wildlife observation when access is available.

The surrounding waters are central to the Channel Islands experience. Visitors can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, tidepool, fish, surf, watch seabirds, and look for seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales. Santa Cruz Island’s Scorpion Anchorage is especially popular for guided sea-kayaking and snorkeling because of its shoreline, kelp forests, clear water, and nearby sea caves. Ocean conditions can change quickly, so less-experienced visitors should consider guided activities.

Camping allows visitors to experience the islands after day-trip boats have departed, but travelers must be self-sufficient. There are no food stores or full-service facilities on the islands, and access to drinking water varies by destination. Visitors should carry appropriate food, water, sun protection, layered clothing, and emergency supplies while preparing for rough seas, strong winds, exposed trails, and limited cellular service.