Welcome to Channel Islands National Park
Welcome to the Channel Islands National Park Information Page
Here you will find all you need to know about the natural history of the park.
Learn about the geology, trees, mammals, birds, or other plants and wildlife of the area.
The islands within the park extend along the southern California coast from Point Conception near Santa Barbara to just north of Los Angeles. Park headquarters and visitor center are located in the city of Ventura.
How to get to Channel Islands National Park
The closest major airport to Channel Islands National Park is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is 70 miles South of the park.
Ventura is located 70 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. Free parking is available at the beach parking lot
From the 101 Freeway – Northbound
take the Telephone Road exit, left onto Telephone, then right onto Olivas Park Drive to Harbor Boulevard, where Olivas Park Drive runs straight into Spinnaker Drive
From the 101 Freeway – Southbound
Take the Seaward exit left onto Harbor Boulevard, proceed on Harbor to Spinnaker Drive, turn right. The visitor center is located at the very end of Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor.
Transportation
Ventura is serviced by Amtrack, Greyhound, and airport shuttle services from the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles International Airports. Oxnard Airport has scheduled commuter service.
Island Packers is the park’s concessionaire for boat travel departing from Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors to all of the islands. A variety of trips, from half-day to multi-day, are offered. For prices, schedules, and reservations, write or call:
Island Packers, 1867 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, California 93001. Phone: 805-642-1393.
Establishment the Channel Islands National Park
The Channel Islands, an island chain lying just off California’s southern coast, appear quite close on clear days. Five of the eight islands and their surrounding one nautical mile of ocean, with its kelp forests. comprise Channel Islands National Park.
In 1980, Congress designated Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands and 125,000 acres of submerged lands as a national park because they possess unique natural and cultural resources.
Size and Visitation of Channel Islands National Park
The park consists of 249,354 acres, half of which are under the ocean, and include the islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. Even though the islands seem tantalizingly close to the densely populated, southern California coast, their isolation has left them relatively undeveloped, making them an exciting place for visitors to explore.
Annual visitation to the park’s mainland visitor center is 300,000. Visitation to the islands and waters is low, with about 30,000 visitors traveling to the islands, and another 60,000 who go only into park waters. Although most visitation occurs in the summer, migrating gray whales and spectacular wildflower displays attract visitors in the winter and spring. Autumn is an excellent time to travel to the park, as well as for diving, as the days are usually sunny, with minimal winds and clear ocean water.
History of Channel Islands National Park
Archeological and cultural resources span a period of more than 10,000 years. First came the seafaring Indians; then the explorers, fur traders, adventurers, and settlers; finally the scientists and sightseers of today.
Seafaring Indians plied the Santa Barbara Channel in swift, seaworthy canoes called “tomols”. The Chumash or “island people” had villages on the northern islands and traded with the mainland Indians. The Gabrielino people lived on the southern island of Santa Barbara.
Accessibility
The mainland visitor center is fully accessible. Due to their isolation and transportation requirements, the islands are not readily accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Efforts are underway to provide some wheelchair accessible areas on Santa Rosa Island via air transportation. Please call the park for information.
Basic Visitation Procedures
Inform yourself about the park, its features, and safety concerns before visiting, by contacting the park for brochures, and the boat and air concessions for schedules. See the Address Page.
Because of the time involved in traveling from the mainland to the islands, a full day is recommended to visit the park. Anacapa is a great island for your first visit; it is the closest island to the mainland (1.5 hour boat ride) and consists of dramatic, steep cliffs, with hundreds of sea birds and marine mammals. Snorkeling, kayaking, and diving are all excellent in the rich kelp beds around Anacapa.
For a multi-day visit, Santa Rosa is a good destination. You can go to various parts of the island to explore canyons and beaches.
For a feel of a wilderness experience, San Miguel, the furthest out from the mainland, may be your choice. The island often is fog-covered or very windy. Access to many areas on the island is limited due to fragility of the terrestrial and marine resources.
Biking
Biking is not allowed in the park.
Boating & Kayaking
Sea Kayaking Channel Islands National Park is a unique and rewarding way to experience this pristine marine environment. You will find solitude and splendor while paddling along the routes used by the first visitors to the islands.
Camping
Reservations are required to camp at National Park Service campgrounds on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands. Camping on the beaches on Santa Rosa Island is available for experienced kayakers and boaters on a seasonal basis.
All campgrounds are equipped with picnic tables and pit toilets. Except at the Santa Rosa Island campground, water is not available at campgrounds and must be brought with you. No fires are permitted except in designated areas on eastern Santa Cruz Island (wood provided).
Fees & Permits
There are no entrance fees to visit the park, and no permit fees for camping in National Park Service-operated campgrounds. A free permit is required to camp at National Park Service campgrounds on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara Islands. Camping on the beaches on Santa Rosa Island is available for experienced kayakers and boaters on a seasonal basis.
A free permit is required of private boaters to hike beyond the beach areas on San Miguel and Santa Rosa Islands. For all permits, call: 805-658-5711. For private boaters’ permission to land on Santa Cruz Island, call The Nature Conservancy at: 805-964-7839.
Food and Supplies
The islands have no stores or restaurants. You must bring all your own food and water.
Hiking
There is hiking on all of the islands.
Lodging
The islands have no overnight accommodations.
Pet Information
Pets are not allowed on the islands.
Picnic Areas
There are picnic areas on the islands.
Programs and Activities
The Mainland Visitor Center features a museum, living tidepool exhibit, three-dimensional models of all the park islands, interactive touch-screen exhibit, a tower with telescopes for viewing the islands, picnic area overlooking the Ventura Harbor, a bookstore, and an outdoor native plant garden. Visitors will enjoy the 25 minute park movie, “A Treasure in the Sea”, throughout the day in the auditorium. Every Saturday and Sunday park rangers present free interpretive programs on the natural and cultural resources of the park. Throughout the week, other programs and school visits may be scheduled by calling the visitor center. All facilities are fully accessible.
Every Saturday and Sunday several scheduled programs are offered. Programs include Tidepool Talk at 11:00 am and Recreating at Channel Islands National Park at 2:00 pm. At 3:00 pm, rangers offer programs that look in depth at a variety of topics about the park. Programs are free to the public.
Visitor Centers
The Mainland Visitor Center is located at the very end of Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. Provides the visitor with Interpretive programs, a movie about the park, tidepool display, native plant garden, bookstore and island exhibits. The facility is fully accessible and offers a picnic area overlooking the Ventura Harbor. There are also visitor centers on the islands of Anacapa and Santa Barbara.
Mainland visitor center hours are:
Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8:00 to 5:00 weekdays, 8:00 to 5:30 weekends.
Labor Day through Memorial Day, 8:30 to 4:30 weekdays, 8:00 to 5:00 weekends.
The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Weather of Channel Islands National Park
Climate is mild, with little variation in temperature year round. However, be prepared for high winds, fog, and sea spray at any time. Visitors to the islands should dress in layers, with short and long pants, windbreaker, hat, sun screen, and waterproof outer clothing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with non-slip soles.
Although most visitation occurs in the summer, migrating gray whales and spectacular wildflower displays attract visitors in the winter and spring. Autumn is an excellent time to travel to the park, as well as for diving, as the days are usually sunny, with minimal winds and clear ocean water.
40 FAQs about Channel Islands National Park
General Information
- What is Channel Islands National Park?
A U.S. national park protecting five islands off the coast of Southern California and the surrounding marine ecosystem. - Which islands are part of the park?
San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. - Where is the park located?
Off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in California. - How big is the park?
About 249,354 acres, roughly half land and half ocean. - Why are the Channel Islands special?
They’re known as the “Galápagos of North America” due to unique wildlife and ecosystems. - Do people live on the islands?
No permanent residents, but there are research stations and seasonal staff. - What is the best time to visit?
Year-round, but late spring through fall offers the calmest seas and warmest weather.
Transportation & Access
- How do you get to the islands?
By boat or plane—primarily via Island Packers Cruises or Channel Islands Aviation. - Can you drive to the islands?
No, access is only by water or air. - Which island is easiest to visit?
Anacapa and Santa Cruz (Scorpion Anchorage) have the most frequent transportation. - How long does it take to get to the islands?
Between 1–3 hours by boat depending on the island and sea conditions. - Are boat trips rough?
They can be. Seas vary, so seasickness medication may help. - Do you need reservations?
Yes—boat, camping, kayaking, and guided tours require reservations.
Activities
- What activities can you do on the islands?
Hiking, camping, kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and photography. - Are guided tours available?
Yes—ranger talks, guided hikes, and kayak tours are offered seasonally. - Can you snorkel or dive?
Yes. The kelp forests and marine life make for excellent underwater experiences. - Are beaches good for swimming?
Some are swimmable, but water is cold year-round and surf can be strong. - Is kayaking popular?
Yes—sea caves on Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands are major highlights. - Can you surf?
Some islands have surf breaks, but access is difficult and conditions are unpredictable. - Are drones allowed?
No. Drone use is prohibited in the park.
Camping & Facilities
- Can you camp on the islands?
Yes. Each island has a designated campground. - Is backcountry camping allowed?
Only on Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands with permits. - Are there bathrooms?
Vault toilets are available; no flush toilets. - Is there drinking water?
Only on Santa Cruz (Scorpion) and Santa Rosa. Elsewhere, you must bring all water. - Are there stores or food available?
No. Bring all food and supplies with you. - Can you have campfires?
No wood fires. Only containerized fuel stoves are allowed. - Are pets allowed on the islands?
No, except service animals under strict rules.
Wildlife & Environment
- What wildlife can you see?
Island foxes, seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, unique birds, and endemic plants. - Are island foxes dangerous?
No—they are curious but must not be fed. - Can you see whales?
Yes! Blue, humpback, gray, and other species depending on the season. - Are there snakes on the islands?
Yes, mostly harmless species; no rattlesnakes on the five park islands. - Are the islands windy?
Many areas are windy year-round, especially San Miguel and Santa Rosa. - Is the kelp forest healthy?
Yes—Channel Islands is home to some of the most robust kelp forests in California.
Regulations & Safety
- Is there cell service on the islands?
Very limited or none—don’t rely on it. - Do the islands have hazards?
Yes—steep cliffs, loose rocks, rough seas, and strong currents. - Do you need a permit to land on the islands?
No for day trips, but camping, research, and some activities require permits. - Can you bring alcohol?
Yes, responsibly, but glass is strongly discouraged and rules apply on boats. - Are firearms allowed?
No, firearms are prohibited under most circumstances. - Are the islands accessible for people with disabilities?
Some visitor centers and boat landings offer accommodations, but terrain can be challenging. - Do you need a national park pass?
No entrance fee is required for the islands, but boat and activity fees still apply.
