When you think of California, you may think of places like Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Silicon Valley, Napa Valley or San Francisco, but there’s another side to the Golden State you’ll find only off the coast: Channel Islands National Park.
“It’s only an hour from the freeways of Southern California, but when visitors arrive, they can tell this is a different world,” Kevin Costner narrates in the park’s official film. “This craggy coastline offers a chance to experience the land the way it once was. The original California.”
Spanning five islands and a mile of ocean around them, Channel Islands National Park offers visitors a relaxing refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life, just a boat ride away.
Here’s what visitors should know about the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series.
What is Channel Islands National Park known for?
“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,” the park says on its website.
Nearly 150 endemic plant and animal species are unique to the islands, according to the park’s Junior Ranger booklet. Visitors can spot dolphins and, in season, migrating whales. Those who make the trek to San Miguel Island’s remote Point Bennett will find hundreds of thousands of seals and sea lions.
What is the most popular island in the Channel Islands?
Popular Santa Cruz Island “is the easiest island to get to, has the best weather, and offers the most recreational activities,” according to the park.
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What city is close to Channel Islands National Park?
The islands are off the coast of Southern California, near Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara. The closest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport. Santa Barbara Airport and Hollywood-Burbank Airport are other nearby options.
How do you get to the Channel Islands?
The park has visitors centers in Santa Barbara and Ventura, but a boat is required to reach the islands. Island Packers provides ferry service as the park’s concessionaire. Private boats are also welcome.
Who are the Indigenous people of the Channel Islands?
According to the park, the Chumash people lived on Santa Cruz Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island and likely seasonally on Anacapa Island. They also visited Santa Barbara Island, which was more associated with the Tongva or Gabrieleno people.
Do people still live on the Channel Islands?
There are three Channel Islands that are not part of the national park. Several thousand people live in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, which is not part of the park.
Is there anywhere to stay on the Channel Islands?
Each of the park’s five islands has a campground but no other lodging or services.
What is the best time of year to visit the Channel Islands?
Channel Islands National Park is enjoyable year-round. Wildflowers reach peak bloom in the spring, summer and fall are great for water activities, and winter has some of the best sunsets of the year, according to the park. Visitors can find additional details on season offerings on the park’s website.
How long does it take to visit Channel Islands National Park?
Visitors should plan for at least a half-day in the park. Multiple days will allow them to explore several islands.
How do you spend a day in Channel Islands National Park?
Popular activities include hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, bird-watching and ”just relaxing to the soothing sounds of the natural world,” according to the park.
How much does it cost to go to the Channel Islands?
Entry is free to Channel Islands National Park, but visitors without boats will need to pay for the third-party ferry. One-way fares between the mainland and islands starts at $31.50 for passengers ages 13 to 54. Discounted rates are available for younger children and older adults. Kids under 3 are free.
