The ultimate list of the best things to do at Channel Islands National Park
Looking for the best things to do at Channel Islands National Park? You’re in luck – we’ve broken it all down for you.
Escape to one of California’s best-kept secrets—Channel Islands National Park, a breathtaking archipelago brimming with adventure and natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking rugged hikes with jaw-dropping coastal views, thrilling kayaking through sea caves, or up-close encounters with rare wildlife like the adorable island fox, this park offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Where are the Channel Islands?
Located approximately 20 miles off the coast of Central California, Channel Islands National Park consists of five incredible islands:
???? Santa Cruz – The largest and most visited island
???? Santa Rosa – Home to rare Torrey pine trees
???? Santa Barbara – The smallest and most remote island
???? San Miguel – Rugged and windswept with abundant marine life
???? Anacapa – Famous for its lighthouse and iconic sea arch
While there are actually eight Channel Islands in total, only these five are designated as part of the park, protected for their incredible biodiversity and rich history.
Facts about the park
Channel Islands National Park was established in 1980 and includes a marine sanctuary around the islands in addition to the land itself. Visiting the Channel Islands feels like stepping into a different world, often referred to as “The Galapagos of North America” for the sheer number of unique species that call it home. More than 2,000 plant and animal species can be found here, some of which exist nowhere else in the world.
From the tiny but charismatic island fox to the vibrant island scrub-jay, nature thrives in this isolated paradise. The islands also hold a deep human history, once home to the Chumash people, whose presence dates back thousands of years. In fact, the oldest human remains in North America were discovered right here.
Getting to the park
There are no roads, bridges, or cars to take you to the islands—you have to work for this adventure. The only way to get there is by boat or plane. Island Packers offers ferry rides from Ventura, California, and that’s how we made our way to Santa Cruz Island, the largest and most popular of the five. Our boat left at 9 AM, cutting across the waves as dolphins playfully leapt alongside. By mid-morning, we were stepping onto Scorpion Beach, ready to explore.
For those looking for a longer stay, camping is an option. Spending the night under the stars, completely off the grid, is a magical experience—one that lets you soak in the solitude and beauty of the islands without the rush of a day trip.
Things to do at Channel Islands National Park: Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is an adventurer’s paradise. As soon as we set foot on the island, the trails called to us. One of the most accessible and scenic hikes is Cavern Point, a short but rewarding trek with jaw-dropping ocean views. Further along, Potato Harbor offers a breathtaking overlook of the turquoise waters below, while the more challenging Montañon Ridge Loop takes hikers to one of the highest points on the island, revealing panoramic views that stretch for miles.
The ferry dropped us off at Scorpion Beach, one of two main drop-off locations. The other is Prisoners Harbor, named such because at one point, prisoners were dropped off there.
From Scorpion Beach, there are a number of hikes you can do. They include:
- Cavern Point (2 Miles)
- Potato Harbor (5 miles)
- Scorpion Canyon Loop (4.5 miles)
- Smugglers Cove (7.5 miles)
- Montañon Ridge Loop (10 miles)
For those who prefer exploring the island from the water, kayaking is an absolute must. The Channel Islands are home to some of the best sea caves in the world, and paddling into Painted Cave—the second-largest sea cave in the United States—is an experience like no other. The echoes of the waves inside the cave, the light filtering through the cracks in the rock, and the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature make it an unforgettable adventure.
Not to be overlooked, the waters surrounding the islands are just as teeming with life as the land. Snorkeling here means floating through vast kelp forests, watching bright orange garibaldi fish dart between the fronds, and, if you’re lucky, catching a glimpse of a playful sea lion gliding past. Gear rentals are available on the island, making it easy to dive in and explore.
With all the biodiversity on the islands, snorkeling can also give you a unique view of the ocean and its wildlife. You can rent snorkel gear on the island for your exploration.
Look for wildlife! Santa Cruz Island is home to the Scrub Jay and the Island Fox, both of which cannot be found outside the Channel Islands. We were fortunate to see several of both species while walking around the island. They happened to be closer to the campsite and beach rather than something we saw on our hikes.
Things to do at Channel Islands National Park: Why you should visit
Visiting Channel Islands National Park is like stepping into a different era—one where nature reigns, and human presence is a mere whisper. There are no roads, no crowds, no shops—just the raw beauty of the land and sea. Whether you’re hiking along dramatic cliffs, kayaking through towering sea caves, or simply sitting on the shore watching the waves roll in, the islands offer a rare kind of peace.
It’s a place for adventure, reflection, and discovery—a reminder of what California looked like long before cities and highways. And while getting there takes a little extra effort, that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Is Channel Islands on your list? Tell us what you’re most excited to explore!
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