#26 Channel Islands National Park
I visited Channel Islands National Park on a whim. I had a free afternoon during a weekend trip to California and thought I might be able to squeeze in a ferry ride out to one of the islands. I didn’t have a reservation—or much of a plan, really. Just a hunch and some extra time.
By the time I got to Ventura Harbor, the last ferry had already left.
So I headed into the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, hoping for a bit of information and a small consolation prize in the form of a park stamp. I ended up getting both.
The ranger at the front desk was kind, not at all surprised that I hadn’t pre-booked anything. While I stood there flipping through the passport stamp station, I asked about ferry schedules and how people usually visit the park. She walked me through the basics—how Island Packers runs boats to Santa Cruz and Anacapa year-round, with seasonal access to the other islands. Everything has to be reserved in advance. And there are no services once you’re out there. Which, looking back, is probably something I should’ve known before showing up.
Still, the visit wasn’t a loss.
A Window Into the Islands
The visitor center sits right along the harbor. It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtfully done. Inside, I walked through the exhibits—displays on the island ecosystems, native wildlife, and the layered human history of the place. I didn’t rush. It felt like the kind of place that invites quiet observation.
Afterwards, I climbed the observation tower out back. It was a clear day, and from the top, I could see the outlines of Anacapa and Santa Cruz Island stretching across the water. I stood there for a while, taking photos and letting my mind wander toward all the things I didn’t get to do—but still could, next time.
A Park Made of Distance
Channel Islands National Park protects five islands: Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Though just off the coast of Southern California, they feel far more remote than they look. There are no roads, no stores, no conveniences. Once you’re out there, it’s just you and whatever you brought.
The islands are often called the “Galápagos of North America” thanks to the high number of species found nowhere else, including the island fox, a housecat-sized fox that only lives here.
Long before it became a park, the islands were home to the Chumash people, who traveled between them in wooden canoes. Archaeological finds here include some of the oldest human remains in North America. Ranchers came later. So did the military. It wasn’t until 1980 that the park was officially established, and even then, it remained one of the least visited in the system—partly because of how difficult it is to reach, and partly because that difficulty is the entire point.
Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
Location: 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Admission: Free
If you’re anywhere near Ventura and curious about the park—even if you don’t have time to catch a ferry—the visitor center is well worth a stop. It offers:
• Exhibits on wildlife, geology, and human history
• A large 3D model of the islands
• National Park Passport stamps
• Rangers available to answer questions or help with planning
• A small bookstore and gift shop
• A rooftop observation deck with views of the harbor and the islands on clear days
This is where I learned how the ferries work. It’s also where I stood on the deck and looked out toward where I’d hoped to be—and made a mental note to do it right next time.
How to Actually Visit the Islands
• Island Packers Cruises offers ferry service from Ventura and Oxnard.
• Boats run year-round to Santa Cruz and Anacapa, and seasonally to Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara.
• Reservations are highly recommended (or, let’s be honest, necessary).
• There are no services on the islands—bring your own food, water, and gear, and pack out all trash.
What You’ll See Once You’re There
Trails & Views:
• Cavern Point Loop (Santa Cruz) – Short hike with panoramic coastal views
• Lighthouse Trail (Anacapa) – Walk along the cliffs to the historic lighthouse
• Scorpion Canyon Loop – Great chance to see island foxes
Activities:
• Sea cave kayaking
• Snorkeling in kelp forests
• Whale watching (gray whales in winter, blue whales in summer)
• Birding and tidepooling
Wildlife Highlights:
• Island foxes
• California sea lions and harbor seals
• Dolphins and whales
• Garibaldi fish, sea stars, sea urchins
• Bald eagles and nesting seabirds
