Channel Islands National Park

When visiting southern California, the beaches in the areas of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Oxnard may be your idea of a perfect vacation.  For a different kind of natural beauty, however, you may want to head off shore to visit the unique things that Channel Islands National Park has to offer.  This national park is made up of five islands (Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel) that are accessible only by charter or private boat.  The islands, and their surrounding ocean environment, offer a preserved state of coastal California.

Channel Islands National Park

Famous for: Plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth.

Admission: No admission fee to enter park, but if you don’t have your own boat, you’ll have to use a private company for a ferry or tour to the islands.  Tour prices vary.  Visitor centers are located in Santa Barbara and Ventura.

Families with young kids will like: Boat tours that showcase the unique things about the islands.

Families with teenagers will like: Exploring the tidepools; surfing.

Other travelers will like: Whale watching tours.

Easy sight seeing: Choose one of the many tours available from the list of approved concessionaires.

Best hotel in the park: There are no hotels on the islands.

Campgrounds in the park: There is one campground on each island.  Each is primitive, and all gear and supplies must be carried from the boat landing.  Backcountry camping is available on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands.  Camping costs $15/night.

Best months to visit for weather: Summer and fall.

Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Spring or fall.

Nearest major cities: Ventura and Santa Barbara, California

More information from the National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm

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Photo courtesy of: National Park Service

Post written by: Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children