"A gem off the coast of Southern California" Top 5 Page for this destination Channel Islands National Park by annk

Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide: 60 reviews and 146 photos

Santa Cruz Island-Scorpion Harbor - Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands National Park consist of 5 islands off the coast of southern California, closest mainland cities are Ventura & Oxnard. Except for diving and boat enthusiasts, the islands are relatively unknown, even to southern Californians (really!). Although the islands are relatively close to each other they are different in terrain, vegetation and weather. Being a national park there is no development besides the park ranger stations and a homes from by-gone days and previous cattle ranches. The islands have remained wild and unspoiled, an ecological treasure. Visiting them is like stepping back in time and a world away from the congestion, smog & overcrowding of S.California. I cherish every visit and am always making plans to return and hope to visit all of the islands. So far I've visited Anacapa, Santa Cruz & Santa Barbara.

The Travel Channel voted the Channel Islands N.P. as the 4th best National Park for viewing wildlife.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful, great for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts
Cons:May be too desolate for some people

Last visit to Channel Islands National Park: Jul 2003
Intro Updated Dec 21, 2003
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (16)

Prisoners Harbor - Channel Islands National Park

Hiking Prisoners Harbor Sports & Outdoors (3)

Landings on Santa Cruz Island are at 2 locations - Scorpion Harbor (the most frequent & popular) and Prisoners Harbor.... more travel advice

Santa Cruz from Scorpion Harbor - Channel Islands National Park

Nature Walks & Hiking Sports & Outdoors (3)

The are a lot of opportunites for leisurely walks up to difficult hikes on the islands. You can venture on your own or... more travel advice

Kayaking Santa Cruz - Channel Islands National Park

A Kayakers paradise Sports & Outdoors (3)

You won't find white water and fast running rivers, but the rocky coasts, clear waters, plentiful wildlife and hundreds... more travel advice

Marine wildlife sitings - Channel Islands National Park

Marine wildlife sitings Favorites (6)

You're bound to see some wildlife on your trip over or along the shore. Common sitings include large schools of... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
Large Kayaking Tours
Things to Do (1)
The mainland visitor's center
Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Channel crossings are generally...
Been to Channel Islands National Park?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (22)

nickandchris May 11, 2007 at 12:54 AM Report Abuse

How absolutely stunning!! Simple, beautiful and far from the madding crowd.
windsorgirl Jan 18, 2007 at 7:58 AM Report Abuse

I couldn't agree with you more about leaving wildlife in the wild! After seeing your pages, I am itching for another kayaking trip myself, I hope you enjoy Loreto.
chewy3326 Feb 4, 2006 at 6:32 PM Report Abuse

What an interesting and beautiful National Park! Great photos and tips!
Escadora7 Sep 4, 2005 at 11:28 AM Report Abuse

Hi Ann! What amazing pics!!! We have to go there some day soon! Best wishes, Ash & Eve
Bwana_Brown Sep 4, 2005 at 11:09 AM Report Abuse

Ann, a fantastic looking group of island to explore!! Your tips and photos are awesome and very helpful too! I would love to experience some time out here off the California coast! First class job on this page!
orlikins Dec 16, 2004 at 4:28 AM Report Abuse

duh, i first thought you meant the islands in the English Channel, did not know that they had an American cousin! They look great!
butterfly_girl Aug 6, 2004 at 5:51 AM Report Abuse

Great page on the Channel Islands! The kayaking looks wonderful.
Stephen-KarenConn May 20, 2004 at 6:00 AM Report Abuse

This is one of the national parks we haven't seen yet - but definitely on our "Must See" list. love the dolphins - and looks like the kind of place we would enjoy camping.
jgacis Jan 2, 2004 at 2:32 PM Report Abuse

Great pics!! I work near Channel Islands, but never been there. Will need to see it some time!! Thanks....
mtncorg Nov 24, 2003 at 11:15 AM Report Abuse

Where are the buffaloes? Oh, wrong islands;-] Good tips on the Channels and with the best means of transport: foot and kayak.