©2006 National Park Services
On some days, clouds hide parts of the Channel Islands. See more pictures of national parks.
Channel Islands National Park
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
805-658-5730
www.nps.gov/chis
Accessible by boat and airplane, the five islands that make up Channel Islands National Park are located off the southern coast of California, near Santa Barbara. There are more than 2,000 species of plants and animals living in and around the Channel Islands, including dozens of species unique to the islands. The park offers a wide range of activities, such as whale-watching by boat and snorkeling in the kelp beds off Anacapa, the island nearest to the mainland.
Entrance fees: Admission is free.
Visitor center: Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center is open daily, except Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Two additional visitor centers are located on Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands.
Other services: Three ranger stations and three boat-in camps
Accommodations: Campsites are available year-round on all five islands. Reservations are recommended. 800-365-CAMP.
 ©2006 Publications International, Ltd. |
Visiting Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park comprises the five northernmost islands of an eight-island chain jutting from the Pacific along the Santa Barbara coast. Each of the islands has unique offerings for tourists. On Santa Rosa Island, archeological and paleontological sites are abundant. Santa Barbara offers some of the best snorkeling in Landing Cove, where sea stars and spiny sea urchins can be seen. In the spring, a waterfall flows past the entrance to a massive sea cave known as Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island. Tens of thousands of sea lions and seals habitate Point Bennet on San Miguel Island every winter. And Anacapa Island's underwater kelp forest is a fascinating site for travelers to observe.
The Channel Islands are a refuge for many unique plants and animals. For tips on viewing the plant and animal life, go to the next page.
Region: Southern California coast Established: 1980 Size: 249,561 acres Terrain: Rocky islands with valleys, meadows, and dunes. Highlights: Arch Rock and Anacapa Wildlife: Sea otters, seals, sea lions, pelicans, numerous species of seabirds, hundreds of fish species, and gray whales (December through March) Activities: Ranger-led walks, evening programs, and wildlife- and bird-watching; tide-pool walks, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, whale-watching, and boat-in backcountry camping (by permit) |
