Channel Islands National Park is a unique National Park to visit off the coast of California. Spending one day at Channel Islands National Park is a fun escape from the hustle and bustle of California. Visitors have the option to visit one of the five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Each island is unique in its own way and has pristine land where you will feel all alone on the island.
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History of Channel Islands National Park
The first residents of the Channel Islands National Park date back to 37,000 years ago. Later, the northern islands of the Channel Islands were inhabited by the Chumash Indians. In 1938, two of the islands were designated as National Monuments. 1980 saw the addition of three more islands to the monuments. The five islands officially became a National Park on March 5, 1980.
Fun Fact: If you have ever read the book Island of the Blue Dolphins, the story is based on the true story of a woman who lived on San Nicolas Island.
When to Spend One Day in Channel Islands National Park
Although ferries run to the islands any time of the year, you will want to visit in the late spring or early fall before it gets too hot or too cold if interested in hiking. The water is typically cold year-round, so if you want to be in or on the water, summer is the better season to visit.
How to Get to Channel Islands National Park
The closest airport to Channel Islands National Park is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can often find great flight deals to this airport. You can also fly into Burbank Airport as well. From there, you will need to rent a car or hire a shuttle to get you to Ventura. I recommend renting a car through Autoslash as that is where I always find the best deals.
It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to get from LAX to Ventura. Take the 405-N to the 101-N for about 65 miles to arrive at the Ventura Harbor. From Burbank Airport, it also takes about an hour. Take the 101-N all the way to Ventura.
Transportation in Channel Islands National Park
Getting to the Channel Islands is not a cheap or easy feat. The most common way to get to the islands is by boat. All boats are run by Island Packers. The schedule varies, so check the calendar on their website for times and days the ferries run.
A typical round-trip ticket costs around $63 for an adult. You will need to book tickets online ahead of time, as many of the boats often sell out and you cannot guarantee same-day availability.
Other options for getting to Channel Islands National Park include a seaplane or hiring a local boat. Both options are pretty pricey but do make for a more unique and flexible experience. Once on the island, access to most areas is only available by foot or kayak.
Where to Stay Near Channel Islands National Park
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best National Park hotels here!
Hotels in this area can be very expensive at all times of the year, so I recommend getting a travel credit card and using the points or free night certificate to save some money. You can also try finding Priceline Express Deals for a better price. The following are some of the best hotel options in the area.
- Ventura Beach Marriott
- Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard
- Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
- Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
- Holiday Inn Express Ventura Harbor
Note that only camping options are available on the islands and no formal lodging. You must reserve a camping spot online prior to visiting.
What to do During One Day at Channel Islands National Park
During our one day at Channel Islands National Park, we opted to visit Scorpion Ranch on Santa Cruz Island, the main and largest island.
Check-In
Visitors must report to the harbor at least 45 minutes prior to their departure time. Here you will check-in and they will give you your tickets for both legs of your journey. Then, I recommend going to line up to board the boat, especially if you care where you sit on the boat. The boat gets pretty crowded and you will want your choice of seats.
The Journey to the Island
Once everyone has boarded, it is about an hour ride out to Santa Cruz from the Ventura Harbor. The boat does have flush toilets and sells some food and beverages onboard. If you get seasick, make sure to sit in the back of the boat.
Arrival on the Island
Upon arrival on the island, you will be given an orientation by the National Park Rangers. They will let you know if there are any programs going on that day and help you get the layout of the island.
Scorpion Ranch
About a half a mile up the path after disembarking the ferry, you will pass through Scorpion Ranch, which was once home to a major sheepherding industry. You can view some of the old buildings from that time. You can also stop at the orientation shelter and visitor’s center to learn more about the island. We opted to visit here after we completed our hikes during our one day at Channel Islands National Park.
Smuggler’s Cove Hike
Distance: 7.5-miles round trip
If you are into hiking, I highly recommend completing the Smuggler’s Cove hike during your one day at Channel Islands National Park. This hike takes you on a 3.75-mile trail to the southeastern part of the island. It is a bit of a strenuous hike with several up-and-down paths over the hills. However, it is well worth it once you get to Smuggler’s Cove and have the entire beach to yourself!
You can opt to hike the same trail back or opt to pair it with the Scorpion Canyon Loop trail, which makes it a little longer. Just follow the signs on the trail and hiking map.
Potato Harbor
Distance: 5-miles round trip
The alternative to Smuggler’s Cove if looking for a less strenuous hike is Potato Harbor. This hike offers gorgeous coastal views and is less hilly than Smuggler’s Cove.
Wildlife Spotting
As you are hiking around Santa Cruz island, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife. The most common animal you will spot is foxes. Make sure to keep your belonging close to you, so they do not go into your packs! You will also see a lot of birds.
Kayaking on Santa Cruz Island
Another popular activity on Santa Cruz Island is kayaking. You can opt to bring your own kayak or go on a tour with the Channel Islands Adventure Company. Note that if you opt to do the guided tour, you will not have time to do too much else on the island. The tour takes you out to some of the sea caves. You can opt for different length tours as well.
Snorkeling on Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is a popular place for snorkeling as well. You can opt to bring your own equipment or rent some through Channel Islands Adventure Company. There is a beach with is a great place for snorkeling right by the pier. Keep in mind no lifeguards are on duty.
Dolphin and Whale Sightings
On the journey back to Ventura Harbor, be on the lookout for dolphins and whales. You will more than likely see a ton of dolphins at one point on the journey back. Island Packers typically will stop the boat for a while to watch them. In the winter months, you may see whales as well.
What to Pack for One Day at Channel Islands National Park
- Any food you will want for the day. There is no place to buy food on the islands.
- A lot of water! It can get hot, and you will want it for hiking. There is a place to refill bottles on Santa Cruz Island.
- A hat to shield you from the sun.
- Lots of sunscreen, as there is little shade.
- Wear layers. The boat ride is cold, but hiking around the island can get hot.
- A backpack to carry all of your gear for the day.
- Dramamine if you get seasick.
- Hand sanitizer. The island has drop toilets but no sinks!
More Than One Day at Channel Islands National Park
If you have more than one day at Channel Islands National Park, opt to visit one of the other islands. Anacapa and Santa Rosa are both easily accessible by the Island Packers boats. Make sure to also check out the visitor’s center in Ventura.
Final Tips for One Day at Channel Islands National Park
One day at Channel Islands National Park makes for a fun day trip from the Los Angeles area and a part of a California National Parks road trip. You can also head down to San Diego or north to Santa Barbara after visiting the Channel Islands.
