Known as the "Galapagos of North America" due to its unique blend of plant and animal life, these popular islands are home to a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the islands! With so many places to visit and dozens of activities to partake in across the archipelago, you could spend a lifetime exploring these gorgeous islands and never feel like you've seen it all.
The eight-island archipelago is separated into two neat sections: the Northern Channel Islands and the Southern Channel Islands, comprising four islands each. Though not far from each other, the eight islands couldn’t be more different, and each one offers a unique experience if you get a chance to go visit them. Some have wild histories of Western movies, some are known for their outdoorsy opportunities and some are used exclusively for Navy operations.
We’ll dive into all of the ins and outs of these cool offshore islands so that you know exactly what you’re looking across the sun-kissed Pacific. Let’s start with the northern islands which, conveniently, also make up (nearly) all of the Channel Islands National Park!
What to see and do on the Northern Channel Islands
These four northern islands are actually remnants of a much larger landmass called Santa Rosae which, during the last ice age, was an island measuring almost 125 miles in length. Around 70% of all the land has been submerged since post-glacial sea levels began rising around 20,000 years ago, leaving behind four peaks that make up the present-day Northern Channel Islands.
Because of the geological and archaeological history present on the islands, scientists and researchers have been studying the underwater and above-ground remains of ancient Santa Rosae for insights into how early humans lived in the area.
One of the most famous artifacts found was the remains of a 13,000-year-old human male nicknamed Arlington Springs Man. There are several reasons why this discovery is so significant (other than the fact that it’s such an old skeleton!), but one of the biggest ones is that since there was no land bridge connecting the island to the mainland back then, humans must have crafted and utilized sturdy, ocean-worthy boats and advanced marine technologies to travel back and forth between ancient Santa Rosae and the mainland. Neat, huh?
Anyway, all that to say that these four northern islands are, quite literally, part of a much larger ecosystem and history — which is why these protected lands make up the present-day Channel Islands National Park!
This teeny, tiny island is the closest access to the national park from the mainland, and is less than an hour's boat ride away from Ventura. A small-but-comprehensive visitor center has some great exhibits on the park and its sights, and there’s plenty of opportunity to kayak, swim and snorkel in the clear waters on the shore. Though it’s small, there are 2 miles of trails crisscrossing the island with great views of the other islands and the California coast.
All in all, it’s a great introduction to the national park!
This crown jewel of the Channel Islands National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. The 96-square-mile island features rugged mountains reaching over 2,000 feet, lush valleys teeming with diverse life and 77 miles of dramatic coastline carved by sea caves and fringed by pristine beaches.
Painted Cave is a popular destination here — it features colorful mineral deposits (hence, the name!) and is one of the deepest and largest sea caves in the world! Also, be sure to visit the remnants of an ancient Chumash village at Scorpion Ranch, where you’ll learn more about this indigenous community who once called this island home.
If you’re a nature enthusiast, then there’s plenty of fauna and flora to look at here on Santa Cruz Island. More accurately, there are 600+ kinds of plants, 140 species of birds, 11 kinds of mammals, 5 species of reptiles and three kinds of amphibians — in case you wanted specifics.
Just beyond Santa Cruz Island is Santa Rosa Island, the wilder, windier of the two largest islands in the park.
Santa Rosa is another great place to hike through a variety of biomes, including sandy coastlines, grassy hills, steep cliffs and deep valleys. Experienced divers and steersman can navigate the shores and shoals, but windy conditions make it a more challenging experience for those who attempt the feats.
This island is a little more remote and you’re less likely to bump into people out on those long, lonely trails. You might even stumble upon a skeleton of some of the previous inhabitants — 6-foot-tall pygmy mammoths that roamed the island during the last ice age!
San Miguel Island
San Miguel Island is the westernmost island in the park and, as such, one of the more remote. It’s shrouded in fog for most of the year, and the wind-battered island has little to no shade from the harsh exposure to the elements, so a trip out here is certainly not for the faint of heart.
Technically, this single-square-mile island is part of the Southern Channel Islands, it is still part of the Channel Islands National Park and deserves a shout out here.
Though it’s small, the hilly island has some dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches that are a dream to stroll past. Clusters of coreopsis flowers and chicory dot the grassy island, and healthy populations of elephant seals and cliff-dwelling birds are common sights to see.
Whether you live up north by Ventura or close to our Southern California apartments in the city, you’re sure to be within close access to these spectacular islands just off the coast! Plan a day trip to little Anacapa or plan a week-long backpacking trip on Santa Cruz — sky’s the limit!
Colleen Ford is a South African who now lives on Oahu in Hawai'i. She loves to travel, camp, spearfish and hike. She's also part of a super cool canoe club and is pretty decent at it. Colleen enjoys Star Wars and also not being cold ever.
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