Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary in California State

Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary

Just off the coast of teeming Southern California lies a sanctuary from civilization, Channel Islands National Park.

Plan Around Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary

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Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary Details

Just off the coast of teeming Southern California lies a sanctuary from civilization, Channel Islands National Park. Isolated, lightly visited, largely undeveloped and unpopulated, these five islands — San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara — are home to 2,000 species of plants and animals, 145 of them found nowhere else on Earth. Sometimes called the Galapagos of North America, the park spans almost 250,000 acres, half protected marine environment, half land. The visitor center for Channel Islands National Park is located on the mainland in Ventura. Visitors can reach the park via authorized tour boat, private boat, or the small airport on Santa Rosa Island. Primitive campsites are available on all five islands. Anacapa is closest to the California coast and is known for its large population of sea lions. Biodiverse Santa Cruz has one of the deepest sea caves in the world, while archaeologists have unearthed extensive Chumash Indian sites on Santa Rosa.

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Open

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Region

National Parks

Nearby Parks Around Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary

Compare nearby parks around Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Channel Islands National Park & National Marine Sanctuary while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center

This visitor center in Ventura, Calif., is the best place to start your visit to Channel Islands National Park.

0.1 mi away

Lagomarsino Visitor Center Parking

On the mainland in Ventura, Calif., the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center is the best place to start your trip to Channel Islands National Park.

1.4 mi away

San Buenaventura State Beach

Venture is home to some pretty fantastic beaches, but this one might be the most beautiful.

3.4 mi away

Mandalay State Beach

Comprised of rugged sand dunes and unspoiled coastal wetlands, this state park is one of the more rustic places to visit.

4.0 mi away

Emma Wood State Beach

There is a little bit of something for everyone at this state beach near the Santa Barbara Channel.