National Park Guide

Channel Islands National Park

California, US

Five rugged islands off the Southern California coast harbor rare wildlife and pristine marine ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.

249,561

Acres

Trails

1980

Established

470,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

Free (boat/plane fare required)

Nearest Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 1.5 hours to Ventura Harbor

Best Months

April, May, September

Highlights

Inspiration Point (Anacapa Island)
Sea Cave Kayaking
Island Fox Viewing
Scorpion Ranch (Santa Cruz Island)
Kelp Forest Snorkeling

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Channel Islands National Park

Cavern Point Trail

Moderate

2.0 miles round trip

300 ft gain

Potato Harbor Overlook Trail

Easy

4.6 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Scorpion Canyon Loop

Moderate

4.5 miles loop

600 ft gain

Inspiration Point Trail

Moderate

2.8 miles round trip

500 ft gain

Signal Peak Trail

Strenuous

7.0 miles round trip

1,450 ft gain

About Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park encompasses five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California, protecting a remarkable diversity of plant and animal species. Accessible only by boat or small plane, the islands offer kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife viewing in a strikingly unspoiled setting just 60 miles from Los Angeles.

In-Depth Guide

Channel Islands Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park. Top hikes, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for California's Galapagos.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Channel Islands National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

$$$

Upscale beachfront hotel in Ventura with an outdoor pool, restaurant, and gym, just minutes from Ventura Harbor where Channel Islands boats depart.

5 min drive to Ventura Harbor$200-350/night

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Ventura Beach Marriott

$$$

Contemporary coastal hotel two blocks from the beach with 286 rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and Channel Kitchen + Bar serving local seafood.

5 min drive to Ventura Harbor$220-380/night

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Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ventura Harbor

Conveniently located at Ventura Harbor Village with free breakfast and a firepit, offering the closest hotel access to Channel Islands boat departures.

5 min walk to Ventura Harbor$160-260/night

Check on Hotels.com

Compare Channel Islands National Park

See how Channel Islands National Park stacks up against other national parks

Channel Islands National Park vs Virgin Islands National Park

Choose Channel Islands for rugged island wilderness, sea caves, and unique wildlife. Choose Virgin Islands for tropical beaches, snorkeling, and a more relaxed island vacation.

See full comparison