The remote Channel Islands, located off the Southern California Coast from Ventura, CA, are home to secluded beaches, dramatic rocky cliffs, an incredible variety of marine and bird life, and uncrowded trails that meander across and around. These islands are only accessible by boat or plane, and offer visitors a chance to “go back in time” as they explore, snorkel, hike, kayak, or even scuba dive this uncharted and untouched territory. This park is easily accessed and enjoyed during a day trip departing from Ventura Harbor.
Justin and I both grew up in California, and yet neither of us had visited the Channel Islands, so we made plans to visit with the kids during our Thanksgiving Break road trip down the California coast in 2020. After leaving Santa Barbara, where we stayed at the El Capitan State Beach Campground, we drove 45 minutes to Ventura, where we met up with my parents, who drove up from Southern California to meet us for our day trip to the Channel Islands.
From Ventura Harbor, we departed for Anacapa Island, and loved the 1.5 hour ferry trip over to the island. The ride was incredibly eventful, as we spotted a whale and an amazingly large pod of dolphins. In this pod, where were literally HUNDREDS of dolphins, including a dolphin “nursery” with several babies. It was spectacular! We had never seen so many dolphins at one time!
Upon our arrival on the island, we spent time at the Visitor Center working on our Junior Ranger books, and then completed the 1.5 mile hike to Inspiration Point, which took us around the perimeter of the island. The views all around, including the view to the three islets of Anacapa, were breathtaking.
With a little time to kill before our departure back to Ventura, we made the short walk to the Lighthouse on the Island to see it up close.
Our boat trip home took us slightly around the edge of the southern tip of the island to see some sea lions, an exciting view to send us on our way home. It had been a fantastic day exploring the other-worldly Channel Islands National Park.
