Things to do in Channel Islands National Park
A five-island Pacific park off Southern California with sea caves, endemic wildlife, rugged cliffs, kelp forests, beaches, and remote island trails.
Best months: April, May, September, October
What is worth your time in Channel Islands National Park
Cavern Point LoopDo not miss
This short loop above Scorpion Anchorage gives sweeping cliff, ocean, and cove views for a first island hike.
Hike · 1.5 hr5
Potato HarborDo not miss
The hike reaches one of Santa Cruz Island finest cove overlooks with bright water below volcanic cliffs.
Hike · 3.3 hr5
Inspiration PointDo not miss
The Anacapa overlook lines up the island chain, sea cliffs, lighthouse area, and ocean horizon in one iconic view.
Hike · 2 hr4.9
Scorpion AnchorageDo not miss
The most accessible Santa Cruz landing combines cliffs, coves, island foxes, and trail access in one classic base.
Viewpoint · 4 hr4.8
Lobo Canyon
This canyon hike explores sandstone formations, riparian habitat, and a wild beach on Santa Rosa.
Hike · 5 hr5
Scorpion Sea Cave Kayaking
Guided kayaking from Scorpion explores kelp forests, sea caves, cliffs, and marine wildlife.
Water Activity · 4 hr4.9
Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center
The mainland visitor center is the best indoor orientation stop for island conditions, exhibits, tide pools, and trip planning.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.8
Smugglers Cove
The longer Santa Cruz hike crosses island interior to a historic ranch and broad cobble beach.
Hike · 6 hr4.8
Water Canyon Beach
Santa Rosa main landing area offers a broad beach, campground access, and a quieter island feel.
Viewpoint · 3 hr4.7
Anacapa Island Light Station
The lighthouse area adds historic character, seabird habitat, and easy island walking near the landing.
Other · 1.1 hr4.5
Painted Cave
A guided kayak or boat trip into Painted Cave reveals one of the largest and most dramatic sea caves in the world.
Water Activity · 4.5 hr4.4
Cuyler Harbor
This broad remote beach is the main San Miguel landing and a striking place for solitude and wildlife.
Viewpoint · 3 hr3
Point Bennett
The remote point is famous for large pinniped rookeries and one of the wildest island wildlife experiences.
Hike · 7.5 hr3
Arch Point
The Santa Barbara Island trail reaches cliffs, ocean arches, and seabird views far from the mainland crowds.
Hike · 3 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Channel Islands is famous for sea cave kayaking, Scorpion Anchorage, Inspiration Point on Anacapa, island foxes, kelp forests, whale watching, and rare coastal isolation near Los Angeles.