The Park includes the Santa Barbara islands and is located in southern California in the Pacific Ocean. The Visitor Center may be reached by driving southbound on Highway 101 and exiting the Seaward off-ramp in Ventura, then take Harbor Blvd., south to Spinnaker Drive. If driving northbound on Highway 101, exit on the Victoria off-ramp in Ventura and follow Channel Islands signs. Travel access to Ventura is by bus; Amtrak; and air service to Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles.
WHEN TO VISIT
Open year round. Peak visitor month is August. Winters are mild, and Summers are warm.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The Park consists of five islands off southern California; Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa. Nesting sea birds, sea lion rookeries, and unique plants inhabit the area. Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz Islands are administered by the National Park Service; San Miguel, by the U.S. Navy and the National Park Service. A permit is needed to visit the latter. Santa Rosa is private property.
No vehicles are allowed on the islands. Camping is available on Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands. Permits are required for San Miguel and Santa Rosa. Take along camping supplies, such as, water, camping gear, tent, food, and cooking equipment. Fires are not permitted. Overnight accommodations, hospitals, food, and supplies are available in Ventura and Oxnard. Hike only on beaches and established trails.
