Be sure to check out the Western Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in Channel Islands National Park!
*Last updated February 25, 2024
Best Things to Do in Channel Islands National Park
How Long to Spend at Channel Islands national Park
You have to take a ferry over and back and depending on the day, there might be a few ferry time options. We spent the entire day at Santa Cruz Island, heading over early morning and coming back late afternoon. There are a few different islands so you could take more days if you wanted to visit other islands. Additionally, camping is permitted with a permit, so you could plan a longer stay, if interested.
About Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park has 5 islands you can get to by ferry. We choose to go to Santa Cruz Island, which is a 1 hour ferry ride each way from Ventura Harbor.
The five islands that you can access by ferry are:
- Ancapa Island
- Santa Cruz Island
- Santa Rosa Island
- San Miguel Island
- Santa Barbara Island
Scorpion Ranch and Santa Cruz Island
After exiting the boat, you have plenty of time to explore the island on your own timeframe. Santa Cruz Island is the biggest of the Channel Islands and actually has a second port you can visit, Prisoners Harbor. However, we only went to Scorpion Ranch.
From Scorpion Ranch, you can visit the old, abandoned ranch. Additionally, there are some nice hikes you can take up from the shore that have beautiful views of the coastline.
Lastly, I would plan to spend most of a day between taking the ferry to and from the island, as well as having plenty of time to wander around for the day. Additionally, camping is permitted on the islands with a reservation.
Wildlife of the Channel Islands
We were able to see a lot of various wildlife, both on the island and on the ferry ride over. On Santa Cruz island, we saw an island fox during our visit. It was almost like he was posing for our pictures! Additionally, I know someone else who saw a fox there, so it seems like there is a good chance to see one if you spend some time on the island.
Also, the ferry ride was full of exciting viewing as well! We saw whales, a pod of dolphins and some various sea birds.
Some of the common wildlife you may encounter:
- Channel Islands Fox
- Humpback Whale
- Common Dolphin
- Elephant Seal
- Western Segull
- Brown Pelican
- Island Scrub Jay
- numerous lizards, turtles and snakes
Additionally, be sure to check out the Channel Islands Restoration page for more info on the native wildlife.
Staying in Malibu
I was a little surprised to see that Malibu, home to the rich and famous (and Malibu Barbie), had an RV park. However, it does have one, Malibu RV Park, and it is really nice! You can enjoy both beautiful sunrises and beautiful sunsets from this majestic viewpoint.
From Malibu RV Park, it is about 45 miles and an hour (depending on traffic) to the Ventura ferry.
Additionally, there is a beach spot right across the road for the kids to play in the sand. However, it is a highway, so just be careful when crossing with children.
