Explore detailed info of Channel Islands National Park, or check out our expanded coverage of the Channel Islands National Park area, including Channel Islands National Park lodging, recreational activities, and more.
Contact Info
Ventura, CA 93001
- Phone:
- 805-658-5730
Basics
- Type:
- National Park
Description
Close to the California mainland, yet worlds apart, Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
The park is open all year. However, the visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are closed Thanksgiving and December 25th.
The Robert J. Lagomarsino Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily.
The Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
While the mainland visitor centers in Ventura and Santa Barbara are readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.
The Robert J. Largomarsino Visitor Center
The visitor center is located in the Ventura Harbor in Ventura, California.
From the 101 Freeway northbound:
Take the Victoria Avenue exit. At the end of the freeway exit, turn left on Victoria. Turn right onto Olivas Park Drive to Harbor Boulevard, where Olivas Park Drive runs straight into Spinnaker Drive.
* The visitor center is located at the very end of Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. Free parking is available at the beach parking lot.
From the 101 Freeway southbound:
Take the Seaward Avenue exit. At the end of the freeway exit, turn left onto Harbor Boulevard, then proceed on Harbor to Spinnaker Drive. Turn right onto Spinnaker Drive. The visitor center is located at the very end of Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. Free parking is available at the beach parking lot.
Outdoor Santa Barbara Visitor Center
The visitor center is located in the Santa Barbara Harbor in Santa Barbara, California.
From the 101 Freeway northbound:
Take the Castillo Street exit. At the end of the freeway exit, turn right onto Castillo. When Castillo ends, turn right onto Cabrillo Blvd. Take a left at the next signal light, which is Harbor Way. City pay parking is immediately on your left or right. There are also 90 minute free parking spots in the harbor parking lot.
From the 101 Freeway southbound:
Take the Bath Street exit. Take a left at the next signal light which is Gutierrez. Take a left at the next signal light which is Castillo Street. Follow Castillo until it comes to an end. When Castillo ends, turn right onto Cabrillo Blvd. Take a left at the next signal light, which is Harbor Way. City pay parking is immediately on your left or right. There are also 90 minute free parking spots in the harbor parking lot.
Boat Transportation
Public boat transportation is available year-round to all five islands by the park concessionaires, Island Packers and Truth Aquatics.
Airplane Transportation
Public airplane transportation is available year-round to Santa Rosa Island by park concessionaire Channel Islands Aviation. Flights depart from Camarillo airport.
