People & Places

Comments (0) Best Ends of the Earth (est. Miocene Period) - 2010

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

1901 Spinnaker Drive

Ventura, CA 93001

805-642-1393

Map & Details>>

Called the North American Galápagos, the five of the eight islands of the Channel Islands archipelago that comprise the Channel Islands National Park (Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa) lie between 14 and 38 miles off the coast. But they are a different world. Windswept grasslands.Thousand-foot peaks. Steep canyons. Sheer cliffs. Crashing surf. Empty beaches. Dumb-looking marine mammals wallowing on stanky rocks. Peculiar plants. No Starbucks. Life without us. What it was like millennia before we co-opted the first Native Americans. What it will all look like again some day. All a short boat ride from Ventura and Oxnard. And, seriously, bring water. Anything you might need — bring it. It’s just the islands, and you, and the salt-sea tang, and the bored-looking pinnipeds. Island Packers can get you there by boat; locations in Ventura and Oxnard. (805) 642-1393. —Jedd Birkner

Download our Free Best Of App

My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Los Angeles

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city