Channel Islands National Park, National park and biosphere reserve in Santa Barbara County, United States.
Channel Islands National Park is a group of five islands and a biosphere reserve off the coast of California in Santa Barbara County. Steep cliffs rise from the ocean, while sea caves cut through the coastlines and large kelp forests grow beneath the water.
Chumash and Tongva tribes lived on these islands for over 13,000 years and left behind tools, burial sites, and traces of their villages. The area became a protected zone in the 20th century after decades of ranching and military use ended.
The isolated conditions of the islands allowed 145 plant and animal species to develop independently and exist only here. These species are found nowhere else on Earth and draw scientists from many countries.
Boats depart from Ventura or Santa Barbara harbors and carry visitors to the islands, with early bookings required for camping spots and guided tours. Wind and waves can make crossings rough, so layered clothing and comfortable footwear are helpful.
Rare Torrey pines grow on the slopes and are naturally found in only two places worldwide. The endemic island fox is smaller than a house cat and lives exclusively on these islands.
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California offers more than its well-traveled routes. Across the state, locations exist that few visitors reach, even though they show landscapes and histories found nowhere else. This collection includes natural areas, abandoned structures, and stretches of coast that lie beyond the usual travel...
Point Mugu State Park
75.8 km
Mullin Automotive Museum
73 km
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
80.6 km
Camarillo Ranch House
84.7 km
Henry Levy House
73.4 km
SS Winfield Scott
46.3 km
McGrath State Beach
72.1 km
Devils Peak
43.2 km
Mandalay State Beach
70.1 km
Anacapa Island Light
47.4 km
Oxnard State Beach
68.9 km
Point Hueneme Light
67 km
Henry T. Oxnard Historic District
73.3 km
Berylwood
68.9 km
Carnegie Art Museum
73.4 km
Women's Improvement Club of Hueneme
68.1 kmCSU Channel Islands University Park
80.7 km
Hollywood Beach
67.7 km
Point Mugu Beach
71.8 km
Silver Strand State Beach
67 km
Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center
74 km
McGrath State Beach
71.6 kmCat Canyon
60.1 kmOrchard Park
75.8 kmBolker Park
70.4 kmDos Caminos Park
86.2 kmSmugglers Canyon
41.5 kmArlington Canyon
62.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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