A Complete Guide to Visiting Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park with Kids
/
Channel Islands National Park is unlike any other. The views are amazing from everywhere.
This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
If you’re looking for what to do in Channel Islands National Park with kids (or without!), you’re in the right place. This park is home to 5 unique islands - San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. The National Park is made up of 249,354 acres with more than half of that being ocean.
the beautiful santa cruz island
Channel Islands was designated a National Park on in 1980 and was a National Monument and Biosphere Reserve for 43 years before that. Channel Islands National Park is visited by approximately 319,000 people annually. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll find so many unique things to do in Channel Islands National Park.
Every visitor should make a stop at the Channel Islands National Park visitor center in Ventura, California to get a park map, get a weather update, info about the park’s water conditions, and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. Each island has it’s own visitor center as well, so be sure to stop there when you get out on the islands. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots.
Table of Contents
Click to Skip to:
When to Visit Channel Islands National Park
There are several things to consider when deciding when to visit Channel Islands National Park.
In the spring the wild flowers are going to be in peak bloom on the islands. If you visit Channel Islands in the Spring the Island fox pups are being born, the gulls, peregrine falcons, and seabirds begin their nesting. However, the Spring marks the end of the Grey Whale watching season.
we visited in summer and needed light jackets on the boat over
In the Summer, the tourist season is at it’s peak. This is the best time of year to visit Channel Islands National Park if you want to sail, snorkel, dive, kayak or swim. There are still some flowers blooming in the park through the summer. These months are when whale watching begins for Blue and Humpback whales and when the seals and sea lions begin pupping. We visited Santa Rosa Island in summer and it was fantastic for hiking.
Fall is considered the best time to visit Channel Islands national park for water sports because the ocean temperatures are warmer than the rest of the year. The fall brings the end of blue and humback whale watching, but the elephant seals begin to gather.
Winter in Channel Islands National park is the beginning of the Gray whale watching season. (December-April). This is also the season for the elephant seals and harbor seals to begin pupping.
The average annual temperatures for channel islands national park — reference COURTESY of: © WeatherSpark.com
How to get to Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park is absolutely amazing, but it is not on mainland California obviously. For this park, expect to drive to Ventura, California to the visitor center and to either Ventura Harbor or Oxnard Harbor to catch a ferry through the company Island Packers over to the islands.
Obligatory national park sign photo!
San Diego to Channel Islands National park is 3 hours, 30 minutes
How far is Channel Islands National Park from Yosemite National Park? 4 hours, 55 minutes
Pinnacles National Park to Channel Islands National Park is 3 hours, 55 minutes
How far is Channel Islands National park from Los Angeles? Only 90 minutes
Sequoia National Park to Channel Islands National park is 3 hours, 45 minutes
Joshua Tree National Park to Channel Islands National Park is about 4 hours
All of these travel times are directed to the Channel Islands National Park in Ventura, California. Depending on if you catch the ferry from Oxnard or Ventura Harbor will change your travel times. Do not forget to account for the (at least) 1 hour ferry ride each way when planning your trip.
READ NEXT: Death Valley National Park with Kids
Back to Top
How to Get to Santa Cruz Island via Ferry
Unless you own a private boat or hire a private airplane, the only way to get to the islands of Channel Islands National Park is by booking a ferry through Island Packers.
Island Packers is the official ferry of the US National Park and offers a full schedule of trips to and from each of the 5 islands. Before you book, be sure that there is a ferry available with seats to take you to the island and bring you back home. You must book both ways as they are not round trip tickets.
You can also choose to do a multi-stop trip which would take you between the islands. This service is not recommended for day trips, but is perfect for campers.
NOTE: If there is any bad weather at all, the ferries will be canceled. We made 5 separate attempts to get out to the islands and were only successfull on our 5th attempt due to high waves. While annoying, I do understand that safety is paramount. On our trip to Santa Cruz island there were medium seas and almost everyone on the boat was sea sick.
everyone moved outside for fresh air due to sea sickness — the guy next ot me was barfing loudly into a bag.
How Much Does it Cost to Get into Channel Islands National Park?
chanel islands National park Visitor Center
Entrance Fee
There is no fee to visit Channel Islands National Park!
Back to Top
Where to Stay in Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park Lodges:
There are no lodges or established lodging on any of the Channel Islands.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: All of our blogs on California
we spotted an island fox as we walked through the santa cruz (Scorpion canyon) campground
Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds:
There are campsites located on every island in Channel Islands National Park. Each campsite must be booked through Recreation.gov and they cost $15 per site per night. All campsites require campers to bring their own water and food. All campers are also required to remove all of their own trash from the island, so you bring it in, you bring it out.
the santa cruz Scorpion Ranch campground is located just beyond the visitor center. it is a very easy walk from the pier.
Anacapa Island Campground has 7 campsites that can accommodate 4-6 campers each. The campsite is 0.5 miles from the dock.
Santa Cruz Campground
Eastern (Scorpion Canyon) has 31 campsites that can accommodate 6-15 people each. The campground is an easy 0.5 miles from the dock.]
Western (Nature Conservancy) does not allow camping
Santa Rosa Campground has 15 campsites that can accommodate 5 people per site. This campground is 1.5 miles from the pier.
San Miguel Campground has 9 campsites that can accommodate 4 people per site. This campground is a steep 1 mile from the pier.
Santa Barbara Campground has 10 campsites that can accommodate 4 people per site. This campground is a steep 0.25 miles from the dock.
**All campers must coordinate transportation through Island Packers. They have special boat spaces for campers and their gear. Just because you secure a campsite does not guarantee you secure transport. Both are done separately.
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
Back to Top
i was so so so pumped to see the channel islands island fox!
right after the scorpion ranch campground is a trail leading out on some gorgeous hikes
Where to Stay Outside of Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park has many options for staying outside the park in either Ventura or Oxnard, California. Before we made it on to one of the Channel Islands, we tried 5 times. So we made the 5-hour trip 3 separate times and had weather cancelations 4 times before we actually made it on a boat. So, we have a few experiences staying in the area.
We stayed for 2 nights a the crown plaza ventura beach - this is the sunset view from our room
Recommended Hotel Near Channel Islands National Park:
Crowne Plaza Ventura: If you’re headed to Channel Islands out of Ventura Harbor, the Crowne Plaza is a great option. It is only an 8 minute drive away. They have clean, updated rooms as well as a great pool and on-site dining. The Crown Plaza Ventura also has direct access to the Ventura Boardwalk and amazing views of the ocean.
Recommended Campground Near Channel Islands National Park:
you can see someone zip lining over the pool at ventura ranch koa!
Campgrounds Near Voyageurs: Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday is an incredible spot for families. You can stay in spacious cabins with a view, teepees, covered wagons, bring your own RV, or camp in a tent! They have a fantastic pool area, nice general store, and even an onsite ropes course. Everyone in your family will be obsessed with this spot. My kids were! Ventura Ranch KOA is 30 minutes from Ventura Harbor and 36 minutes from Oxnard Harbor.
The Ventura Ranch koa has campgrounds, covered wagons, spacious and affordable cabins, and teepees!
Other Recommended Hotels in Ventura and Oxnard, California:
If you prefer to stay in another hotel, use the map below to find a hotel that fits your family size and budget.
views from santa cruz island in channel islands national park
What to do in Channel Islands National Park with Kids
so many amazing views on santa cruz island - this is on the trail to potato harbor (click to shop the backpack)
1) Hiking on Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island has hiking for any ability, but a lot of its trails are going to require a little effort.
Hikes from Scorpion Beach
The Kids hiking on santa cruz island toward potato harbor
Historic Ranch: This easy 0.5 mile hike takes visitors from the dock to the Scorpion Ranch complex. Here there are exhibits that include a blacksmith shop, visitor center, and farm equipment. (Toddlers+)
Cavern Point Loop: (Highly Recommend) This moderate 2 mile hike takes visitors from the dock, past the Historic Ranch and up to Cavern Point. It is a loop trail with fantastic ocean views and whale watching area. Take this trail clockwise to avoid a steep climb. (Kids+)
Potato Harbor: (Highly Recommend) This moderate 5 mile loop is the one we did when we visited. It follows the same start as the previous two trails but continues on out to Potato Harbor. The majority of this trail has incredible ocean vistas. (Kid+)
Scorpion Canyon Loop: This moderate 4.5 mile loop trail is going to take visitors from the dock into the middle of the island and then back around to Potato Harbor and then back to the dock. This trail is a great place to see the scrub jay. You can easily add on the Cavern Point Loop. (Teens+)
Montañon Ridge Loop: This is a difficult 10-mile trail for experienced hikers only. It takes visitors up to the Montañon Vista. There are great ocean views, but the trail is not maintained by anyone. (Teens+)
Hikes from Smugglers Cove:
the kids visiting with 2 crows near cavern point
Smugglers Canyon: This difficult 2 mile trail goes through a steep walled canyon where hikers walk on the riverbed. (Kids)
Yellowbanks: This difficult 3 mile trail leads visitors to the beach. This trail is unmaintained. (Teens+)
San Pedro Point: This difficult 4 mile trail leads hikers to a great overlook. Teens+)
Hikes from Prisoners Harbor:
potato harbor
Prisoners Harbor: This east 05. mile hike takes visitors up to a nice overlook of the harbor. (Toddler)
Del Norte Overlook: This moderate 3 mile hike takes visitors up a fairly steep hill to an overlook of the North East Coast. (Kids)
Chinese Harbor: This difficult 15 mile hike takes visitors along the Del Norte trail and Navy Road and ends at a cobblestone beach. (Teen +)
Back to Top
hiking toward potato harbor
2) Kayaking
If there is one main must do on Santa Cruz island in Channel Islands National Park it is to get out on the water and go Kayaking!
The waters around the channel islands can be very rough. i do not advise kayaking or snorkelin gon your own.
Channel Islands Adventure Company is an authorized concessionaire of Channel Islands National Park. They offer 3 different kayaking tours.
Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour: This tour is 2.5-3 hours of kayaking. This tour offers more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park. This tour is about 4 hours total and is 2.5-3 miles of kayaking. This tour only allows children ages 5 and older.
Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour: This is a shortened version of the Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. The entire tour is only about 2.5 hours, is about 1.5 miles of kayaking and is good for day trippers to the island. This tour only allows children ages 5 and older.
Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour: This is the longest kayak tour offered. It is about 5 hours long, 4-5 miles of kayaking, and is geared toward people who are camping on Santa Cruz island. This tour is rated as intermediate or difficult, so it is not suited for beginners or young children.
Back to Top
Image courtesy of: Channel Islands Adventure Company
3) Snorkel
You can explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface with a guide from Channel Islands Adventure Company. They offer a Snorkel & Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. On this tour visitors will Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and around the island’s pristine coastlines. All of the guides are experts on the ecology and history of the island, taking visitors up close to sea life and sharing the history of the Channel Islands.
Image courtesty of: Channel Islands Adventure Company
***You can snorkel around Santa Cruz island on your own, but I only advise you go with a guide. The ocean surrounding the island can be rough and it is not safe to snorkel alone. The minimum age for Snorkeling in Channel Islands with a guide is 10 and everyone on the tour must be able to swim and have prior snorkeling experience.
Back to Top
A HUGE SHELL ON THE BEACH AT SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
4) Picnic
There are no provisions offered on any of the Channel Islands. So, having a picnic on Channel Islands is a must!
We chose to save our picnic for when we were sitting at the top of Potato Harbor. There was a nice flat area where we laid down on of our handy Turkish towels and ate lunch. The breeze was nice and we watched gulls and the waves come in.
If you would rather have lunch on a bench or a picnic table, there are benches located at Cavern Point and picnic tables located at Scorpion Anchorage near the visitor center.
The day on the island can be warm with little shade, so also bring a lot of water. We really like these Yeti Water Bottles for the kids because they keep water cold and icy all day long. We also use these Tarn 12 backpacks from REI for kids ages 4-7 and the Tarn 18 for tall kids or older kids ages 7-12.
5) Channel Islands Junior Ranger Program
One of the best things to do with kids in Channel Island National Park is to get a Junior Ranger Badge!
meet the channel islands newest junior rangers!
Pick up one of the Junior Ranger books from the main visitor center before you head out to the islands. On the islands, it’s time to explore the park’s ecology, animals, and history! Once the book is complete, head back to a visitor center (mainland or islands) where a park ranger will check your work in the booklet, give the oath, and then present the coveted Junior Ranger Badge!
Check out the Junior Ranger page to learn more!
READ NEXT: What to do in Badlands National Park with Kids
Back to Top
6) Join a Ranger Led Program
There are a couple of ranger led interpretative programs offered in Channel Islands National Park:
Tidepool Talks: Rangers offer a FREE tidepool talk at 11 AM and 3PM at the Marine Life Exhibit in the Channel Island Visitor Center in Ventura. This is offered through out the year and on weekends.
The rangers a the channel islands visitor center are very knowledgable and helpful
From the “Shore to Sea” Lecture Series: These are offered at the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor center in Ventura. Click HERE for dates.
Guided Hikes: There are guided hikes offered by National Park Volunteer Naturalists on most days the concessionaire boats run to the islands. Once you depart the boat, look for a park ranger to ask about times, distances, and locations. You can pay to do a hike with a naturalist too, contact Island Kayaking to get a quote.
Back to Top
Channel Islands National Park is one of nine national parks located in California. People come from all over the world to experience the quiet, untouched beauty of these islands. With endless ocean views and epic wildlife - this park can not be missed. No matter whether you camp inside the park or stay nearby, Channel Islands is the perfect adventure for all ages.
PIN ME:
AMAZON AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
There are links on this site that can be defined as “affiliate links”. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you subscribe or purchase something through the links provided.
Big Brave Nomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.
