Itinerary · 2 days · California
2 Days in Channel Islands National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Channel Islands National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Sep. Closest major airport: Los Angeles (LAX), about 1.5 hours to the Ventura harbor.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Kayak the sea caves at Scorpion Anchorage. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike to Potato Harbor on Santa Cruz Island.
- Evening: Spot the endemic island fox.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Watch whales from the boat crossing.
- Afternoon: Camp on Anacapa or Santa Rosa.
Book the boat (Island Packers, from Ventura or Oxnard) early, and bring everything, including water. There's nothing for sale on the islands.
When to go
The best time to visit Channel Islands National Park is July–September.
Best time to visit Channel Islands, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Channel Islands National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: kayak the sea caves at scorpion anchorage and hike to potato harbor on santa cruz island on day one, then watch whales from the boat crossing on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Channel Islands itinerary?
Go in Jul–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. February and September offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Channel Islands in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss watch whales from the boat crossing. Two days is the sweet spot.