Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park showing rugged coastline and general coastal views
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Surround yourself with dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and fascinating wildlife at this stunning island haven.

Walk through wildflower meadows and hike mountains to discover spectacular views at Channel Islands National Park. Kayak beside dolphins and listen to sea lions barking as they sunbathe on deserted beaches.

Leave mainland California and boat across the open ocean. Of the eight-island chain, five make up the national park, covering the distance of the coastline from Santa Barbara to San Diego.

The ferry stops on the most easterly of three tiny islets of Anacapa. The 2-mile (3-kilometer) island trail loop provides an excellent walk, weaving through fields of sunflowers and red paintbrush. Look down onto waves crashing against cliffs and admire the 40-foot-high (12-meter) Arch Rock.

Continue west to the chain’s two biggest islands, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, for superb hiking options. Santa Rosa’s highest peak stands at 1,589 feet (484 meters). If you are experienced try kayaking and diving in the pristine tidal pools and kelp fields. On dry land, check out the rare sub-species of Torrey pine growing here and see bald eagles searching for voles and rabbits scurrying across the grass.

For an amazing animal encounter, head to San Miguel, the westernmost island. Join a ranger-guided 16-mile (25-kilometer) round-trip tour to Point Bennett where up to 30,000 California sea lions and elephant seals live on the rocks. Marvel as they lumber about before disappearing gracefully into the deep blue sea.

Farther east, Santa Barbara is the smallest of the islands, with an area of about 1 square mile (260 hectares). Separated from the rest of the chain, this is one of the least crowded islands, making it the ideal place to admire seabirds. Follow the island’s walking trails quietly. Many species including pelicans, oystercatchers and western gulls hatch their young beside the paths.

The easiest way to reach the Channel Islands is on a boat tour from Ventura or Santa Barbara. The park is open year-round and entrance to each of the islands is free, although transportation to the island has a fee.

Whether you’re looking for mountains, trees or seals, U.S. national parks offer affordable adventures for all travelers. Enjoy your trip to Channel Islands National Park.

Compare 604 hotels close to Channel Islands National Park with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
2.5 out of 5
298 S Chestnut St, Ventura, CA, 93001
The price is $159 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
$159
per night
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ventura. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,863 reviews)
10 stars from us!! Close to beach!
"We had a very lovely stay. We got in late so it was dark and when we woke, we woke to a full blown ocean view! It was such a wonderful surprise! The beds are very comfortable, the room was clean. The check in was smooth and easy and she was kind. They supplied extra pillows to us with no problems. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2023

Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
3 out of 5
6602 Old Pacific Coast Hwy, Ventura, CA, 93001
The price is $179 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
$179
per night
Mar 27 - Mar 28
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Ventura. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Staff at the check in desk was very friendly and helpful. The ocean view did not disappoint!"

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2023

Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
450 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA, 93001
The price is $259 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$259
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Ventura. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,117 reviews)
"Happt"

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Plan a trip to see Channel Islands National Park

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Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, an IHG Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Channel Islands National Park

Motel 6 Ventura, CA - Beach
Motel 6 Ventura, CA - Beach
2 out of 5
2145 East Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA, 93001
Motel 6 Ventura, CA - Beach
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
3 out of 5
6602 Old Pacific Coast Hwy, Ventura, CA, 93001
Cliff House Inn On The Ocean
Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
2.5 out of 5
298 S Chestnut St, Ventura, CA, 93001
Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
450 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA, 93001
Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA, 93035
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Pierpont Inn
The Pierpont Inn
3 out of 5
550 San Jon Rd, Ventura, CA, 93001
The Pierpont Inn
Inn On The Beach
Inn On The Beach
2 out of 5
1175 South Seaward Ave, Ventura, CA, 93001
Inn On The Beach
Clocktower Inn Ventura
Clocktower Inn Ventura
3 out of 5
181 E Santa Clara St, Ventura, CA, 93001
Clocktower Inn Ventura
Motel 6 Ventura, CA - Downtown
Motel 6 Ventura, CA - Downtown
2 out of 5
350 East Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA, 93001
Motel 6 Ventura, CA - Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.