Where is Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Channel Islands National Park is located in California, USA. It lies between Santa Barbara and Ventura and is situated on five of the eight Channel Islands off the southern California coast. The park is famous for its unique wildlife, marine life, sea caves, and beautiful island landscapes.

Channel Islands National Park Location Map, Ventura, California

Top Attractions Inside Channel Islands National Park

  • Scorpion Cove (Santa Cruz Island) – Popular landing area for kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves.
  • Anacapa Island – Rugged island with iconic arch rock formations and seabird colonies.
  • Santa Rosa Island – Expansive beaches, hiking trails, and historic ranching sites.
  • Island Fox Viewing – Spot the unique, endemic island fox on several of the islands.
  • Kayaking & Snorkeling Spots – Clear waters with kelp forests, sea lions, and diverse marine life.
  • Sea Caves – Accessible by boat or kayak, offering dramatic coastal scenery and wildlife observation.
  • Backcountry Hiking Trails – Trails through remote landscapes showcasing native plants, wildlife, and cliffside vistas.

Channel Islands National Park Facts

Official NameChannel Islands National Park
LocationVentura, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude34.0069° N, 119.7785° W
Total Area~249,561 acres (100,965 hectares)
EstablishedMarch 5, 1980
FounderU.S. Federal Government (National Park Service)
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS)
RegionSouthern California – Pacific Coast
Address1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Zip Code93001
Area Code805
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptIsland Ecosystems, Marine Wildlife, Coastal Wilderness, Outdoor Recreation
Main IslandsAnacapa - Santa Cruz - Santa Rosa - San Miguel - Santa Barbara
Famous AttractionsInspiration Point (Anacapa) - Painted Cave (Santa Cruz) - Scorpion Anchorage - Point Bennett (San Miguel) - Torrey Pines (Santa Rosa)
Annual Visitors~300,000+ visitors per year
Entry Fee TypeNo Park Entrance Fee (Boat or Flight Transport Required)
Transport Cost Range~$59 to $125+ round-trip (Island Packers Ferry)
Transportation OptionsFerry (Island Packers) - Charter Boats - Private Boats - Limited Flights to Some Islands
Best Time to VisitMay–October (Calm seas, warm weather, best wildlife & kayaking conditions)
Nearby AirportLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 65 miles (105 km)

Distances from Channel Islands National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Scorpion Anchorage – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Santa Cruz Island Visitor Center – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Prisoners Harbor – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Smugglers Cove – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Parsons Landing – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • China Camp – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Cavern Point – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Santa Rosa Island – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Anacapa Island – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • San Miguel Island – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Santa Barbara, CA – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Ventura, CA – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Channel Islands Harbor – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Island Packers Dock – 50 km (31 mi)
  • East Anchorage – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Shark Harbor – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Pelican Bay – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Del Norte Canyon – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Blue Cavern – 6 km (3.7 mi)