Santa Rosa Island is located off the southern coast of California in the Pacific Ocean, between Santa Cruz Island and San Miguel Island. It lies near Santa Barbara and is situated at approximately 34.0000° N latitude and 120.0500° W longitude.
Santa Rosa Island Location Map
Google Map of Santa Rosa Island, California, United States
About Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is located off the southern coast of California in the Pacific Ocean and is part of the Channel Islands. The island lies west of Santa Cruz Island and north of San Miguel Island, within the Santa Barbara Channel.
Geographically, Santa Rosa Island is situated at approximately 34.0000° North latitude and 120.0500° West longitude. It is separated from the California mainland by the Santa Barbara Channel and is accessible mainly by boat or limited air transport. Nearby locations include Santa Cruz Island to the east, San Miguel Island to the west, and the coastal city of Santa Barbara on the mainland.
According to available records, Santa Rosa Island has no permanent civilian population, with only park staff and researchers present at times. The island covers a total land area of about 84 square miles (217 square kilometers), making it the second-largest of California’s Channel Islands.
Santa Rosa Island is known for its wide sandy beaches, rolling hills, and protected natural environment. As part of Channel Islands National Park, the island features coastal dunes, historic ranching sites, and diverse wildlife habitats, making it an important area for conservation and limited tourism.
Santa Rosa Island Facts
| Island Name | Santa Rosa Island |
| Native Names | Wi’ma (Chumash) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Continent | North America |
| State | California |
| County | Santa Barbara County |
| Location | Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Southern California |
| Coordinates | Approx. 34.02° N, 120.06° W |
| Area | Approximately 84.5 sq mi (219 Sq Km) |
| Length | About 15 miles (24 km) |
| Width | About 10 miles (16 km) |
| Highest Point | Soledad Peak - 1,589 ft (484 m) |
| Population | No permanent residents (park staff only) |
| Administrative Status | Part of Channel Islands National Park |
| Ownership | National Park Service (majority ownership) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Calling / Area Code | 805 |
| ZIP Code | 93001 (Ventura Harbor - access point) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone - UTC -8 (PST), UTC -7 (PDT) |
| Climate | Mediterranean coastal climate |
| Geography | Rolling hills, coastal dunes, canyons, and sandy beaches |
| Famous Landmark | Torrey Pines groves, extensive coastal dunes |
| Flora & Fauna | Island fox, Torrey pine trees, seabirds |
| Tourist Activities | Hiking, beach exploration, wildlife viewing |
| Access | Ferry from Ventura Harbor (limited service) |
| Famous For | Rare Torrey pines, Chumash history, pristine beaches |
Attractions in Santa Rosa Island, California
- Torrey Pines Forest - Rare and protected grove of Torrey pine trees found only on Santa Rosa Island.
- Lobo Canyon - Scenic canyon featuring lush vegetation, seasonal streams, and island wildlife.
- Water Canyon Beach - Wide, pristine beach known for solitude, coastal views, and fossil discoveries.
- Cherry Canyon - Historic ranching area with trails leading through rolling hills and canyons.
- Black Mountain - Highest point on the island offering expansive views of the Channel Islands.
- Bechers Bay - Remote bay with long sandy beaches and access to interior hiking routes.
- Santa Rosa Island Fox Habitat - Natural habitat of the endemic island fox unique to the Channel Islands.
- Coastal Dunes - Extensive sand dune systems shaped by wind and ocean forces.
- Channel Islands National Park Trails - Network of trails crossing beaches, canyons, and grassy uplands.
- Paleontological Sites - Areas known for Ice Age fossils, including pygmy mammoth remains.
Distance from Santa Rosa Island to California Cities
- Santa Rosa Island, CA - 0 km (0 miles)
- Ventura, CA - 40 km (25 miles)
- Oxnard, CA - 45 km (28 miles)
- Santa Barbara, CA - 55 km (34 miles)
- Santa Monica, CA - 95 km (59 miles)
- Los Angeles, CA - 110 km (68 miles)
- Long Beach, CA - 125 km (78 miles)
- San Diego, CA - 235 km (146 miles)
- Monterey, CA - 345 km (214 miles)
- San Francisco, CA - 425 km (264 miles)
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