Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources. Isolation over thousands of years has created unique animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth and helped preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was. — nps.gov
Channel Islands National Park at a glance
- State
- California
- Established
- March 5, 1980
- Size
- 249,561 acres
- 2025 visits
- 227,186
- Busiest-park rank
- #51 of 63
- Entrance
- Free entry
Best time to visit
When is Channel Islands quiet?
Channel Islands is busiest in July and quietest in January. For a quieter visit outside the dead of the off-season, May is the quietest shoulder-season month, going by National Park Service visitor counts for 2021–2025.
In 2025 the park logged 227,186 recreation visits, the #51 busiest of the 63 national parks. Quiet months can also mean closed roads or facilities, so check current conditions before you go.
Crowd calendar, all 63 parks →Is Channel Islands open right now? →
Average visits by month
2021–2025 · NPS IRMAQuietest: JanuaryBusiest: July
Fees & passes
What it costs to visit Channel Islands
Channel Islands National Park charges no entrance fee.
From the NPS fees data, checked October 1, 2026.
Reservations · 2026
No park-wide reservation
The National Park Service lists no timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Channel Islands National Park. Campgrounds, tours and backcountry permits may still need booking, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
Things to do
Things to do in Channel Islands
- Astronomy44
- Backcountry Camping51
- Backcountry Hiking43
- Birdwatching48
- Boat Tour16
- Boating27
- Camping60
- Canoe or Kayak Camping20
- Compass and GPS10
- Fishing41
- Food46
- Front-Country Hiking42
- Group Camping33
- Guided Tours54
- Hiking60
- Kayaking23
- Motorized Boating11
- Museum Exhibits36
- Off-Trail Permitted Hiking13
- Orienteering5
- Paddling32
- Picnicking34
- Sailing7
- Saltwater Fishing7
- Saltwater Swimming7
- SCUBA Diving6
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking22
- Snorkeling5
- Stand Up Paddleboarding12
- Stargazing39
- Surfing3
- Swimming17
- Wildlife Watching53
The number shows how many of the 63 national parks offer each activity.
Weather
Weather at Channel Islands
In general, the islands have a Mediterranean climate year-round. Temperatures are relatively stable, with highs averaging in the mid-60s (°F) and lows in the low-50s. However, there are seasonal differences that visitors should take into consideration when visiting the park.
In addition, visitors also should be aware that ocean and weather conditions vary considerably from day-to-day and island-to-island. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/weather.htm
From the National Park Service.
Getting there
Getting to Channel Islands
While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat. Advanced planning is highly recommended.
No road in: While the mainland visitor center in Ventura is readily accessible by car or public transportation, the islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats and planes or private boat.
1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93001 · Directions on nps.gov
Nearby
National parks near Channel Islands
- Sequoia National Park183 miChannel Islands is not reachable by road
- Pinnacles National Park187 miChannel Islands is not reachable by road
- Kings Canyon National Park209 miChannel Islands is not reachable by road
- Death Valley National Park233 miChannel Islands is not reachable by road
- Joshua Tree National Park233 miChannel Islands is not reachable by road
- Yosemite National Park268 miChannel Islands is not reachable by road
Straight-line distance between park centers; drive times are rough estimates.
Closest big cities: Los Angeles (86 mi) · San Diego (180 mi) · San Jose (252 mi)
Channel Islands is the orange dot. Tap any park to tick it off your checklist.
Photos of Channel Islands National Park
FAQ
Channel Islands, quickly
- When is the best time to visit Channel Islands National Park?
- If you want fewer people, go in May, the quietest shoulder-season month. July is the busiest month on average, and January the quietest, based on NPS recreation visits for 2021–2025. Check nps.gov for seasonal road and facility closures before you go.
- How much does it cost to visit Channel Islands National Park?
- Channel Islands National Park has no entrance fee, according to the National Park Service. Some tours, campgrounds or permits may still cost money.
- Do you need a reservation for Channel Islands National Park in 2026?
- The National Park Service lists no park-wide timed-entry or vehicle reservation for Channel Islands National Park. Campgrounds, tours and some popular hikes may still need bookings, so check the park's plan-your-visit page.
- When did Channel Islands National Park become a national park?
- Channel Islands National Park was established as a national park on March 5, 1980.
- What is the closest national park to Channel Islands?
- Sequoia National Park, about 183 miles away in a straight line.
Sources · 3
- 1.Channel Islands National Park — official site · National Park Service
- 2.NPS Data API — /parks (all park units) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
- 3.Channel Islands National Park — Visitor Use Statistics · National Park Service (IRMA)
About this page
Park facts, photos, fees and visitor counts come from the National Park Service (NPS Data API and Visitor Use Statistics), last checked October 1, 2026. Park'd is an independent app and is not affiliated with the National Park Service. For official, current information, visit nps.gov/chis.
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