Channel Islands California, USA Travel Guide
The Channel Islands National Park is accessed via boats from Ventura or Oxnard. The closest major airports include The City of angels International Airport (LAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), and John Wayne Airport (SNA). All major U.S. Airlines (United, Delta, American, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, etc.) serve LAX. Many also serve BUR, SBA, LGB, and SNA, offering domestic and international connections. Flight prices to Southern California generally peak during summer, major holidays, and spring break. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often present better deals.
Rental car is the most common and recommended option for flexibility. All major rental car companies are available at listed airports. Book early for the best rates. Shuttle services, like Roadrunner Shuttle, offer shared-ride or private transfers from LAX or BUR to Ventura/Oxnard. Uber and Lyft are available from all from airports to Ventura/Oxnard. Public transportation is possible but less convenient. From LAX, one typically takes a FlyAway bus to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, then transfers to a Metrolink or Amtrak train to Ventura.
Prices peak in the summertime and holidays, better deals during shoulder seasons.
Full-service commercial airports with car rentals, dining, shops.
LAX has direct flights from numerous international hubs.
Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National, etc., have offices near airports or train stations.
Drive on the right. You must wear seatbelts. Helmets mandatory for motorcycles. No handheld phone use.
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates.
The only commercial transportation to Channel Islands National Park is via the park concessionaire, Island Packers. They operate daily departures to Saint (feminine) Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands from Ventura Harbor and Oxnard's Channel Islands Harbor. The islands do not have cruise ship ports. River transportation is not applicable. Immigration procedures are not applicable, as travel to the Channel Islands is domestic.
Island Packers' departure points at Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor are accessible by car, ride-sharing services, or limited bus services in the area from mainland cities. Ample parking is available at each of the two locations. Contact Island Packers directly to discuss specific accessibility necessities for the ferry and island landings. Some islands and landings present greater challenges for mobility than others.
No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing from the Channel Islands National Park. Ferry fees are paid upon booking your ticket. Ferry departure times are fixed. Be at the dock well in advance (15-30 minutes) of your scheduled departure time, especially if you have equipment to load. Park rangers and Island Packers staff guide the boarding process. You must leave no trace.
Mainland airports (LAX, BUR, SBA, LGB, SNA) offer standard departure facilities. These include check-in counters, security checkpoints, lounges, various dining establishments, and retail shops for last-minute purchases.
The Channel Islands are a hiker''s utopia. All islands present extensive trail systems ranging from easy coastal strolls to strenuous backcountry treks. These routes exist as designated pedestrian-only zones. National Park Service rangers provide free guided walks and talks on the islands. Check the NPS website for schedules. Self-guided hiking is the main way to explore the islands. Remember that all movement on the islands happens by foot. You depend entirely on your own two feet for exploration.
Downtown Ventura and the Ventura Pier area are very pedestrian-friendly. The Ventura Esplanade and Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail provide scenic walking and cycling paths along the coast. Self-guided walks are possible through the old town Ventura, exploring its architecture and shops. Ventura has bike shops that offer rentals for exploring the coastal bike path or city streets. Always wear a Helmet when cycling. Be aware of traffic when cycling on roads. Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit or industrial areas on the mainland.
All movement on the islands occurs by foot; trails cater to hikers.
Bicycles are generally not permitted on island trails; cycling is a mainland activity.
Once off the ferry, your feet are your only transport on the isles. Prepare for extensive walking.
No taxis or ride-sharing services are available on the Channel Islands. On the mainland (Ventura/Oxnard), taxis can be hailed in busy areas or found at designated stands. Calling a local taxi company for pickup is more common. Uber and Lyft are widely available in Ventura and Oxnard. These services often prove simpler and sometimes more affordable than traditional taxis. For safety, use reputable services. Share trip details with a trusted contact. For ride-sharing, always confirm the driver and vehicle match the app details before entering the car.
On the islands, mass transit is non-existent. All movement occurs by foot. On the mainland, Gold Coast Transit District operates local bus services connecting Ventura, Oxnard, and other nearby cities. These routes serve major points of interest, including Ventura Harbor (for Island Packers). Fares are typically paid with cash or by way of a mobile ticketing app. Day passes are available. Buses generally operate from from early in the morning to late in the evening, with reduced service on weekends. Frequency varies by route. Gold Coast Transit buses are generally wheelchair accessible. Use Google Maps or the Gold Coast Transit app for real-time tracking and route planning.
Functions as the main water taxi service to the islands. None other intra-island boat taxis exist.
Visitors can use their own kayaks or Stand-Up Paddleboards for water exploration around the islands after being transported by Island Packers.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique transport methods exist in this region.
Once you step off the ferry onto any of the Channel Islands, your own feet are your only a form of getting around. Prepare for walking and hiking.
