Discover the natural wonders of Channel Islands

Kathy Strong 11:21 a.m. PDT July 8, 2015

Discover the natural wonders of Channel

Islands National Park

A journey to the Galapagos Islands should be on

every nature lover's bucket list. However, if that trip

is a little too far or expensive this summer, you can

achieve your own "Galapagos"-style adventure just

a few hours up the coast. A dozen miles off Southern California's Pacific coastline

near Ventura is a sparkling ribbon of rocks that seem to float on the horizon.

The Channel Islands, named for the deep troughs that have isolated them from the

mainland for thousands of years, are home to more than 2,000 species of animals

and plants, 145 found nowhere else in the world. Today, five of the islands, including

their submerged lands and the waters within a few miles around them, are protected

as the Channel Islands National Park, granting visitors resources found nowhere else

on Earth as well as a look at coastal California as it once was.

The best part of visiting these islands is the diversity of offerings—from day tripping to

extensive exploring. There is something for everyone, including enjoying a cruise

around the harbor that launches the island expeditions. Choose your way to discover

the treasures of "SoCal's Galapagos":

Center Yourself : To get the most from your visit to the islands, first make a stop at

the Channel Islands Visitor Center at Ventura Harbor Village. The visitor center offers

three-dimensional maps of the islands, a museum, living tide pools, a movie and

exhibits on the islands and native wildlife. The center also offers great panoramic

views of the islands from its tower.

Pick an island : The best known of the islands is Anacapa because of its proximity

and popularity for day trips. The five-mile-long narrow, rocky isle hosts dramatically

steep cliffs and an easy nature walk to view more than 265 species of plants and a

multitude of seabirds which includes the largest brown pelican rookery on the Pacific

Coast. Santa Cruz Island is a prime destination for recreation. Incredible inland hiking

with ocean views, world-class kayaking and explorations of an ancient Chumash

village site make this island a good choice. The outer islands are Santa Rosa, San

Miguel and Santa Barbara.

Book a tour : After choosing your destination, book a tour or cruise with Island

Packers, the official concessionaire for the islands. They are also your resource for

all authorized tour companies once you arrive, from kayaking to camping.

Hike all day : Numerous trails traverse the unspoiled islands, providing visitors with

spectacular hiking opportunities from the relatively flat, signed trails of Anacapa to the

unmaintained and mountainous unsigned paths of Santa Rosa. On days that the

concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes are usually offered by

naturalists. On Anacapa, take the easy two-mile roundtrip hike to Inspiration Point,

which affords one of the most dramatic views of the national park.

Kayak through Painted Cave for an intimate and adventurous exploration of the waters. (Photo:

Photo by Anthony Lombardi)

Grab a Paddle: Kayaking is one of the most intimate and adventurous ways to

explore the park. An authorized park guide is strongly recommended to make the

most of your adventure. Scorpion Beach on east Santa Cruz Island is a topnotch

destination for sea kayaking with easy beach access, pure ocean waters and

remarkable sea caves and cliffs to explore.

Spot the Scrub Jay : The Channel Islands support a rich variety of birds, distinct in

many ways from the birds of the adjacent mainland. In fact, the Santa Rosa Scrub Jay

is found in no other place in the United States, and the association of northern and

southern species found here is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. The islands

support the only nesting population of California brown pelicans along the west coast.

Boat guides will happily assist in identifying birds on your boat trip.

Anacapa Island is a 5-mile-long, narrow island with an easy nature walk and the largest brown

pelican rookery on the Pacific Coast. (Photo: Photo by Elaine Edwards)

See the Flora: The park is home to more than 775 plant species, and each island is

floristically unique due to a complex interplay of factors, from elevation to topography.

Head to Santa Barbara, Anacapa and San Miguel islands to catch the most brilliant

coreopsis flower displays that appear each spring.

This harbor seal pup is just one of 2,000 species of animals and plants found in the Channel

Islands. (Photo: Courtesy)

Encounter Wildlife: A total of 23 endemic terrestrial animals have been identified in

the park, including 11 land birds that are Channel Island subspecies or races. Look

for the island fox, the island deer mouse, the island spotted skunk, big-eared bats

and the island night lizard as you hike the back country. Island Packers offers a

popular 3 1/2-hour Channel Island Wildlife Cruise with opportunities to view California

Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and ocean birds.

Inspiration Point grants a view of the islands that form SoCal’s own “Galapagos” islands. (Photo:

Courtesy)

Capture Nature: Crashing surf, towering sea cliffs and dazzling floral displays set

against the ocean have made the Channel Islands a nature photographer's haven.

The photogenic Arch Rock on eastern Anacapa is a must shot during sunset, but any

hike or boat trip leads to photo gems, from tail-popping whales to a calcified forest.

Explore the eco-rich waters of Scorpion Bay in the Channel Islands. (Photo: Photo by Doug Mangum)

Examine Tide Pools: Isolation has made the tide pools of the islands some of the

best in Southern California. Anemones, sea stars, urchins, limpets, periwinkles,

chitons, barnacles, mussels and many other fascinating species can be found in

pristine tide pools on all the islands. The most accessible sites are at Frenchy's Cove

on Anacapa Island and Smuggler's Cove on Santa Cruz Island.

Unearth History : The Channel Islands are home to the most well-preserved

archeological sites on the Pacific coast, with a history spanning 10,000 years of

continuous human occupation. Island visitors can explore the world of the native

Chumash, walk the shores where European explorers landed, discover new tales from

California's ranching history and witness the remains of off-shore shipwrecks.

Cruise The Keys: Perhaps, you would rather keep your cruising a little more local

with far-off vistas of the Channel Islands while enjoying dinner or yacht-style tastings

of wine or craft beer. Island Packers, your purveyor of island jaunts, has rolled out

special Ventura Harbor Cruises on select Saturday evenings now through October.

Make Ventura Harbor Village your home base for exploration. (Photo: Courtesy)

You will cruise within the Ventura Harbor and the waterfront homes in the Ventura

Keys aboard a 64-foot power catamaran, while enjoying food aboard catered by local

restaurants from Italian to gourmet tacos. Guests may choose from a number of trips

that feature various musicians playing jazz, blues, rock n' roll, oldies and more. Wine,

supplied by local wineries, is served and available for purchase, as well as beer and

non-alcoholic beverages. For cruise details, visit www.islandpackers.com or call 805-

642-1393.

Follow "Going My Way" on twitter@KathyStrong2.

If you go

Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort

This resort on 17 acres of coastal land is just an eight-minute walk from Ventura

Harbor Village where island-goers depart.

1050 Schooner Dr., Ventura, CA; (866) 716-8133;

www.fourpointsventuraharborresort.com

Island Packers

www.islandpackers.com; (805) 642-1393

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Discover the natural wonders of Channel Islands

Kathy Strong 11:21 a.m. PDT July 8, 2015

Discover the natural wonders of Channel

Islands National Park

A journey to the Galapagos Islands should be on

every nature lover's bucket list. However, if that trip

is a little too far or expensive this summer, you can

achieve your own "Galapagos"-style adventure just

a few hours up the coast. A dozen miles off Southern California's Pacific coastline

near Ventura is a sparkling ribbon of rocks that seem to float on the horizon.

The Channel Islands, named for the deep troughs that have isolated them from the

mainland for thousands of years, are home to more than 2,000 species of animals

and plants, 145 found nowhere else in the world. Today, five of the islands, including

their submerged lands and the waters within a few miles around them, are protected

as the Channel Islands National Park, granting visitors resources found nowhere else

on Earth as well as a look at coastal California as it once was.

The best part of visiting these islands is the diversity of offerings—from day tripping to

extensive exploring. There is something for everyone, including enjoying a cruise

around the harbor that launches the island expeditions. Choose your way to discover

the treasures of "SoCal's Galapagos":

Center Yourself : To get the most from your visit to the islands, first make a stop at

the Channel Islands Visitor Center at Ventura Harbor Village. The visitor center offers

three-dimensional maps of the islands, a museum, living tide pools, a movie and

exhibits on the islands and native wildlife. The center also offers great panoramic

views of the islands from its tower.

Pick an island : The best known of the islands is Anacapa because of its proximity

and popularity for day trips. The five-mile-long narrow, rocky isle hosts dramatically

steep cliffs and an easy nature walk to view more than 265 species of plants and a

multitude of seabirds which includes the largest brown pelican rookery on the Pacific

Coast. Santa Cruz Island is a prime destination for recreation. Incredible inland hiking

with ocean views, world-class kayaking and explorations of an ancient Chumash

village site make this island a good choice. The outer islands are Santa Rosa, San

Miguel and Santa Barbara.

Book a tour : After choosing your destination, book a tour or cruise with Island

Packers, the official concessionaire for the islands. They are also your resource for

all authorized tour companies once you arrive, from kayaking to camping.

Hike all day : Numerous trails traverse the unspoiled islands, providing visitors with

spectacular hiking opportunities from the relatively flat, signed trails of Anacapa to the

unmaintained and mountainous unsigned paths of Santa Rosa. On days that the

concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes are usually offered by

naturalists. On Anacapa, take the easy two-mile roundtrip hike to Inspiration Point,

which affords one of the most dramatic views of the national park.

Kayak through Painted Cave for an intimate and adventurous exploration of the waters. (Photo:

Photo by Anthony Lombardi)

Grab a Paddle: Kayaking is one of the most intimate and adventurous ways to

explore the park. An authorized park guide is strongly recommended to make the

most of your adventure. Scorpion Beach on east Santa Cruz Island is a topnotch

destination for sea kayaking with easy beach access, pure ocean waters and

remarkable sea caves and cliffs to explore.

Spot the Scrub Jay : The Channel Islands support a rich variety of birds, distinct in

many ways from the birds of the adjacent mainland. In fact, the Santa Rosa Scrub Jay

is found in no other place in the United States, and the association of northern and

southern species found here is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. The islands

support the only nesting population of California brown pelicans along the west coast.

Boat guides will happily assist in identifying birds on your boat trip.

Anacapa Island is a 5-mile-long, narrow island with an easy nature walk and the largest brown

pelican rookery on the Pacific Coast. (Photo: Photo by Elaine Edwards)

See the Flora: The park is home to more than 775 plant species, and each island is

floristically unique due to a complex interplay of factors, from elevation to topography.

Head to Santa Barbara, Anacapa and San Miguel islands to catch the most brilliant

coreopsis flower displays that appear each spring.

This harbor seal pup is just one of 2,000 species of animals and plants found in the Channel

Islands. (Photo: Courtesy)

Encounter Wildlife: A total of 23 endemic terrestrial animals have been identified in

the park, including 11 land birds that are Channel Island subspecies or races. Look

for the island fox, the island deer mouse, the island spotted skunk, big-eared bats

and the island night lizard as you hike the back country. Island Packers offers a

popular 3 1/2-hour Channel Island Wildlife Cruise with opportunities to view California

Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and ocean birds.

Inspiration Point grants a view of the islands that form SoCal’s own “Galapagos” islands. (Photo:

Courtesy)

Capture Nature: Crashing surf, towering sea cliffs and dazzling floral displays set

against the ocean have made the Channel Islands a nature photographer's haven.

The photogenic Arch Rock on eastern Anacapa is a must shot during sunset, but any

hike or boat trip leads to photo gems, from tail-popping whales to a calcified forest.

Explore the eco-rich waters of Scorpion Bay in the Channel Islands. (Photo: Photo by Doug Mangum)

Examine Tide Pools: Isolation has made the tide pools of the islands some of the

best in Southern California. Anemones, sea stars, urchins, limpets, periwinkles,

chitons, barnacles, mussels and many other fascinating species can be found in

pristine tide pools on all the islands. The most accessible sites are at Frenchy's Cove

on Anacapa Island and Smuggler's Cove on Santa Cruz Island.

Unearth History : The Channel Islands are home to the most well-preserved

archeological sites on the Pacific coast, with a history spanning 10,000 years of

continuous human occupation. Island visitors can explore the world of the native

Chumash, walk the shores where European explorers landed, discover new tales from

California's ranching history and witness the remains of off-shore shipwrecks.

Cruise The Keys: Perhaps, you would rather keep your cruising a little more local

with far-off vistas of the Channel Islands while enjoying dinner or yacht-style tastings

of wine or craft beer. Island Packers, your purveyor of island jaunts, has rolled out

special Ventura Harbor Cruises on select Saturday evenings now through October.

Make Ventura Harbor Village your home base for exploration. (Photo: Courtesy)

You will cruise within the Ventura Harbor and the waterfront homes in the Ventura

Keys aboard a 64-foot power catamaran, while enjoying food aboard catered by local

restaurants from Italian to gourmet tacos. Guests may choose from a number of trips

that feature various musicians playing jazz, blues, rock n' roll, oldies and more. Wine,

supplied by local wineries, is served and available for purchase, as well as beer and

non-alcoholic beverages. For cruise details, visit www.islandpackers.com or call 805-

642-1393.

Follow "Going My Way" on twitter@KathyStrong2.

If you go

Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort

This resort on 17 acres of coastal land is just an eight-minute walk from Ventura

Harbor Village where island-goers depart.

1050 Schooner Dr., Ventura, CA; (866) 716-8133;

www.fourpointsventuraharborresort.com

Island Packers

www.islandpackers.com; (805) 642-1393

21CONNECT

4TWEET LINKEDIN COMMENT EMAIL MORE

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4TWEET LINKEDIN COMMENT EMAIL MORE

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Baltics cruise

July 10, 2015, 4:02 a.m.

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July 10, 2015, 5 a.m.

Save time. Get connected for FREE to travel

specialists. The journey starts right here at

tripology.com

To begin, I'm interested in:

(Check all that apply)

Flights Hotels

Car Rental Transportation

Cruise

From: Name or Air To: Name or Airpor

Find My Agent

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READY FOR YOUR DREAM VACATION?

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Discover the natural wonders of Channel Islands

Kathy Strong 11:21 a.m. PDT July 8, 2015

Discover the natural wonders of Channel

Islands National Park

A journey to the Galapagos Islands should be on

every nature lover's bucket list. However, if that trip

is a little too far or expensive this summer, you can

achieve your own "Galapagos"-style adventure just

a few hours up the coast. A dozen miles off Southern California's Pacific coastline

near Ventura is a sparkling ribbon of rocks that seem to float on the horizon.

The Channel Islands, named for the deep troughs that have isolated them from the

mainland for thousands of years, are home to more than 2,000 species of animals

and plants, 145 found nowhere else in the world. Today, five of the islands, including

their submerged lands and the waters within a few miles around them, are protected

as the Channel Islands National Park, granting visitors resources found nowhere else

on Earth as well as a look at coastal California as it once was.

The best part of visiting these islands is the diversity of offerings—from day tripping to

extensive exploring. There is something for everyone, including enjoying a cruise

around the harbor that launches the island expeditions. Choose your way to discover

the treasures of "SoCal's Galapagos":

Center Yourself : To get the most from your visit to the islands, first make a stop at

the Channel Islands Visitor Center at Ventura Harbor Village. The visitor center offers

three-dimensional maps of the islands, a museum, living tide pools, a movie and

exhibits on the islands and native wildlife. The center also offers great panoramic

views of the islands from its tower.

Pick an island : The best known of the islands is Anacapa because of its proximity

and popularity for day trips. The five-mile-long narrow, rocky isle hosts dramatically

steep cliffs and an easy nature walk to view more than 265 species of plants and a

multitude of seabirds which includes the largest brown pelican rookery on the Pacific

Coast. Santa Cruz Island is a prime destination for recreation. Incredible inland hiking

with ocean views, world-class kayaking and explorations of an ancient Chumash

village site make this island a good choice. The outer islands are Santa Rosa, San

Miguel and Santa Barbara.

Book a tour : After choosing your destination, book a tour or cruise with Island

Packers, the official concessionaire for the islands. They are also your resource for

all authorized tour companies once you arrive, from kayaking to camping.

Hike all day : Numerous trails traverse the unspoiled islands, providing visitors with

spectacular hiking opportunities from the relatively flat, signed trails of Anacapa to the

unmaintained and mountainous unsigned paths of Santa Rosa. On days that the

concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes are usually offered by

naturalists. On Anacapa, take the easy two-mile roundtrip hike to Inspiration Point,

which affords one of the most dramatic views of the national park.

Kayak through Painted Cave for an intimate and adventurous exploration of the waters. (Photo:

Photo by Anthony Lombardi)

Grab a Paddle: Kayaking is one of the most intimate and adventurous ways to

explore the park. An authorized park guide is strongly recommended to make the

most of your adventure. Scorpion Beach on east Santa Cruz Island is a topnotch

destination for sea kayaking with easy beach access, pure ocean waters and

remarkable sea caves and cliffs to explore.

Spot the Scrub Jay : The Channel Islands support a rich variety of birds, distinct in

many ways from the birds of the adjacent mainland. In fact, the Santa Rosa Scrub Jay

is found in no other place in the United States, and the association of northern and

southern species found here is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. The islands

support the only nesting population of California brown pelicans along the west coast.

Boat guides will happily assist in identifying birds on your boat trip.

Anacapa Island is a 5-mile-long, narrow island with an easy nature walk and the largest brown

pelican rookery on the Pacific Coast. (Photo: Photo by Elaine Edwards)

See the Flora: The park is home to more than 775 plant species, and each island is

floristically unique due to a complex interplay of factors, from elevation to topography.

Head to Santa Barbara, Anacapa and San Miguel islands to catch the most brilliant

coreopsis flower displays that appear each spring.

This harbor seal pup is just one of 2,000 species of animals and plants found in the Channel

Islands. (Photo: Courtesy)

Encounter Wildlife: A total of 23 endemic terrestrial animals have been identified in

the park, including 11 land birds that are Channel Island subspecies or races. Look

for the island fox, the island deer mouse, the island spotted skunk, big-eared bats

and the island night lizard as you hike the back country. Island Packers offers a

popular 3 1/2-hour Channel Island Wildlife Cruise with opportunities to view California

Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and ocean birds.

Inspiration Point grants a view of the islands that form SoCal’s own “Galapagos” islands. (Photo:

Courtesy)

Capture Nature: Crashing surf, towering sea cliffs and dazzling floral displays set

against the ocean have made the Channel Islands a nature photographer's haven.

The photogenic Arch Rock on eastern Anacapa is a must shot during sunset, but any

hike or boat trip leads to photo gems, from tail-popping whales to a calcified forest.

Explore the eco-rich waters of Scorpion Bay in the Channel Islands. (Photo: Photo by Doug Mangum)

Examine Tide Pools: Isolation has made the tide pools of the islands some of the

best in Southern California. Anemones, sea stars, urchins, limpets, periwinkles,

chitons, barnacles, mussels and many other fascinating species can be found in

pristine tide pools on all the islands. The most accessible sites are at Frenchy's Cove

on Anacapa Island and Smuggler's Cove on Santa Cruz Island.

Unearth History : The Channel Islands are home to the most well-preserved

archeological sites on the Pacific coast, with a history spanning 10,000 years of

continuous human occupation. Island visitors can explore the world of the native

Chumash, walk the shores where European explorers landed, discover new tales from

California's ranching history and witness the remains of off-shore shipwrecks.

Cruise The Keys: Perhaps, you would rather keep your cruising a little more local

with far-off vistas of the Channel Islands while enjoying dinner or yacht-style tastings

of wine or craft beer. Island Packers, your purveyor of island jaunts, has rolled out

special Ventura Harbor Cruises on select Saturday evenings now through October.

Make Ventura Harbor Village your home base for exploration. (Photo: Courtesy)

You will cruise within the Ventura Harbor and the waterfront homes in the Ventura

Keys aboard a 64-foot power catamaran, while enjoying food aboard catered by local

restaurants from Italian to gourmet tacos. Guests may choose from a number of trips

that feature various musicians playing jazz, blues, rock n' roll, oldies and more. Wine,

supplied by local wineries, is served and available for purchase, as well as beer and

non-alcoholic beverages. For cruise details, visit www.islandpackers.com or call 805-

642-1393.

Follow "Going My Way" on twitter@KathyStrong2.

If you go

Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort

This resort on 17 acres of coastal land is just an eight-minute walk from Ventura

Harbor Village where island-goers depart.

1050 Schooner Dr., Ventura, CA; (866) 716-8133;

www.fourpointsventuraharborresort.com

Island Packers

www.islandpackers.com; (805) 642-1393

21CONNECT

4TWEET LINKEDIN COMMENT EMAIL MORE

21CONNECT

4TWEET LINKEDIN COMMENT EMAIL MORE

01:36

Why Australia is worth the trip03:26

Carnival Cruises to Havanasoon01:48

Greek banks still closed:what's next?03:30

Go underwater on a sharktagging adventure!02:11

Are you guilty of believingthese 5 shark myths?01:30

Now is the time to visit Maine02:21

Surprising dish is the star ofthis D.C. BBQ joint01:22

This is Texas' equivalent ofthe Taj Mahal01:32

Awesome 4th of JulyFireworks to watch thisweekend01:20

Venture through the mostthrilling theme parks

10 great places to see

before they change

forever

July 10, 2015, 4:51 a.m.

What to do on a bucket list

Baltics cruise

July 10, 2015, 4:02 a.m.

Oregon matures into

world-class wine and food

destination

July 10, 2015, 5 a.m.

Save time. Get connected for FREE to travel

specialists. The journey starts right here at

tripology.com

To begin, I'm interested in:

(Check all that apply)

Flights Hotels

Car Rental Transportation

Cruise

From: Name or Air To: Name or Airpor

Find My Agent

TOP VIDEOS

MORE STORIES

READY FOR YOUR DREAM VACATION?

(Photo: Photo by Doug Magnum)

2121

44

Search

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 3 / 4

Discover the natural wonders of Channel Islands

Kathy Strong 11:21 a.m. PDT July 8, 2015

Discover the natural wonders of Channel

Islands National Park

A journey to the Galapagos Islands should be on

every nature lover's bucket list. However, if that trip

is a little too far or expensive this summer, you can

achieve your own "Galapagos"-style adventure just

a few hours up the coast. A dozen miles off Southern California's Pacific coastline

near Ventura is a sparkling ribbon of rocks that seem to float on the horizon.

The Channel Islands, named for the deep troughs that have isolated them from the

mainland for thousands of years, are home to more than 2,000 species of animals

and plants, 145 found nowhere else in the world. Today, five of the islands, including

their submerged lands and the waters within a few miles around them, are protected

as the Channel Islands National Park, granting visitors resources found nowhere else

on Earth as well as a look at coastal California as it once was.

The best part of visiting these islands is the diversity of offerings—from day tripping to

extensive exploring. There is something for everyone, including enjoying a cruise

around the harbor that launches the island expeditions. Choose your way to discover

the treasures of "SoCal's Galapagos":

Center Yourself : To get the most from your visit to the islands, first make a stop at

the Channel Islands Visitor Center at Ventura Harbor Village. The visitor center offers

three-dimensional maps of the islands, a museum, living tide pools, a movie and

exhibits on the islands and native wildlife. The center also offers great panoramic

views of the islands from its tower.

Pick an island : The best known of the islands is Anacapa because of its proximity

and popularity for day trips. The five-mile-long narrow, rocky isle hosts dramatically

steep cliffs and an easy nature walk to view more than 265 species of plants and a

multitude of seabirds which includes the largest brown pelican rookery on the Pacific

Coast. Santa Cruz Island is a prime destination for recreation. Incredible inland hiking

with ocean views, world-class kayaking and explorations of an ancient Chumash

village site make this island a good choice. The outer islands are Santa Rosa, San

Miguel and Santa Barbara.

Book a tour : After choosing your destination, book a tour or cruise with Island

Packers, the official concessionaire for the islands. They are also your resource for

all authorized tour companies once you arrive, from kayaking to camping.

Hike all day : Numerous trails traverse the unspoiled islands, providing visitors with

spectacular hiking opportunities from the relatively flat, signed trails of Anacapa to the

unmaintained and mountainous unsigned paths of Santa Rosa. On days that the

concessionaire boats run to the islands, guided hikes are usually offered by

naturalists. On Anacapa, take the easy two-mile roundtrip hike to Inspiration Point,

which affords one of the most dramatic views of the national park.

Kayak through Painted Cave for an intimate and adventurous exploration of the waters. (Photo:

Photo by Anthony Lombardi)

Grab a Paddle: Kayaking is one of the most intimate and adventurous ways to

explore the park. An authorized park guide is strongly recommended to make the

most of your adventure. Scorpion Beach on east Santa Cruz Island is a topnotch

destination for sea kayaking with easy beach access, pure ocean waters and

remarkable sea caves and cliffs to explore.

Spot the Scrub Jay : The Channel Islands support a rich variety of birds, distinct in

many ways from the birds of the adjacent mainland. In fact, the Santa Rosa Scrub Jay

is found in no other place in the United States, and the association of northern and

southern species found here is not duplicated anywhere else in the world. The islands

support the only nesting population of California brown pelicans along the west coast.

Boat guides will happily assist in identifying birds on your boat trip.

Anacapa Island is a 5-mile-long, narrow island with an easy nature walk and the largest brown

pelican rookery on the Pacific Coast. (Photo: Photo by Elaine Edwards)

See the Flora: The park is home to more than 775 plant species, and each island is

floristically unique due to a complex interplay of factors, from elevation to topography.

Head to Santa Barbara, Anacapa and San Miguel islands to catch the most brilliant

coreopsis flower displays that appear each spring.

This harbor seal pup is just one of 2,000 species of animals and plants found in the Channel

Islands. (Photo: Courtesy)

Encounter Wildlife: A total of 23 endemic terrestrial animals have been identified in

the park, including 11 land birds that are Channel Island subspecies or races. Look

for the island fox, the island deer mouse, the island spotted skunk, big-eared bats

and the island night lizard as you hike the back country. Island Packers offers a

popular 3 1/2-hour Channel Island Wildlife Cruise with opportunities to view California

Sea Lions, Harbor Seals and ocean birds.

Inspiration Point grants a view of the islands that form SoCal’s own “Galapagos” islands. (Photo:

Courtesy)

Capture Nature: Crashing surf, towering sea cliffs and dazzling floral displays set

against the ocean have made the Channel Islands a nature photographer's haven.

The photogenic Arch Rock on eastern Anacapa is a must shot during sunset, but any

hike or boat trip leads to photo gems, from tail-popping whales to a calcified forest.

Explore the eco-rich waters of Scorpion Bay in the Channel Islands. (Photo: Photo by Doug Mangum)

Examine Tide Pools: Isolation has made the tide pools of the islands some of the

best in Southern California. Anemones, sea stars, urchins, limpets, periwinkles,

chitons, barnacles, mussels and many other fascinating species can be found in

pristine tide pools on all the islands. The most accessible sites are at Frenchy's Cove

on Anacapa Island and Smuggler's Cove on Santa Cruz Island.

Unearth History : The Channel Islands are home to the most well-preserved

archeological sites on the Pacific coast, with a history spanning 10,000 years of

continuous human occupation. Island visitors can explore the world of the native

Chumash, walk the shores where European explorers landed, discover new tales from

California's ranching history and witness the remains of off-shore shipwrecks.

Cruise The Keys: Perhaps, you would rather keep your cruising a little more local

with far-off vistas of the Channel Islands while enjoying dinner or yacht-style tastings

of wine or craft beer. Island Packers, your purveyor of island jaunts, has rolled out

special Ventura Harbor Cruises on select Saturday evenings now through October.

Make Ventura Harbor Village your home base for exploration. (Photo: Courtesy)

You will cruise within the Ventura Harbor and the waterfront homes in the Ventura

Keys aboard a 64-foot power catamaran, while enjoying food aboard catered by local

restaurants from Italian to gourmet tacos. Guests may choose from a number of trips

that feature various musicians playing jazz, blues, rock n' roll, oldies and more. Wine,

supplied by local wineries, is served and available for purchase, as well as beer and

non-alcoholic beverages. For cruise details, visit www.islandpackers.com or call 805-

642-1393.

Follow "Going My Way" on twitter@KathyStrong2.

If you go

Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort

This resort on 17 acres of coastal land is just an eight-minute walk from Ventura

Harbor Village where island-goers depart.

1050 Schooner Dr., Ventura, CA; (866) 716-8133;

www.fourpointsventuraharborresort.com

Island Packers

www.islandpackers.com; (805) 642-1393

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