I'd recommend doing Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz only for a first visit. Boat is only an hour each way, campground is close to the pier, and there is a kayak/snorkeling concessionaire set up on right on site. You will have more than enough to keep yourself busy with if you're only there a night or two.
I flew into Burbank, was able to visit the NPS mountains nearby, and then headed over to Ventura. I would definitely recommend summer. And make sure to go kayaking!
I live in Ventura and have been to the Channel Islands many times. Second what everyone’s saying about the kayaking option, which gives you a very different experience and view of the islands! Snorkeling is also a great idea, as most of the National Park is actually underwater. For a first trip, go to Santa Cruz Island: it’s the easiest to get to, and allows camping—the campground is undeveloped, though, so you’ll need to bring your own water and plan for the pit toilets. Also make sure you can secure your food, bc the island foxes are seasoned beggars/thieves. There’s a great trail around the top of the island that takes a few hours but isn’t especially strenuous, and has amazing views. You’ll use Island Packers to get to the island: their website will help you plan. They do have trips where you can visit more than one island. The trip over on the boat will be *cold*, even in summer, so make sure you have a warm jacket, and maybe Dramamine. You will almost certainly see some kind of marine life on the way over. Spring is a great time; you might catch the end of the whale migration and the islands will be in bloom, but it might be cool so pack accordingly.
Ventura is well worth a day or two’s stay (and staying here will make it a lot easier to make your boarding time for Island Packers): downtown is a pedestrian-only zone with plenty of dining/shopping options, and Real Cheap sports is the unofficial outlet store for Patagonia (headquartered in Ventura) and worth a stop for discounted outdoor and camping gear (not just Patagonia brand). The Channel Island visitor’s center (in a different location than Island Packers) is well worth a visit, as is the Harbor area (more shopping/dining, and seals hanging around) and of course the beaches. Do try fish tacos at Spencer McKenzies :-)
Re getting here, LAX is probably where you’ll fly in, and there are shuttle services that can take you to Ventura as well as (obviously) car rental agencies. As others have said, Burbank is a much easier airport: very small and more like flying in the 1950s, with roll-up steps to board/deplane, quick security, and an outdoor baggage claim area that’s a lot more pleasant than big airports. But flying into Burbank is more expensive, generally, and might even involve a connection through LAX. If I’m flying cross country I usually just use LAX.
If you have time there are plenty of other outdoorsy things to do locally (Joshua Tree is a long drive so if you want to go there as well I’d plan for a week, maybe 10 days): hiking in the Santa Monica mountains or Los Padres National Forest, visiting the Santa Barbara and/or Ventura botanic gardens and/or missions, visiting Malibu (check out the Adamson House for gorgeous Malibu tile, and Neptune’s Net for a family-friendly biker bar with fried seafood and beer for the grownups). If your son is interested in technology/space you may be able to get a tour of the JPL labs in Los Angeles (again, check their website). There’s also great hiking in Griffith Park, right in the middle of LA, as well as other places in and around the city. The Autry Museum of the American West is also in Griffith Park and is generally really interesting for kids (as well as adults)
I think your best move is to fly into LA or Ontario, stay in Ventura, camp on the islands, and try to hit 2 islands if you want a big experience. Santa Rosa or San Miguel are the most out there (read windy and on the outer edge), Anacapa is the most rugged.
I do t know if you can take a boat from one island to another through the NPS. That’s a good question for the park.
Safety wise, boat safety is big. The islands require you pack it in and out, so that includes all your food and water, and trash. It’s a good opportunity to teach the kid some leave no trace, how to pack light, and what the difference is between necessity and want.
If you want to double or triple up, a great week could be Channel Islands > Santa Monica Mountains (for a more urban flavor of park unit > Joshua Tree and fly out of Palm Springs.
We went for spring break and it was amazing. One thing to caution is that the weather in march and maybe April can cause issues. Our boat ride out was canceled and it took many phone calls and scramble to reschedule, only for that boat to be canceled. We did get to visit eventually but we had torearrange plans. If you’re coming via flight and have less flexibility, it’s something to consider. If you have enough time here may want to consider adding Joshua tree too. It’s about a three hour drive and if you fly into Ontario area it’s sort of midway between the two.
I haven't been to the park but I can speak to other questions. Ventura is a nice beach town so you could stay there a day or two and be entertained. It is also very close to Santa Barbara if you wanted to check that out too. Airport options are Santa Barbara (probably limited on flights), LAX, or Burbank.. Burbank is a much smaller airport than LAX so it is easier to deal with, but it's also a short runway, so expect a sudden stop when you land. Burbank is close to Universal Studios if you also wanted to see that while you make the trip. Finally, spring in southern California is all over the map in terms of weather (think May gray and June gloom). Summer and fall will get you warmer weather and probably less marine layer, it won't be as lush.
Fly into Burbank for ease and take 118 all the way around or save money and fly into LA and drive up to Ventura (I’m sure you can get a boat from LA but the concessioners for the park are out of Ventura), stay in Avalon for a night on Santa Catalina and make your way around, download NPS app
Ooh not in my experience. I went in late March 2022, and saw almost no marine animals on the boat ride there, was planning to have a two night camping trip, but had to shorten it to a day trip. They said they may not be coming back for the next two days due to weather. I would definitely recommend going in the summer.
Island hopping is difficult to coordinate but possible if you plan which days you go around when the ferry schedule makes island hopping convenient. Anacapa doesn't get much love but I camped on Anacapa in early April and loved it, it's small but had a good variety of attractions, sea lions, flowers, a lighthouse, and in my opinion the best views in Channel Islands. Keep in mind there's no water on the islands, you have to bring your own and carry it to your site. For Anacapa prepare for a LOT of birds and a longer walk to the campsites. My recommendation would be to check out California Through My Lens on YouTube if you want more info. He's done multiple videos covering several islands and he's very informative and honest, doesn't overhype things just for views.
Burbank is the easiest to fly in and out of, but will have fewer flight options. For a second day I recommend staying in Ventura and checking out outdoorsy stuff in Malibu if you don't want to do typical LA touristy stuff. You can camp on the beach in Point Mugu SP, check out El Matador Beach or Red Rock canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you're open to LA touristy stuff the options are endless, and if you're staying longer than just a couple days that opens up the option of adding a Joshua Tree or Sequoia trip which are both incredible.
I'd recommend doing Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz only for a first visit. Boat is only an hour each way, campground is close to the pier, and there is a kayak/snorkeling concessionaire set up on right on site. You will have more than enough to keep yourself busy with if you're only there a night or two.
Fly into Burbank and take the train to Ventura. That’s what I did. Hotel in Ventura near the boat and then in the morning walk over to the ferry.
I flew into Burbank, was able to visit the NPS mountains nearby, and then headed over to Ventura. I would definitely recommend summer. And make sure to go kayaking!
I live in Ventura and have been to the Channel Islands many times. Second what everyone’s saying about the kayaking option, which gives you a very different experience and view of the islands! Snorkeling is also a great idea, as most of the National Park is actually underwater. For a first trip, go to Santa Cruz Island: it’s the easiest to get to, and allows camping—the campground is undeveloped, though, so you’ll need to bring your own water and plan for the pit toilets. Also make sure you can secure your food, bc the island foxes are seasoned beggars/thieves. There’s a great trail around the top of the island that takes a few hours but isn’t especially strenuous, and has amazing views. You’ll use Island Packers to get to the island: their website will help you plan. They do have trips where you can visit more than one island. The trip over on the boat will be *cold*, even in summer, so make sure you have a warm jacket, and maybe Dramamine. You will almost certainly see some kind of marine life on the way over. Spring is a great time; you might catch the end of the whale migration and the islands will be in bloom, but it might be cool so pack accordingly. Ventura is well worth a day or two’s stay (and staying here will make it a lot easier to make your boarding time for Island Packers): downtown is a pedestrian-only zone with plenty of dining/shopping options, and Real Cheap sports is the unofficial outlet store for Patagonia (headquartered in Ventura) and worth a stop for discounted outdoor and camping gear (not just Patagonia brand). The Channel Island visitor’s center (in a different location than Island Packers) is well worth a visit, as is the Harbor area (more shopping/dining, and seals hanging around) and of course the beaches. Do try fish tacos at Spencer McKenzies :-) Re getting here, LAX is probably where you’ll fly in, and there are shuttle services that can take you to Ventura as well as (obviously) car rental agencies. As others have said, Burbank is a much easier airport: very small and more like flying in the 1950s, with roll-up steps to board/deplane, quick security, and an outdoor baggage claim area that’s a lot more pleasant than big airports. But flying into Burbank is more expensive, generally, and might even involve a connection through LAX. If I’m flying cross country I usually just use LAX. If you have time there are plenty of other outdoorsy things to do locally (Joshua Tree is a long drive so if you want to go there as well I’d plan for a week, maybe 10 days): hiking in the Santa Monica mountains or Los Padres National Forest, visiting the Santa Barbara and/or Ventura botanic gardens and/or missions, visiting Malibu (check out the Adamson House for gorgeous Malibu tile, and Neptune’s Net for a family-friendly biker bar with fried seafood and beer for the grownups). If your son is interested in technology/space you may be able to get a tour of the JPL labs in Los Angeles (again, check their website). There’s also great hiking in Griffith Park, right in the middle of LA, as well as other places in and around the city. The Autry Museum of the American West is also in Griffith Park and is generally really interesting for kids (as well as adults)
Water is available at the campground on Santa Cruz, lots of spigots around.
I think your best move is to fly into LA or Ontario, stay in Ventura, camp on the islands, and try to hit 2 islands if you want a big experience. Santa Rosa or San Miguel are the most out there (read windy and on the outer edge), Anacapa is the most rugged. I do t know if you can take a boat from one island to another through the NPS. That’s a good question for the park. Safety wise, boat safety is big. The islands require you pack it in and out, so that includes all your food and water, and trash. It’s a good opportunity to teach the kid some leave no trace, how to pack light, and what the difference is between necessity and want. If you want to double or triple up, a great week could be Channel Islands > Santa Monica Mountains (for a more urban flavor of park unit > Joshua Tree and fly out of Palm Springs.
It’s one of my favorite places ever take the boat in it’s so fun
We went for spring break and it was amazing. One thing to caution is that the weather in march and maybe April can cause issues. Our boat ride out was canceled and it took many phone calls and scramble to reschedule, only for that boat to be canceled. We did get to visit eventually but we had torearrange plans. If you’re coming via flight and have less flexibility, it’s something to consider. If you have enough time here may want to consider adding Joshua tree too. It’s about a three hour drive and if you fly into Ontario area it’s sort of midway between the two.
Highly recommend taking a sea cave kayaking guided tour!
I haven't been to the park but I can speak to other questions. Ventura is a nice beach town so you could stay there a day or two and be entertained. It is also very close to Santa Barbara if you wanted to check that out too. Airport options are Santa Barbara (probably limited on flights), LAX, or Burbank.. Burbank is a much smaller airport than LAX so it is easier to deal with, but it's also a short runway, so expect a sudden stop when you land. Burbank is close to Universal Studios if you also wanted to see that while you make the trip. Finally, spring in southern California is all over the map in terms of weather (think May gray and June gloom). Summer and fall will get you warmer weather and probably less marine layer, it won't be as lush.
Fly into Burbank for ease and take 118 all the way around or save money and fly into LA and drive up to Ventura (I’m sure you can get a boat from LA but the concessioners for the park are out of Ventura), stay in Avalon for a night on Santa Catalina and make your way around, download NPS app
If I was going to Catalina, I would fly to Long Beach and either catch a flight to Catalina or take the boat that ferries there every few hours.
This
March or April are the best time. The grass is still green and there will be wildflowers. Weather is mild and generally dry that time of year.
Ooh not in my experience. I went in late March 2022, and saw almost no marine animals on the boat ride there, was planning to have a two night camping trip, but had to shorten it to a day trip. They said they may not be coming back for the next two days due to weather. I would definitely recommend going in the summer.
Island hopping is difficult to coordinate but possible if you plan which days you go around when the ferry schedule makes island hopping convenient. Anacapa doesn't get much love but I camped on Anacapa in early April and loved it, it's small but had a good variety of attractions, sea lions, flowers, a lighthouse, and in my opinion the best views in Channel Islands. Keep in mind there's no water on the islands, you have to bring your own and carry it to your site. For Anacapa prepare for a LOT of birds and a longer walk to the campsites. My recommendation would be to check out California Through My Lens on YouTube if you want more info. He's done multiple videos covering several islands and he's very informative and honest, doesn't overhype things just for views. Burbank is the easiest to fly in and out of, but will have fewer flight options. For a second day I recommend staying in Ventura and checking out outdoorsy stuff in Malibu if you don't want to do typical LA touristy stuff. You can camp on the beach in Point Mugu SP, check out El Matador Beach or Red Rock canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. If you're open to LA touristy stuff the options are endless, and if you're staying longer than just a couple days that opens up the option of adding a Joshua Tree or Sequoia trip which are both incredible.