A chain of islands near Southern California, the Channel Islands are home to large variety of globally and nationally important resources, both cultural and natural. Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found on the Channel Islands National Park. The gamut of marine species, from microscopic plankton to the blue whale can be found off the Park’s waters.

Although located very close to the heavily populated coast of Southern California, the Channel Islands remain relatively untouched and isolated, making it an inviting prospect to explore its archeological and cultural resources that span over 10,000 years. Besides, the wide variety of island activities like diving, whale watching, kayaking and bird watching, to name a few, are sure to keep you enthralled. You could also go on one of the many interpretive hikes that the Park naturalists carry out every year.