dfo

Our family (kids 15 & 13) is planning a trip to California in July. We will start in the Los Angeles area and will work our way up the coast to the San Francisco area. We have planned a few stops along the way (Hearst Castle, Monterey) but can't decide if stopping in Ventura to take the ferry out to the Channel Islands is worth the extra day or not. Any advice is appreciated!

J_Correa

When I was a kid we lived in Venturea and we took a boat out to Anacapa Island. It was great fun and everybody is still talking about it. We saw so many sea lions, it was amazing. And the tide pools were great. I've never been to the other islands though.

Big_Money_D

I haven't done the Channel Islands gig, but I did once take up an offer to join some friends for an overnight/2-day excursion in and around the islands on a big sailing ship out of C.I. harbor in Ventura. It was spectacular... Once out of the harbor, the engines were cut and sails raised! We enjoyed sunset wine and cheese while watching the crew run about around us making adjustments to the rigging as we raced across the ocean surface. Glorious!! A modest but tasty dinner of good quality cold cuts/salad bar, and stew. Then, one of the best cups of evening coffee I've ever experienced.

While at first a bit reluctant to do this, afterwards I raved about it for weeks. However, it was so long ago I really cannot remember any of the particulars, name of the ship, etc, but if there is a crew there still offering this kind of experience, I could not recommend it more strongly.

curmudgeon

I don't know that I would make it a priority. You will have a good chance to enjoy the coast up in Big Sur/ Monterey. As an example, if I had to choose between Channel Islands and Yosemite, it would be Yosemite without a doubt (despite the zillions of people in Y valley). It might be different if you were basing in LA, and the Islands were as far north as you would get.

giro

I've never been, but my sister just returned last week after taking her 8th grade class. The tour guide on the ferry they took was reportedly fantastic; saw thousands of dolphins, whales (this time of year) and uniqued mammals etc. Sort of like an American galapogos (sp); if you think you and your kids would like that then it is worth looking into.

traveldude

I lived on the beach right right where I could see the channel islands everyday and have been out there numerous times. Your best bet would be a walking tour of Santa Cruz Island. I don't know if anyone can visit Anacapa (small closer island) anymore other than divers and fisherman. The beauty and isolation is the CIs are incredible. The trip out is great and you can witness all types of sealife from dophins, sea lions and once in a great while sharks. The trip over can be rough at times though so check the swells before you go.

annk

I visit the Channel Islands every year. The most popular are Anacapa and Santa Cruz. Anacapa is quite small has short hiking trails, a small museum, and the cove where you disembark is beautiful and popular for swimming and snorkeling. The water in CA is cold so I'd recommend wet suits. Santa Cruz is the largest of the islands and there are numerous hiking trails with spectacular views and various degrees of difficulty and lengths. Kayaking is also a lot of fun and tours are worthwhile since they take you in the various sea caves. Swimming, hiking, kayaking are available on all the islands. These islands are natural and uninhabited besides a few park rangers and campers. There are no shops or restaurants. On my last trip to Santa Barbara Island I not only saw hundreds of dolphins but whales as well.

Another alternative is Santa Catalina Island (ferries available in Long Beach) which is beautiful but developed. There is more to do since there is shopping, dining, the old casino, Wrigley Mansion and besides walking around town there are numerous tours of the town and island.