Comprising five of the eight California Channel Islands near Los Angeles, Channel Islands National Park is home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal life, archaeological sites, and stunning coastal beauty. The park consists of some quarter of a million acres, half of which are under the ocean, encompassing a wide variety of terrain from beaches and sea caves to forests and mountains. Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found within the park, more than a hundred of which are found nowhere else in the world.

Even though the islands seem tantalizingly close to the densely populated southern California coast, their isolation has left them relatively undeveloped, making them an exciting place for visitors to explore. After traveling by boat to one of the five islands, visitors can enjoy hiking, watching hundreds of species of sea birds, catching a glimpse of seals or whales or playing on the many sandy beaches. In the shallow waters around the islands, snorkeling and scuba diving provide firsthand glimpses at colorful tidal plants and creatures. Sea kayaking and camping are other popular activities, as are guided tours of interesting park areas.

Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of southwest California, with the mainland Visitor Center located in Ventura.