Just a few hours from Los Angeles, following a classic coastal road trip through Malibu and Point Mugu, you’ll reach Ventura—a small, charming city that serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the nearby Channel Islands.
This stunning archipelago of eight islands sits strategically in the Pacific Ocean and is home to an impressive array of wildlife, both marine and terrestrial, with over 150 endemic species. Often referred to as the “Galápagos of North America,” the area includes five islands that belong to Channel Islands National Park, while the surrounding waters form the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary—a dream destination for professional divers and nature lovers alike.
While you can reach the islands from several spots in California, Ventura is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a simple hotel and easy access to restaurants for breakfast or dinner after a long day outdoors. One of its key advantages is proximity: you can take a boat to the islands and be back in under an hour each way. For those seeking a more rugged adventure, camping on the islands is also possible—offering an entirely different type of experience. The choice comes down to your personal travel style.
If it’s your first time visiting the Channel Islands, Santa Cruz is your best bet. Not only is it the closest to the mainland, but it also boasts the most developed—and environmentally respectful—tourism infrastructure. The boat ride from Ventura to Santa Cruz takes around 40 minutes, often punctuated by playful dolphins, noisy sea lions, and, depending on the day, even sightings of blue whales, swordfish, or a rare great white shark. This incredible marine diversity is the result of unique cold and warm water currents that converge in this part of the Pacific.
Upon arrival, park rangers provide a thorough orientation on safety and preservation rules. One of the most important tips? Store your food and shiny objects in secure containers—island foxes and clever ravens are known to unzip backpacks and steal snacks, cellphones, or anything that glints in the sun. Definitely not the time for sequined outfits.
For a comfortable day, pack a swimsuit, athletic shorts or pants, hiking shoes, and a T-shirt, along with a jacket for the cooler breezes. If you’re planning to go kayaking, bring a change of clothes—you might end up taking a dip in the Pacific, whether you planned to or not.
Kayaking around Santa Cruz is unlike any other paddling experience. You’ll be part of a small guided group exploring coastal caves sculpted by centuries of erosion. The guide always enters first to ensure it’s safe, depending on tide levels. Some caves require you to lie flat in your kayak, paddle resting on your chest, and push off the rocks with your hands to navigate through narrow passages in complete darkness. It’s a thrilling, humbling, and unforgettable experience, worth every sore muscle and sunburn.
Back in Ventura, Fluid State Beer Garden is a local favorite for craft beer tastings, with a wide range of unique brews—some light and crisp, others bold and complex—paired with cheese boards, fresh salads, and wood-fired pizzas. For something more refined, Rumfish y Vino is a gastropub with Belizean roots, a stylish ambiance, and an inventive cocktail menu with exotic infusions. The food ranges from cochinita pibil tacos to Caribbean seafood stews and Peruvian ceviche. Start with the goat cheese flatbread with squash, honey, and pickled peppers—a crowd favorite.
Always trust the locals when it comes to food—and that’s how we found Café Ficelle, home to what might be the best pastries we’ve ever tried. Waking up early is worth it when your reward is a freshly baked pain du matin or an almond croissant paired with the perfect cup of coffee.
For your second day on Santa Cruz Island, choose from several hiking trails, all with breathtaking views. Trails are clearly marked, and some areas offer printed maps and difficulty guides. If you’re not with a park guide—who typically leads short 30-minute hikes—you’ll need to act responsibly: bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks like nuts and dried fruit, and stick to trails that match your fitness level.
Other not-to-miss experiences include visiting the Botanic Garden and taking a sunset beach walk, where the sky transitions through shades of orange, pink, and crimson before revealing a blanket of stars.
To close the trip, make a reservation at Paradise Pantry, a cozy, candlelit spot known for its locally inspired cuisine and warm hospitality. The blue cheese- and hazelnut-stuffed figs wrapped in bacon, heirloom tomato salad, grilled cheese with rosemary Monterey Jack and aged cheddar, and avocado toast with pistachio pesto are just a few highlights on a menu full of thoughtful, seasonal creations.
More than a destination, this California road trip offers a bold invitation to test your limits, embrace wild beauty, and return home with a deep sense of wonder.
WHERE TO EAT
Rumfish
34 N Palm St, Ventura
1 805-667-9288
Café Ficelle
390 South Mills Road B, Ventura T. 1 805 941 3444
Fluid State Beer Garden
2815, 692 E Main St, Ventura
1 805 628 3107
Prospect Coffee Roasters
92 S Laurel St, Ventura
1 805 667 8115
Paradise Pantry
222 E Main St, Ventura
1 805 641 9440
Text by: Nicolle Lekare
Photos by: Marck Gutt
