Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands is the most underrated national park in California. (Not an opinion, just a fact, in my opinion)

California has the most beautiful national parks and most of them are well known. Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia / King's Canyon, Redwoods, Yosemite.

I am from Georgia and I hadn't heard of Channel Islands. After I went, I told my co-workers about it, and some of my California native co-workers hadn't heard of it, either.

Channel Islands consists of 4 beautiful islands. They are completely protected and untouched by human infrastructure. While you're there, try hiking, picnicking, camping, or kayaking (check out my post about Oru origami kayaks, it would make my day!).

You get there via ferry. Island Packers is the name of the ferry service, not directly affiliated with the national parks. Depending on which island you want to visit, the ferry will be 1 to 4 hours long. You will not want to put off buying tickets until the last minute because seats are limited. A lot of people choose to camp out, so all ferry tickets are one-way. You may find a ticket available get to the Islands and not find one to get back.

We visited Santa Cruz island, which was only 1 hour away from Ventura, CA, where one of the two harbors are.

On the ferry, you can expect to see lots of dolphins, and maybe a whale! The dolphins aren't shy, and swam right next to the boat.

The view from the island is absolutely incredible.

Yes, there are restrooms on the island.

We visited in February, and it was hot on the island. I brought a rain jacket for the wind and I only wore it on the ferry. If you're planning to camp, prepare for temperatures to be lower at night and for lots of wind.

Please immediately add Channel Islands to your California bucket list, you won't regret it!