There is a chain of 8 islands on the southern coast of California called the Channel Islands and 5 of those islands (and 1 mile of water around each) are what compose Channel Islands National Park:

• San Miguel
• Santa Rosa
• Santa Cruz
• Anacapa
• Santa Barbara

It’s an 80-minute ferry ride to reach these uninhabited islands, departing from Ventura Harbor, with so much to explore upon arrival. Highlights include Arch Rock on Anacapa Island’s eastern shore, the caliche forest on San Miguel Island, Painted Cave sea caves on Santa Cruz Island, Chickasaw Shipwreck, and Keyhole Rock.

Each island has its own magnetic charm worthy of a visit, and given its close proximity to Los Angeles, we’re surprised more people don’t check this place off their bucket list each year.