Santa Cruz island is a part of Channel Islands National Park, where small island foxes roam and sea life thrives off the coast of Ventura, California. It’s an easy day or weekend trip from Los Angeles. The smell of salty sea air fills your senses by day, and you’ll only see the light of camp fire by night. This island doesn’t have any hotels or residences, only camp sites. Sea caves are carved out by the crashing waves, and inland rolling hills and rugged cliffs are waiting to be explored. In this post, I’ll give you an itinerary for what to do if you have a weekend to explore this small island.
To Get There
- Santa Cruz is an island off the coast of Southern California, you’ll have to take the Island Packers boat from Ventura Harbor. The trip takes about 1.5 hours.
- Take some dramamine if you get sea sick
Whale Watching
You might have the exciting opportunity to spot whales during your ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island. Depending on the season, the waters around the Channel Islands are known for sightings of various whale species, including gray whales, humpback whales, and even orcas. Keep an eye out for their distinctive spouts and flukes as the ferry makes its way across the channel. The experience of seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat adds an extra touch of adventure to your journey.
To Stay
There are only campsites on this island, book a campsite at Recreation.gov
There are no hotels or restaurants, it’s all pack in and pack out. Make sure you bring ample food and water for the length of your stay.
About The Santa Cruz Island Fox
If you’re camping, lots of little endangered foxes appear around dinnertime looking for scraps. They are cute little animals about the size of a cat that only exist in Channels Islands National Park. They are not afraid of humans and are often curious and approachable, but feeding them is discouraged to protect their natural behavior.
Day 1 Itinerary
Hike the Cavern Loop Trail
Start your day by experiencing the breathtaking 1.7-mile Cavern Point Loop Trail on Santa Cruz Island, offering spectacular views of the clear blue Pacific and neighboring islands from high bluffs along the coastline. This easily accessible trail starts near a historic ranch house. The trail ascends steeply, where you can see the volcanic cliffs and rustling grass reeds. Upon reaching Cavern Point’s edge, you’ll see dramatic ocean views, crashing waves, and feel the winds whipping up from the sea. For a longer hike, extend the journey along the North Bluff Trail to Potato Harbor before completing the loop.
It was a muddy day in January when we did this hike, Spring would be beautiful with all the flowers! The one nice thing though was we didn’t run into a single person on this hike.
Hike the Potato Harbor Trail
This trail is linked to Cavern Loop so you can combine the two for a longer hike. This 5-mile loop that starts in Scorpion Canyon showcases the island’s rugged vibes. You’ll wander through lush forests in the valleys and breezy meadows along the ridges, soaking in all that natural beauty. Then, it takes you up to the ridge, tracing the coastline for a while, giving you killer views of those rugged cliffs. And as a bonus, keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the underwater kelp forests and chances to spot some awesome marine wildlife. The best part of this hike is Potato Harbor Overlook, a stunning turqouise cove.
The Potato Harbor Overlook offers a stunning panoramic view of a secluded cove with clear turquoise waters framed by dramatic cliffs, making it one of the most scenic spots on Santa Cruz Island.
Camp Fire & S’mores
Wrap up your day on Santa Cruz Island by gathering around a campfire. Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, and enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars. The campfire provides warmth and a simple way to unwind after a day of exploring, while the sound of the ocean in the background adds to the peaceful atmosphere. It’s an easy and enjoyable way to end your day on the island.
Day 2 Itinerary
Kayak with Santa Barbara Adventure Company
Channel Islands Adventure Company has some amazing guided kayak trips to explore the sea caves around the island. This is a nice blend of relaxation paddling across the ocean, stopping to rest and hear more about the island and the extensive wildlife.
As you navigate the coastline, be prepared to encounter mesmerizing sea caves and natural archways carved into the island’s cliffs by centuries of tidal action. Guided tours often include stops at these geological wonders, allowing kayakers to explore these a lot closer than you would from a boat or land.
Catch the evening ferry back to Ventura
Spending a weekend on Santa Cruz is a great way to experience California’s most pristine and untouched natural environments. It has breathtaking coastal views, diverse hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Spend a weekend on Santa Cruz Island to reconnect with nature and recharge. You won’t regret it.
- Island Packers boat ride
- Hike Cavern Point Loop Trail
- Hike Potato Harbor Trail
- Kayak with Santa Barbara Adventure Company
- Camping Info
2 Responses
Who knew! looks beautiful and will definitely add it the adventure list!
I know right? I had no clue we had such amazing islands right at our fingertips. Sometimes when we live somewhere we forget to explore our own backyard.