Visiting the Islands

One need not travel by boat or air to experience the Channel Islands. Take a car.

The mainland Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center provides the perfect introduction to the islands for children and adults alike.

The center offers photo displays, native plant and animal exhibits, Chumash Indian artifacts and an indoor tide pool-- teeming with sea urchins, crabs, abalone, starfish, anemones and more.

A 23-minute film about the five islands tells the history behind their induction into the national park system.

“On our busy days we usually get around 400 people or more coming through,” said Laurie Strohsahel, a park ranger.

The top of the center offers a sea-breezy panoramic view of the marina, and free viewing scopes are set up for visitors to scan the ocean.

A staircase back down represents the six levels of life zones found within the sanctuary’s waters.

With each descending step, the amount of light decreases and plant and animal forms change.

If after the visit you feel like taking a tour of one of the islands, visit Island Packers Inc. next to the center for touring and camping information, or call 642-7688.

The park is located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura Harbor, Ventura, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.

Admission is free; donations are accepted.

Free guided park ranger tours of the center are available.

For information, call 644-8262.