5 days in Santa Monica Mountains & Channel Islands
Discover the coastal beauty of Southern California with two days in the Santa Monica Mountains, followed by three days of adventure on the remote and rugged Channel Islands. Hike scenic trails, spot wildlife, and experience the best of land and sea.
Day 1
:
Exploring the Santa Monica Mountains
Start at King Gillette Ranch
Begin your adventure at the Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center, located at King Gillette Ranch. Learn about the region’s ecosystems, history, and trails before heading out to explore the mountains.
Hike along the Backbone Trail
The Backbone Trail traverses the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains for 67 unbroken miles. Choose a few sections of this monumental trail to explore, from the highest point of the range at Sandstone Peak to the famed beauty of Topanga Canyon.
Day 2
:
Exploring the Santa Monica Mountains
Beach time
With 46 miles of coast, there are plenty of beaches with dramatic cliff backdrops to sunbathe on. Explore lively tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park, watching the waves for seals, dolphins, and, in the right season, migrating whales. Surfers can catch some waves at El Pescador State Beach. Looking for more coastline? Make the journey to the nearby Santa Monica Beach to enjoy views of the mountains.
Day 3
:
Channel Islands National Park
Ferry to Santa Cruz Island
After spending time at the park visitor center, depart from Ventura Harbor on an Island Packers ferry to Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands.
Settle in
Set up camp at Scorpion Canyon Campground and get ready for three days of island adventure. Watch out for the adorable island foxes.
Potato Harbor sunset
Take your first island hike to Potato Harbor (5 miles roundtrip). While there is no beach access, you can still hear the sea lions on the rocks below as you enjoy your first island sunset.
Day 5 to day 4
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Experience the beauty of the Channel Islands
Hiking and wildlife watching
Spend a day on the sand at Smuggler’s Cove, whose white beach sands, cobblestone shore, and deep blue ocean waters are well worth the 7.5-mile journey to get there. Keep an eye out for island foxes, seabirds, and unique plant life.
Kayak the sea caves
Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to explore Santa Cruz Island’s famous sea caves, including the Painted Cave, one of the largest in the world. Paddle through hidden grottos and along rugged cliffs teeming with marine life.
Underwater exploration
Don’t miss out on snorkeling over biodiverse kelp beds just off of Smuggler’s Cove. The clear waters allow for easy viewing of this rich marine landscape.
Optional add-on
Anacapa's Lighthouse
If you have an extra day, take a ferry to Anacapa Island for a shorter but breathtaking experience. Hike to Inspiration Point and explore the iconic lighthouse while looking out for nesting seabirds and sea lions.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Reserve ferry tickets, kayak rentals, and campsites in advance. There are no services on the islands, so bring all necessary supplies, including food and water.
Gear up
Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a dry bag for electronics if kayaking on the islands.
Respect wildlife
Both the Santa Monica Mountains and Channel Islands are home to fragile ecosystems. Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals.
Leave no trace
The Santa Monica Mountains and Channel Islands are on the ancestral lands of the Chumash and Tongva peoples. Preserve these landscapes by packing out all trash and staying on designated trails.
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