
Wild and wonderful national parks for August

Watch incredible wildlife, marvel at the wonders of the night sky, and explore California's stunning coastline. Your August adventures in national parks start here.

Plan your Channel Islands adventure
Watch whales in ocean breezes, hike on rugged coastlines, kayak in kelp forests, and camp under the stars. Plan your trip to Channel Islands National Park.
Visit an awe-inspiring archipelago
Channel Islands National Park protects five islands—San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Anacapa—and the surrounding waters off the coast of California. Travel by ferry from Ventura to this hidden gem national park, home to species found nowhere else on earth. This special place has opportunities for adventure on both land and sea.


Enjoy stellar stargazing
The stunning Perseid meteor shower can be seen from mid-July to late August. Read on to learn how and where you can have an out-of-this-world meteor viewing experience in a national park.

Go batty
Learn more about the world's only flying mammals, and where you can see them in national parks.

Wander the California coast
Experience majestic mountains, serene beaches, and unique underwater worlds with this five-day California national park adventure through Santa Monica Mountains and Channel Islands.

Have a wild encounter
From bison to birds and moose to mountain lions, check out our tips, tricks, and top destinations for wildlife viewing in national parks.