Wild and wonderful national parks for August

Starry night sky with Milky Way over a dark silhouette of a landscape.
NPS

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. 

Channel Islands photo

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

Start exploring

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. 

Coastal arch rock formation with birds and waves under a blue sky.
Person pointing a laser at the starry sky in a field at night.
NPS

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. 

Get starstruck

Silhouetted bats flying at sunset over a hilly landscape.

Go batty

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

Take flight 

Rolling green hills with vibrant orange wildflowers in sunlight.
Courtesy of NPS

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. 

Plan your escape

Desert tortoise walking on sandy ground with sparse vegetation.
Shutterstock/Gchapel

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.

Meet the wild

Channel Islands coastal keepsakes

For park lovers, memory keepers, and future explorers alike. Explore the Channel Islands collection and bring the islands home. 

Shop online