🇺🇸 Hidden Gem in California: Channel Islands🌊
Channel Islands National Park 🚘 Transportation: 1.Drive 1.5hrs from LA downtown to Venture Pier for the ferry—parking is super easy🅿️ 2.Buy tickets from Island Packers; ferries only depart in the morning. If you’re worried about being late, consider staying overnight near the pier🏨 3.Check-in at the pier is simple—they’ll give you round-trip ferry tickets🎫 4.The boat isn’t huge and can get rocky⚠️ (motion sickness alert!). One-way trip takes 1-1.5hrs, with two decks—pick your seat freely once onboard🚢 🥘 Food & Drinks: 1.BRING YOUR OWN FOOD AND WATER!!! The islands have nothing (seriously, you’ll crave a hot dog after walking for hours🍖) 2.Pack out all trash—bring a small garbage bag♻️ (the islands are pristine, let’s keep them that way!) 🎡 Activities: 1.Five islands in total—A is tiny (1-2hrs max), so we chose the biggest one, Santa Cruz (massive!). If you’re returning the same day, stick to coastal hikes🌿 2.Kayaking is a MUST but book ASAP!!! We tried booking a week ahead and were already sold out⛶ 3.Free maps at the ticket booth show trail lengths/difficulty levels—pace yourself💪 (no camping? Don’t wander too far!) 4.On the way over, the boat stops for seal🦭, dolphin🐬, and even whale🐳 sightings (pure luck—May whales are rare but we got lucky!). Return trips skip this, so don’t miss the outbound ride📸 5.Rumor has it there are foxes🦊, but we didn’t spot any (probably hiding deep in the bushes🙈) 6.Camping is available but popular—come prepared⛺ ‼️ Warnings: 1.SUNSCREEN IS NON-NEGOTIABLE!!! Forgot to reapply on my neck—3hrs later, I was peeling like a snake🐍 2.Tiny lizards🦎 everywhere (still creep me out lol) 3.Only dry toilets exist—I saw one near the dock, nowhere else🚽 (go before hiking or risk a nightmare) 4.May was chilly—warm on land but bitter winds on the boat (I was freezing❄️) 5.Weather can cancel ferries❗ We got notified the afternoon before due to high winds and had to reschedule⏳ (check emails/phone constantly!) #USA #TravelUSA #CaliforniaTrips #LosAngelesGetaway #WeekendVibes #ChannelIslandsNP #NationalParks #OceanViews #LATrekking
