Place to see: Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California, United States

About this place:

Located 25 miles offshore of Ventura, CA, the Channel Islands National Park is a pristine oasis of marine wildlife, island endemic species, and spectacular vistas. The Channel Islands National Park includes five of the eight Channels Islands, offering unique diversity of plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. With clean clear water and abundant sea life, the surrounding marine ecosystems offer numerous memorable activities from diving to fishing to plain old relaxation. Hiking, camping, and bird watching are just a few activities that draw visitors to these rugged and scenic islands. Commercial boat trips are available out of harbors in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Oxnard, all just a short drive from Los Angeles.