Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
add photos3 Reviews for Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
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'11, '12
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"An island visit on the mainland"
Now we can say we've been to the Channel Islands.... the visitor center at least! I'm very glad that this visitor center is located where families can easily stop and introduce their children, and themselves to the wonder of the Channel Islands. It's not as convenient to actually go to the Islands themselves, although after stopping here, we all have a hunger to go camping out in the rugged hills surrounded by ocean and nature. What an adventure!!
My kids love getting their Jr. Ranger badges and this time was no exception. We spent a couple of hours in that little center filling out pages of fill in the blanks and other activities that taught us all about the sea life, natural plants, and the uniqueness of the Channel Islands.
During our visit we got to watch the Ranger feed the fish, lobster and shark in the tide pool simulation tank. She showed us all the unique parts of the (dead) squid as she cut it up (no it wasn't gross) and tossed in the pieces to the hungry sea life. She pulled out the "backbone (once again, not gross) and showed us it's unique cartilage design that seriously looked and felt like a thin piece of clear plastic. I would never have guessed that it came out of a live animal!
This is a great place to stop and explore. Although it is small, it has a lot to offer. Check to see if there is a live video feed of a scuba diver exploring the reef off of the Islands, climb (or take an elevator) to the observation deck, touch all the specimens on the touch table, and wander in the native garden. Be sure to cross the street and climb the sand dunes and enjoy the water.
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"Fun with the Family"
Less than 20 miles off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, the
Channel Islands National Park comprises five of the eight offshore Channel Islands: Santa Barbara, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel.
These islands provide an unparalleled introduction for your family to the flora and fauna of the local marine environment. Nature,
unspoiled and unsullied by humans, is the main attraction here; quite frankly, it’s the only attraction! Because the balance of nature on these islands and their surrounding waters is so fragile, visitors’ activities are strictly regulated. For instance, there are no snack bars or RV campgrounds, and when you tour the area, you must bring (and take back what remains of) your own food, water, and other supplies. Rangers conduct guided hikes on San Miguel and Santa Rosa. Private concessionaires’ boats or charter craft provide transportation across the channel to specific embarkation points.
The harborside visitor center houses quality exhibits that graphically describe the entire park, including its ecosystem, mammals, and birds. Plus, the center has an indoor tide pool, great for learning about the sea creatures your kids will see en route. There is also a movie and video about the islands shown here. A stairway and elevator lead up to the observation tower that will give you a 360-degree view of the harbor and, on most clear days, all the way to the islands themselves. Taking a day to visit this national park is well worth the effort and will be a sea journey to another dimension your family won’t forget.
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"Junior Ranger Program is great!"
A nice center for learning! My girls love earning their Junior Ranger badges at all the National Parks we visit, and this was no exception. They learn a little and are able to really remember a lot more about each place we visit! Be sure to go to the top of the center to get a great view of the islands on a clear day!
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