13 California Islands To Put On Your Summer Must-Visit Bucket List
NEWPORT BEACH, CA — When it comes to vacationing in California, the islands that dot the coast from Orange County to the northern borders are not to be missed. The California islands vary in size, landscape, and rock formations. Some have beaches, others have steep volcanic cliffs, and others are nearby populated cities like Newport Beach, San Diego, or San Francisco. Though not attached to the mainland, some are accessible by bridges while others are only accessible by ferry boat ride. All are considered part of California and can be visited without boarding a plane or grabbing your passport.
The islands of California are home to few; some are former military installations, while others are favored summer locations for those in the know. The most famous is the long strip of the Channel Islands – all with unique landscapes, some ideal for camping and hiking, and others for snorkeling and scuba diving to see the California State Fish (Garibaldi), kelp forests, and other underwater life. Even though the Channel Islands is a national park, it is the least visited of all the parks in the Golden State, with just 323,000 visitors each year.
Whether you live in Northern or Southern California, consider hopping on a ferry and trekking to these rarely-visited California locations.
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Alameda Island – Norcal: Alameda is an “island city” near San Francisco. It offers parks, beaches, and historical attractions. South and west of Oakland, the island is about 6.5 miles long and 1 mile wide and is separated by a canal from the mainland. When you visit, watch for Victorian homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, beaches, and the national landmark, the USS Hornet. Explore art galleries, Shoreline Park, the Meyers House and Garden, or take a beach day at Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach.
Angel Island – Norcal: If you love military history, this island has it in spades. Angel Island is known for its amazing views of San Francisco’s skyline – it is 1.2 square miles in size, with Mount Caroline Livermore rising to a height of 788 feet above sea level. The island is ideal for wildlife and wildflower viewing, and you can see seals and sea lions who are frequent visitors of Pinniped Point. Catch the ferry from Tiburon and take a day trip for those interested in Bay Area history. Learn more at Angel Island State Park, on ca.gov.
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Balboa Island – It’s all fun and games at this charming island off the coast of Newport Beach – crammed with shops, restaurants, and nearby famous surfer beaches like “the Wedge.” Get to Balboa Island on a short ferry ride that takes you from Newport Harbor to one of the favored quaint, small towns in Orange County. Marine Avenue, the main street, has restaurants and shops, art galleries, and museums. The Balboa Fun Zone amusement park is a summer staple, with a Ferris wheel, arcade games, and more. Look for festive events throughout the year. Learn more about things to do at Orange County’s Balboa Island here.
Catalina Island – Take a ferry across from Long Beach, Newport Beach, or Dana Point to visit Catalina Island. Here, you’ll find locations to stay, like Two Harbors or Avalon, and can plan your trip for adventure or relaxation. If you love adventure sports like snorkeling, hiking, zip-lining, camping, and history-seeking, consider Two Harbors, known as “Catalina’s Other Side.” Avalon should be your stop if you want to enjoy the city, glass-bottom boats, and shops and restaurants. There are unique hotels and bed and breakfasts here, as well as numerous restaurants. Learn more at www.visitcatalinaisland.com.
Coronado Island – One of the easiest islands to visit off the Southern California coastline, Coronado offers a crisscross of Craftsman houses and mansions, many available for rent over VRBO and Airbnb. A sweeping bridge provides access from San Diego to Coronado Island, where visitors can shop, eat, or pause at many parks for summer outdoor concerts. It is famous for its beaches, the Hotel Del Coronado, and holiday events. Hang out and play the tourist at the Coronado Ferry Landing, or explore the historic side of Coronado, and don’t miss an opportunity to tour www.hoteldel.com.
Mare Island – Norcal: More of a peninsula than an island, about 23 miles northeast of San Francisco off the Napa River near Vallejo. This area is undergoing a revival from its former days spent as a naval shipyard. Find a Mare Island Historical Park, the historic shipyard, and the Mare Island Brewing Company there. “Mare Island Historic Park Foundation offers two-hour tours of Mare Island. St. Peter’s Chapel is available for weddings, as are two historic mansions on Officer’s Row. For more information, contact the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation at (707) 557-1538.” Learn more at www.cityofvallejo.net.
Santa Barbara Island – The smallest island in the Channel Island chain, Santa Barbara Island is only about 1 square mile and has undergone a significant native vegetation recovery project. When it is open, come here for sea birds and flowers in the spring. “After winter rains, the native plants of the island come alive with color. The strange tree sunflower, or coreopsis, blossoms with bright yellow bouquets. Other plants, like the endemic Santa Barbara Island live-forever, shrubby buckwheat, chickory, and cream cups, add touches of color to the island’s palette. From time to time, the park service closes access to the island for nesting brown pelicans. Learn more about Santa Barbara Island – Channel Islands National Park.
Santa Cruz Island: The largest Channel Island – Santa Cruz is known for hiking and camping for those who want to escape it all. Historically, “La Isla de Santa Cruz,” means the Island of the Sacred Cross. According to the National Park Service, visitors often take trips to Scorpion Anchorage or Prisoner’s Cove after landing at the pier. Make arrangements ahead of time when you go, as the island has limited resources. Channel Islands Adventure Company, the authorized kayak guide and outfitting concession in the Scorpion Anchorage area, operates guided sea kayak tours. Note: there are NO kayak rentals on the island, limited convenience item sales (no food items), snorkel equipment rentals, and guided snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island only. Visitors must bring all their own food and supplies. Learn more about Santa Cruz Island – Channel Islands National Park on the www.nps.gov site.
San Miguel Island: The westernmost of the Channel Islands, San Miguel Island consists of 9,500 acres of plateaus with two rounded hills of lush native vegetation. Here, you’ll find grazing animals and vegetation under recovery back to native plants. There are thousands of pinnipeds on the beaches and island foxes on the land. Visitors have the opportunity to scout many dolphins, porpoises, and whales from these rocky shores. Photo Gallery (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Santa Rosa Island: Another Channel island – visitors can hike, camp, and enjoy the wildlife – a unique opportunity to explore untouched landscapes – temporary closure of beaches and dunes at China Camp and Cluster POint- Back Country Beach Camping – not for the inexperienced camper or kayaker – there is a campground in water canyon for advanced reservations – WAG Bags required – pack your waste in and out – Things To Do: Santa Rosa Island – Channel Islands National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Treasure Island: NorCal: This artificial island near San Francisco is a favorite place for visitors. Flea market, stunning Bay Bridge views, this is an artificial island, locally owned – restaurants, wineries, breweries, and more – skate park, sailing center, athletic fields a blend of historical significance and attractions – a favorite of locals and tourists. www.sftravel.com/neighborhoods/treasure-island
Yerba Buena Island: NorCal: Connected to Treasure Island, both are linked to San Francisco via the Yerba Buena Tunnel, part of the Bay Bridge. Just under a square mile in size, the island is part of the quintessential San Francisco experience—dining, cafes, epicurean experiences—a visionary neighborhood. yerbabuenaislandsf.com.
So whether you love visiting remote islands off the California coast for their stark beauty and rare glimpses of animals in the wild or prefer staying close to big cities for island life a mere ferry or bridge-crossing away, consider adding an island visit to your summer plans.
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