Channel Islands National Park California Ocean

A seal swims through a kelp forest under the waters of the Channel Islands National Park. Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of southern California, was established in 1980 and protects five unique islands and their surrounding marine ecosystems. Key sights include the sea caves at Santa Cruz Island, such as Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world, and the iconic cliffs and beaches of Anacapa Island. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, snorkeling in kelp forests, hiking through wildflower-filled meadows, and spotting diverse wildlife, including island foxes and marine mammals.