What makes California so special? It's not just the laid-back lifestyle or casually high-quality style of living that makes it stand out among the rest. What makes it truly special is its treasures. With over 2,400 miles of coastline and countless inland destinations, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a California trip. California is a place of extremes, and that’s what makes the state an awe-inspiring destination. Here are 10 stunning islands in California that tourists shouldn’t miss.
11 Bethel Island
This island is a highly sought-after destination by recreation seekers such as boaters, fishermen, and hunters. While some call it home, others know it as a vacation paradise that can be accessed by bridge. Tourists will be spoiled for choice since they can enjoy various activities such as wind surfing, water-skiing, sun bathing, bird watching, and jet skiing. For golf players, the island features an 18-hole golf course. Indoor lovers aren’t left out because the island is also dotted with enchanting lounges and restaurants.
10 Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a small rocky land located in San Francisco Bay. At one time, Alcatraz was home to an infamous federal prison, which housed some of America’s most notorious inmates. Today it's a national park and home to a variety of wildlife. Alcatraz Island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which also includes Fort Point, Fort Winfield Scott, and Baker Beach. So, it's not surprising why this area attracts many visitors: The scenery alone is worth viewing.
9 Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island is the second-largest of the Channel Islands, after Santa Barbara Island. The island is known for its many beaches and trails. It's a destination worth visiting to see surreal sea creatures. One of the most well-known animals on Santa Catalina Island is its namesake: a fox that's only found here.
The island has been inhabited since 1602 by Native Americans and then by Spanish missionaries in 1769. But it wasn't until 1887 that a hotel was built there (the Hotel Metropole). Though much of the island remains protected from development, guests can still find various resorts and casinos along its shores today.
8 Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous endemic plants and animals, such as the island fox. The island has a unique ecosystem that can't be found anywhere else on earth. It's an amazing place people should visit before things disappear.
The most famous residents are its blue whales that migrate to this remote paradise each year during their winter migration. Visitors will often see them feeding in groups along with dolphins, seabirds, and other marine mammals like sea lions or seals.
Tourists interested in history can visit several sites where the following movies were filmed: Anacapa Island (Mission: Impossible), San Miguel Island (Forbidden Planet), Santa Rosa Island (Planet of the Apes) Palos Verdes Peninsula California was used for Jurassic Park 2: Lost World (1997).
7 Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island is the smallest and most accessible of the Channel Islands. It's a popular spot for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, with many tours leaving from Ventura Harbor. The island has an interesting history: it was once used as a prison by Alcatraz inmates who were then transferred here after the prison closed (Vacationers can still find graffiti left behind by those prisoners). The island is also home to several sea caves where visitors can explore tide pools filled with colorful fish.
While visiting Anacapa Island, adrenaline junkies might see some marine wildlife such as rockfish, sunfish, or seals. Travelers will definitely hear them though because they all make sounds. For example, if tourists are lucky enough to visit during mating season, they'll hear a loud belch-like noise from male elephant seals that lasts about 15 seconds each time they call out their territory (which is usually between December and February).
6 Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island is one of the Channel Islands that is located about 100 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. It’s a section of the incredible Channel Islands National Park. And it’s not only a popular destination for kayaking and hiking but also home to bald eagles, mountain lions, and deer, among other wild animals.
5 San Clemente Island
San Clemente Island is a rocky island and part of the Channel Islands archipelago, which is located off Southern California's coast. The park itself is made up of five main islands: San Miguel Island, Santa Rosa Island, Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Island, and San Clemente Island.
San Clemente is also home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the continental United States. In fact, this population has been monitored since 1988 by researchers who have counted more than 2,500 nesting pairs.
4 San Nicolas Island
San Nicolas Island is located off the coast of California and is part of the Channel Islands National Park. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea lions, and whales. It’s also home to San Nicolas Island Light, a historic lighthouse that was once used as an aid to navigation by whaling ships.
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2 Channel Islands
- Channel Islands National Park
- Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Combined, these two areas offer a variety of activities for everyone from the casual beachgoer to experienced divers and kayakers. The park service offers guided tours to explore the islands' natural wonders. Travelers can also explore it on their own. Visitors need to keep in mind that much of what makes these islands so beautiful is their remoteness. If vacationers want to see them in person, it’s advisable to plan adequately.
1 Angel Island
Angel Island is located in San Francisco Bay. It's part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with a rich history as a military base, immigration station, and prisoner-of-war camp. It's also popular with hikers and bikers for its easy trails along the northern tip of the island.
Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views from its summit, including Alcatraz Island across the bay. It’s a hotspot for birds including egrets, cormorants, and great blue herons.