Anacapa Island

Travel Guide

Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island
Ventura featuring landscape views, general coastal views and rocky coastline
Channel Islands National Park showing tranquil scenes, signage and a lighthouse

Marvel at the untouched beauty of this island off the coast of Southern California, where stunning natural scenery is the biggest draw.  

Exploring Anacapa Island, actually a narrow string of three islands in the Channel Islands National Park, is the perfect way to have an adventurous day out. Appreciate the solitude that comes along with the island’s lack of services, go snorkeling in the clear water or hike through the wildflowers.

Visit Anacapa Island to see the historical lighthouse, built in 1932. Because of the rugged shoreline here, the lighthouse was needed to warn ships not to come too close. Stop by the visitor center, one of the only buildings on the island, to see the original lens used in the Anacapa Lighthouse.

Hike the trails around the island to take in dramatic views of the coast and other islands. Families will appreciate the flat trails, which lead you through a gentle route the entire way, except for one staircase that takes you to the top of the island.

Take advantage of the clear water and go for a swim around the island. Snorkeling is recommended, as the underwater visibility tends to be clear enough to see colorful fish and other sea creatures darting around. Choose to experience the water from above by hopping in a kayak from Landing Cove, or enjoy a dive through kelp forests and sea caves.

Be sure to bring your binoculars for great wildlife viewing. Head to Pinniped Point or Cathedral Cove to spot seals and sea lions, or keep watch for seabirds such as brown pelicans, western gulls and pigeons. Go tide pooling at Frenchy’s Cove to see if you can spot small fish or other marine animals basking in the sun as it hits the shallow waters.

Travel to Anacapa Island by chartered boat. This is the only means of transportation to the island. It takes just about an hour from the mainland, and you can explore the island in half a day. Bring everything you need with you, including water and food, as there is nowhere to get food or drinks on the island. Also make sure to carry a hat and sunscreen with you, as there are no trees on the island to provide shade.

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach by IHG

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach by IHG

3.5 out of 5
450 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA
The price is S$256 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$256
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Ventura. Enjoy a beach locale, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,183 reviews)
"Loved the location, didn’t love the kids running down the halls( but it’s summer time so I expected it)."

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach by IHG
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA
The price is S$472 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$472
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Oxnard. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (729 reviews)
"It was a great stay for my family. Kid friendly and perfect for adults too right by the ocean"

Reviewed on 14 Jul, 2025

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

2.5 out of 5
298 S Chestnut St, Ventura, CA
The price is S$222 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
S$222
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ventura. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,760 reviews)
Good stay
"The room was clean & exactly what I saw in the pics. Breakfast was good & the staff were helpful"

Reviewed on 15 Jul, 2025

Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Channel Island Shores

Channel Island Shores

3 out of 5
1311 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (608 reviews)
Great Stay
"It was a great stay. Bedrooms were upstairs with a full bathroom and down stairs had a half bath room. The whole unit as a whole would benefit from ceiling fans. There were fans in the bedroom closets.Kitchen was fully stocked and liked the washer/dryer combo. The hot tub was nice too. The cons would ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Channel Island Shores
Mandalay Shores Resort

Mandalay Shores Resort

3.5 out of 5
5226 Neptune Square, Oxnard, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Ventura Harbor and Oxnard State Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
"The staff was very kind and welcoming. Would return again."

Reviewed on 25 Apr, 2025

Mandalay Shores Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do