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HARBOUR

The Harbour seems touristy, but along with the carousel and souvenir shops lining waterfront walkways, there are excellent restaurants, fun activities, and Channel Islands excursions. Rent a kayak, paddleboat or other water toy, take a dive class, or go on a harbour cruise. And if you’re looking for entertainment, there’s always something going on, from live concerts to comedy shows.

Explore the exhibits at Channel Islands National Park headquarters. Better yet, take an island excursion. With 175 miles of undeveloped shoreline, pristine beaches, and wildlife sightings, the Channel Islands are known as ‘America’s Galapagos’. Island Packers has transported hikers, campers, and nature lovers to the Channel Islands since 1968. Getting there is half the adventure: pods of up to a thousand dolphins ride in the ship’s wake; pelicans and other sea birds soar overhead; curious sea lions bob along. The real fun comes when you spot the flash of a whale’s tail, an arch of its back or its impressive blows.

When you arrive, sign up for a guided kayaking tour of the sea caves on Santa Cruz Island at Channel Island Kayak Centers. As you paddle along, you’ll spot starfish clinging to the rocks, crabs crawling along underwater kelp forests, and seabirds perched on rocky outcrops. Sheer vertical cliffs rise from the sea, opening into dim, cool caverns, with waves splashing at the entrance, hinting at whitewater within.

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