Getting to Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park sits in CA, United States, with Oxnard the closest mapped town — about 19 mi (30.6 km) away, not a drive.
Reached by concession boat or small plane from Ventura or Oxnard.
Drive times from Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park sits close enough to Sequoia National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Sequoia National Park | 178 mi (287 km) | 4 hr 40 min |
| Pinnacles National Park | 197 mi (317 km) | 5 hr 7 min |
| Kings Canyon National Park | 197 mi (318 km) | 5 hr 7 min |
| Joshua Tree National Park | 202 mi (326 km) | 5 hr 14 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Oxnard | 19 mi (30.6 km) | Not a drive |
| Ventura | 19.9 mi (32 km) | Not a drive |
| Santa Barbara | 32.5 mi (52.4 km) | Not a drive |
| Thousand Oaks | 35.1 mi (56.5 km) | Not a drive |
| Goleta | 37.5 mi (60.4 km) | Not a drive |
| Simi Valley | 40.7 mi (65.5 km) | Not a drive |
| Valencia | 55.1 mi (88.8 km) | Not a drive |
| Santa Ynez | 56.2 mi (90.5 km) | Not a drive |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Channel Islands National Park?
Oxnard, about 19 mi (30.6 km) away on the map. Reached by concession boat or small plane from Ventura or Oxnard. That distance is not a drive.
Where should I stay when visiting Channel Islands National Park?
The practical mainland bases are Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. Reached by concession boat or small plane from Ventura or Oxnard.