Channel Islands National Park is a beautiful chain of five islands along the Southern California coast. The unspoiled beauty and rugged scenery of this national park to visit in Southern California is absolutely breathtaking. Whether you visit all five of the islands or just one of them, you're in for a scenic experience. Before you head off on this nature adventure, get to know all five of the islands to see which one you want to visit first.

Channel Islands National Park

Just in case you're wondering what islands are part of Channel Islands National Park, here is a little cheat sheet: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Anacapa, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. Pictured here: an aerial view of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands.

Knowing how to get to Channel Islands National Park will be your first adventure.

Island Packers offers transportation to and from all of the islands. You can plan a day trip or do an overnight camping adventure. Other than camping,  there is no lodging on the islands. There are also no restaurants so you will have to plan meals and water accordingly.

Now let's take a tour of each of the islands.

1. Santa Rosa

The second largest of the islands is Santa Rosa. It's located approximately 26-miles off the coast of Santa Barbara. Hiking and kayaking are common activities on this island.

Another visual treat you can experience is this scenic walk along the pier. What an endless view!

2. Santa Barbara

Located 38-miles from the Los Angeles County coast, Santa Barbara is the smallest of the islands with a total area of approximately one-square mile.

Sea lions are a common sighting during visits to the island. Wildflowers are also quite vibrant depending on the time of year you visit.

3. San Miguel

San Miguel is a designated archaeological district and was placed on the National Register of Historic places.

San Miguel is unique to the rest of the islands in that it is known for its "diverse array of sea life." Hiking, camping, and water activities are popular recreational choices for those who visit the island.

4. Anacapa

Anacapa is most easily recognized by its three small islets.

Of all the islands in Channel Islands National Park, Anacapa is closest to the mainland. Located only 12 miles from the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, this is perhaps the easiest of the islands to reach and definitely the quickest with only a one-hour travel time.

5. Santa Cruz

Located off the mainland of Santa Barbara County, Santa Cruz is the largest of all the channel islands measuring in at 96-square miles.

People are drawn to Santa Cruz for its rich wildlife and rare species. Kayaking, whale watching, hiking, and camping can all be enjoyed on this rugged island. Pictured here: black mustard flowers in bloom.

To find out more about Channel Islands National Park, a picture-perfect national park to visit in Southern California, and to plan your visit to the islands, please head to the National Park Service for more details. If you want to experience an island that is a bit more touristy in nature, a day trip to Catalina Island is never a bad idea.