America's Best Idea

Channel Islands National Park

Once upon a Spring Break adventure in 2014, my Mom and I set out on a journey to Los Angeles, eager to soak in the West Coast vibes. The moment we grabbed our car rental, our destination was crystal clear – Randy's Donuts. This iconic shop, born in 1952, flaunts the world's most famous rooftop donut, attracting crowds globally and making it an unforgettable spot in LA. The taste of their donuts turned our visits into a tradition whenever we landed at LAX.

Fueled by these mouthwatering treats, we hit the road, buzzing with anticipation for our drive to Oxnard to explore Channel Islands National Park. That feeling of excitement while heading to a new park is simply unmatched. It's like being a kid again, and it fills my heart with pure joy every time. It feels like Christmas morning—anticipation and happiness all rolled into one. This venture marked a monumental occasion for me – it was my 15th park visit, a testament to my love for exploration.

It was my second time exploring a National Park by water. With tickets in hand and fully prepared this time, I made sure to secure our ferry ride tickets from Island Packers well in advance. Our love for ferry cruises was the compass guiding us to this special place off California's coast. An hour into our ferry ride, Anacapa Island came into view as our boat cut through the ocean waves.

Approaching the dock, Anacapa Island revealed a mesmerizing sight: Sea kelp covered the ocean's surface, its golden-brown strands gently swaying in a graceful dance with the waves. This cool underwater forest is not just nice to look at but also serves as a vital sanctuary for marine life. After docking, we ascended 157 stairs to reach the island's plateau and followed the trail to the visitor center. It's become a ritual for me to visit every center, grab a brochure, and mark it with the date as my personal stamp of approval. Not sure what I'll do with this growing collection, but I'm sure I'll find a creative purpose for them soon!

As we continued exploring, the reason for the nickname "Anacrappa" became apparent, courtesy of the seagulls and their distinctive artistic contributions to the landscape. These Western gulls reign supreme, holding the title as the most prevalent seabirds in the Channel Islands National Park, with their population soaring into the tens of thousands.

One of my favorite things to do when visiting parks is bringing along a packed lunch. There's a distinct joy in discovering the perfect spot, sitting down, and immersing yourself in nature's beauty. As we unpacked our meal near the impressive lighthouse, the sense of being far from the mainland was reassuring and peaceful. The distant calls of seagulls and the gentle ocean breeze added an extra layer of serenity to the moment. Our picnic against such breathtaking views made it an unforgettable experience. Rejuvenated, we eagerly continued to explore more of Anacapa's wonders along its inviting trails.

The paths meandered through captivating landscapes, revealing distinct flora like the vibrant yellow coreopsis, morning glory, and island mallow. These bursts of color created a striking contrast against the boundless blue of the Pacific.

Following this trail led us to the island's crown jewel: Inspiration Point, a must-see vista offering breathtaking panoramas. An experience not to be missed.

This expansive park encompasses five islands: San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara, each displaying its distinct charm and offering a range of adventures for eager explorers. These islands offer a remote and rugged experience. I am grateful for this experience with my mom; she's always willing and ready to join me on my escapades.

On the ferry ride back, it granted us a moment of reflection, allowing us to absorb the day's richness. The fading silhouettes of the islands marked the end of our Channel Islands escapade, yet it left an everlasting impression, igniting the desire for more explorations and the promise of future adventures.