January, 2003 Channel Islands, California These eight rocky outcrops off the southern California coast are the Galàpagos of North America: isolated, pristine, and home to some of the world's most diverse ecosystems. Winter brings migrating gray whales and clear seas perfect for diving (and gaping at) the kelp forests. Back on the surface, you can kayak through dramatic sea caves with Aquasports (800/773-2309; www.islandkayaking.com), hike, sail, and go deep-sea fishing. The five northernmost islands—San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara—make up Channel Islands National Park (805/658-5711; www.nps.gov/chis), where overnighting means pitching a tent; most visitors make day trips by ferry from Ventura or Santa Barbara. Farther south, on Santa Catalina, the cobblestoned town of Avalon will put you in a Mediterranean mood—until you tackle the craggy interior on a mountain bike (for permits, contact Catalina Island Conservancy, 310/510-2595; www.catalinaconservancy.org). The southernmost islands, San Nicolas and San Clemente, both under Navy jurisdiction, have the region's most challenging, and rewarding, dive sites. Don't Miss Catching your own lobster dinner off Santa Barbara Island with Horizon Charters (858/277-7823; www.horizoncharters.com). Island Guide: Natural Wonders Santa Cruz CHOICE ACTIVITY: Kayaking through sea caves ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Endangered island fox, found nowhere else in the world SWEET SPOT: Trail between Prisoner's Harbor and Pelican Bay San Miguel CHOICE ACTIVITY: Beachcombing the white sands and rocky coves ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Five species of seal and sea lion SWEET SPOT: Seal breeding grounds at Point Bennett Anacapa CHOICE ACTIVITY: Climbing 150 stairs, for views ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Corkscrew-diving pelicans SWEET SPOT: Arch Rock natural bridge Santa Catalina CHOICE ACTIVITY: Mountain biking steep ridges and challenging terrain ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Buffalo (brought here for a 1924 film shoot) SWEET SPOT: Two Harbors isthmus, for panoramic views Santa Rosa CHOICE ACTIVITY: Hiking to the camp on the south side of the island ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Pygmy mammoth fossil (found here in 1924) SWEET SPOT: Ancient Torrey pine forest from the Pleistocene era Santa Barbara CHOICE ACTIVITY: Diving the islands' warmest waters ANIMAL ATTRACTION: Xantus's murrelet, a tiny, rare bird that nests in crevices SWEET SPOT: Landing Cove, for spiny sea urchins and purple starfish THE FACTS Boats make the 75-minute run daily to the national park from Ventura and Oxnard (805/642-1393; www.islandpackers.com) and from Santa Barbara (805/962-1127; www.truthaquatics.com). The trip to Catalina from Newport Beach (949/673-5245; www.catalinainfo.com) or Long Beach (800/481-3470; www.catalinaexpress.com) takes about an hour. WHERE TO STAY Snug Harbor Inn—Enjoy panoramic views of Avalon Bay from any of six rooms, all with king-sized beds, Egyptian-cotton sheets, and whirlpool tubs. Doubles from $140; 108 Sumner Ave., Avalon, Santa Catalina Island; 800/601-3836; www.snugharbor-inn.com La Mer Bed & Breakfast—Five Victorian-style rooms in an 1890 house in Ventura. The hearty Bavarian breakfast will fuel you up for a day of paddling. Doubles from $95; 411 Poli St., Ventura; 805/643-3600; www.lamerbnb.com Four Seasons Newport Beach Tool around Newport and Catalina on the hotel's mountain bikes. Doubles from $330; 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; 800/332-3442 or 949/759-0808; www.fourseasons.com WHERE TO EAT Armstrong's Seafood—An island favorite for fresh catches—from steamed lobster tails to sautéed red snapper. Dinner for two $40; 306 Crescent Ave., Avalon, Santa Catalina Island; 310/510-0113 71 Palm Chef Didier Poirier serves rich French-country cooking in a beautifully lit 1910 Craftsman cottage. Dinner for two $90; 71 N. Palm St., Ventura; 805/653-7222 |
 |
 in this publication November 2006 Canton Revisited July, 2005 My Chinatown December, 2004 Where to Go for the Holidays 2004 November, 2004 Tasmania Bound December, 2003 Paradise Island January, 2003 Channel Islands, California August, 2002 If You Build It, They Will Come July, 2002 T+L File: Vancouver June, 2002 Housing Shortage of Olympic Proportions |
Copyright ©
, Bonnie Tsui. All rights reserved.
Website by Gritmedia.
Website by Gritmedia.