As summer winds down, here's what's on our radar for fall.
Camping and hiking in an open sea adventure on the Channel Islands.
Getting there: Call Island Packers to ferry you over for both day trips and extended stays. Weekends tend to book up a month ahead, but during the week, you might have luck calling morning-of for spur-of-the-moment getaways.
Day Trip: The closest islands can be reached in under two hours - perfect for those without sea legs. Varied geography, vibrant plant life and sheer size make Santa Cruz ideal for extensive hiking. Hit the beach at Smuggler's Cove or Coches Harbor for lunch, then kayak into the sea caves along the island's north face, where elephant seals peer down from rocky perches. Anacapa's natural rock bridges and steep, picturesque cliffs host various species of birds, many of which can be seen up close.
Camp Out: Outer Islands: While there are fewer scheduled trips to the outer islands, now's the time to go, since longer travel time allows a chance to see Blue and Humpback whales feeding in the channel. Santa Rosa is chock full of wildlife from previous ranching settlements. It also has the most plush campgrounds, with showers and toilets, along with structures to block significant winds. San Miguel and Santa Barbara have rough terrain and climates, and are recommended for experienced outdoorsmen. If you're staying the night, you'll need a camping permit. They're $15 here.
What to bring: A cooler full of wine and beer, potable water, snacks and sandwiches. The usual day trip stuff will do you well: sunscreen, layers (it's 20-30 degrees colder on the islands) and a camera. Your cell will stop working about halfway there, so don't worry about a charger.
For more on the Channel Islands and other California getaways, check out The Rundown.
