United States Destinations

Island Getaways:

Channel Islands

Eight undisturbed islands lie just 38 kilometers off the coast between Venture and Santa Barbara. Five of these islands home to abundant wildlife like brown-nose pelicans, sea lions and dolphins comprise the Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa, the closest island, offers tide pools, kayaking, snorkeling and diving. There's a richly populated kelp forest at Frenchy Cove.

Santa Cruz, the largest, most diverse island, features sea caves, colonies of nesting sea birds, wild horses and sheep. January through March you can see migrating whales up close from all the islands. Camping is rugged and requires a permit (call 805-658-5730). Boats depart Ventura Harbor or Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.

Scuba diving: Scripps Institute, La Jolla: world-renowned underwater preserve. Catalina Island: Snorkel, dive, glass bottom boat tours of underwater park. Channel Islands: kelp forest at Anacapa Island. Painted Cave, Channel Islands: largest sea cave, Santa Cruz Island. Point Lobos, Monterey: preserves at Whalers and Bluefish Coves.

Angel Island

A ferry ride from San Francisco's Pier 43 takes you to Angel Island by way of Tiburon. Your reward at the island's peak is a 360-degree view of the bay with post-card images of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. You'll dock at Ayala Cove, where bicycle rentals, hiking trails, and kayaking excursions begin.

For a secluded picnic with a cityscape view, hike to sheltered Perles Beach. Nine environmental campsites are available, including Sunset Site and Ridge Site where you can wake to the shimmering sunrise across the water.