Channel Islands National Park, California

Five islands of fun fun fun! Channel Islands National Park is made up of five of the eight islands off of the southern California coast. These 5 are only a little while away from Los Angeles, and the small slice of old California makes for a unique day trip. You’ll be one of the very few people to see these Pacific wonders-- this is probably the least visited national park. Not convinced? We’ll win you over with the top 10 coolest facts of these islands: 10. Stunning views, especially from Inspiration Point 9. More endangered animals here than in any other national park 8. More than 2,000 species of plants and animals 7. 145 of which are found NOWHERE ELSE in the world 6. Island isolation = some crazy evolution 5. Home to dolphins, whales, sea lions, seals, and the largest animal on Earth… the blue whale! 4. Oldest dated human remains in North America… woah 3. The islands are little pieces of what California was like 100 years ago 2. Dude. The sea caves. 1. Extreme water visibility = one of the TOP scuba diving spots in the world