Skip to Content

7 Best and Fun Things To Do In Santa Cruz Island, California


TouristWire Editors

A short round-trip gives you a bird’s view of the exquisite Potato Harbor, the oddly-shaped cove bordered by jagged cliffs. Keep your eye out for frolicking sea lions in the luscious forest below and take in the overwhelming beauty of Santa Cruz Island.

The weather on Santa Cruz Island is superb, and there are a lot of fun activities to enjoy. It is the least-visited island in the Channel Islands, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time, as the natural scenery is a sight you’ll likely never experience anywhere else. You will have to plan your visit well in advance if you want to visit Santa Cruz Island, as this hidden gem does not offer many convenient services.

Ideal for those who want to break away from modern society and get back to their self-sufficient roots, Santa Cruz Island is bound to captivate any nature lover and adventure seeker alike. See our list below to discover some of the amazing attractions this stunning, secluded island has to offer visitors.

The 7 Most Popular Things To Do In Santa Cruz Island, California

7. Devils Peak

5.0 ★★★★★ (1 review)

mckQG6BIGOI6B5tn 96WX55j UvbBmxtQ0JxZPp W1Q1648qY pL9B08

Credit: Lee317, License, Wikimedia commons

6. Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail

5.0 ★★★★★ (5 reviews)

XtcdlNlSdW5xDSI8cAX6 PHQZQYrk39LAr6jPtgDrYYsuk11ClHnuoJ5 XjsYaTIuSxnKon5VauYMJ4RMT3jGvqBHw N7YugfsJCyITM8StArxB0ZmTiKqVbCe 3MQ

Credit: daveynin, License, Flickr

Location: Ventura CA

Web Address:   https://alltrails.com/trail/us/california/scorpion-canyon-loop-trail

5. Painted Cave

4.2 ★★★★☆ (5 reviews)

MJrhFDFsdJ2rzc30OqxWSgOsAhPiHKHQZl2I2azsd1iAlsyhTvuJRz09bFqWzf7e61WV0vMgdo K6pcnlJEcoigPQ4 P8ACHLR1MqYIar3 tBvAeIZ zWKZWHkNu1pdHE1pclsomGxd1eQYDx6zzPPWR81Wgl16i Zne6bbFT4R82ukeA5Mm7fkQ

Credit: National Park Service, License, Wikimedia commons

4. Smugglers Cove

5.0 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

w UVJHbulq9NlMK

Credit: Adavyd, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Ventura CA

Web Address:   https://nps.gov/places/000/sign-smugglers-cove-welcome.htm

3. Cavern Point

4.9 ★★★★★ (46 reviews)

Credit: National Marine Sanctuaries, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Ventura CA

Tel:  805 658 5730

Web Address:   https://nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

2. Scorpion Ranch

4.8 ★★★★★ (111 reviews)

AoAxps3uVmt47SR6iJmDOCt7XT9JK90VBecwerZq5KyCjUk4MLO6xmbb6OovPkB27Gm0o0W4r5YUcToy5ZmOb gOC6xwFLWV8NcJMw1GbA8jsCHJ atzMDqHdVyvwdzb9vpFkDLNRQvwx8 bMfakfZH5H7Cc56 BWr2 HJynkFY p7iG 5TBiRjt1g

Credit: Adavyd, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Ventura CA

Tel:  805 658 5730

Web Address:   https://nps.gov/chis/learn/historyculture/santacruzisland.htm

1. Channel Islands National Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (1,596 reviews)

juWXim85R6fUslZVhG2JCIX4ChGY106SMCQ7vC42mhaUhoL gj6Qb P7lzSItUnH3p7J1YMx9aajJoFdcNH1S2HAZ erWAfvMFJaNTjhygtGNIEDw5ws4mdbQxGRxJSJfpgB42tslCQcbpUuNXLvb7LfmLTM

Credit: Joyful Graphics, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Ventura CA

Tel:  805 658 5730

Web Address:   http://nps.gov/chis/index.htm

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Santa Cruz Island, California! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

Join the TouristWire community

At TouristWire, our team works tirelessly to bring you the most comprehensive itineraries and reviews to help you plan your next trip. Don’t miss out, join our mailing list and our reviews delivered directly to your mailbox!