CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK AND VENTURA (This may be piggybacked onto the L.A. bike ride.) Join us on a day trip to Santa Cruz Island for hiking in a unique natural environment. Santa Cruz Island is part of a five-island chain in Channel Islands National Park. Isolation over thousands of years has created animals, plants, and archeological resources found nowhere else on Earth. The park helps preserve a place where visitors can experience coastal southern California as it once was. https://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm The voyage with Island Packers Cruises takes about 90 minutes from the Ventura marina, with views of ocean life along the way. (805) 642-1393 https://islandpackers.com/home
These day trips are very popular and will sell out, so don't wait. Book: Ventura to Scorpion Cove SCI 9 AM May 4 The senior round-trip rate is $58. Booking is in two steps ($29 each way). Ventura has many fine accommodations in several price ranges. We chose the Holiday Inn Express, Ventura Harbor because of its proximity to the morning boat departure, a full breakfast, mini fridge, and a storage room for bicycles and kayaks. The Harbor Commission requires a $12 parking fee. We are staying two nights. You may opt to book one night and drive back to San Diego after the Channel Islands trip or stay in the vicinity to explore. Your Ventura stay may include Old Town and the 1809 Mission San Buenaventura, a landmark on Ventura’s downtown Main Street. Please register on the calendar, we may have information or updates for those going on this adventure. If you are with the biking group, after the ride on Tuesday, May 3, head to Ventura and check into your motel. We may regroup for a social hour and dinner. Ventura has several biking paths to be enjoyed. https://visitventuraca.com/blog/top-bike-trails-in-ventura/