Ventura Harbor

The first experience of Channel Islands National Park occurs for many people in Ventura Harbor. This is the location of the park's major visitor center (see below) as well as the point of embarcation for tourist boats which sail across the Santa Barbara Channel to the islands.

The picture belows shows the sidewalk which runs next to the marina in the harbor toward the visitor center.

The harbor is the resting place for a large number of sailboats, catamarans, and other craft.

There is a dock outside the visitor center where a number of National Park Service crafts which travel to the islands are tied up. The coastal mountains east of Ventura can be seen in the background.

Visitors Center The major visitor center for Channel Islands National Park can be found near the entrance to Ventura Harbor. This picture is taken from a boat on the way out of the harbor toward Santa Barbara Channel. The NPS dock can be seen in front of the building.

One feature of the Visitor Center building is the lookout tower, seen in the center of the picture. This tower provides beautiful views of the harbor and the Santa Barbara Channel.

This is the view of the harbor from the lookout tower on the Visitor Center.

This is the view from the tower out towards the Channel, in the front of the building.

The visitors center and park headquarters in Ventura Harbor was opened in 1981. Construction was supervised by William H, Ehorn, park superintendent.

Many visitors will have the opportunity to come to the visitor center before they board a boat for the trip across the Santa Barbara Channel to one of the islands. The center is a great place to gather information before the visit. It includes exhibits, displays of photographs, a museum, and a bookstore. There are also informational films and lectures.

The Channel Islands Visitor Center is open daily all year around. It is named for a former California Congressman Robert J. Lagomarsino, who introduced the bill to create Channel Islands National Park.