Carpinteria
Carpinteria is where you top off before Channel Islands—small beach town, solid gas and food, free parking.
View guideExplore Channel Islands National Park
Gateway Towns
Compare the towns that can serve as a base for your visit, then open a guide for drive times, services, lodging and local planning details.
4 gateway towns Showing 1–4
Oxnard
Ferry gateway to Channel Islands NP. Full services, maritime heritage, seasonal whale watching tours.
View guidePort Hueneme
Beach town with pier views of the Channel Islands. Full services, fresh seafood, summer crowds.
View guideVentura
Gateway to Channel Islands by ferry. Beach town with working arts scene—real food, real people, not just tourist traps.
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