The Most Beautiful Islands in California
California is a state that encompasses well over half of America's extensive Pacific coastline. With this in mind, it is no surprise that more than a few islands sit within its borders. Many of these islands are part of state and National Parks and are accessible to tourists. So, if you are looking for something new to explore in the Golden State, look no further than this list. Covering various tidbits about these destinations, including their location, main attractions and claims to fame, and facts about their environments and climate, these are some of the most beautiful islands in California to visit.
Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island, located 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles, is renowned for its resorts, tourist attractions, natural beauty, and ease of access from the mainland. The island’s main town is Avalon, where the iconic Catalina Casino, a landmark of Art Deco architecture, can be found. Be sure to visit Avalon’s Descanso Beach Club for a relaxing beachfront experience with cabanas and other fun amenities.
The clear, turquoise waters surrounding the island make for many opportunities to go snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. The local underwater ecosystems are teeming with colorful fish, kelp forests, and even some shipwrecks. For those seeking adventure on land, the Trans-Catalina Trail spans the length of the island, giving those who hike it breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs, rolling hills, and secluded coves.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot foxes, various bird species native to the island, and bison from a small herd that was first introduced during a film shoot in 1924 and has since gone wild.
Fannette Island
Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, is a gem located within Emerald Bay State Park in California. Spanning just 1,718 square feet, this tiny lake island is an ideal destination for kayakers, paddleboarders, and other boaters looking for a place on the water to stop for a break.
One of the island's notable features is the historic Tea House, built in the early 20th century by the wealthy William Henry “Billy” Watson, who used it as a retreat for entertaining guests. The remnants of the Tea House give a unique, interesting look into the island's storied history and offer a nice viewpoint overlooking Emerald Bay. Fannette Island is also home to various plant species and a resting spot for migratory birds, making it an appealing destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Accessible only by boat, Fannette Island is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to visit all of the iconic Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island, the largest of California’s Channel Islands, is within Channel Islands National Park. The island, which spans over 96 square miles, lacks modern development, allowing visitors to see its relatively untouched landscapes, including rugged mountains, valleys, and beaches. Its varied terrain is perfect for hiking, with trails leading to overlooks and hidden coves to be discovered.
Like many of the islands on this list, Santa Cruz Island is a prime location for boating, snorkeling, and diving. The island has several sea caves that are accessible from the water. The famed Painted Cave, one of the world’s largest sea caves, provides unique opportunities for exploration.
Santa Cruz Island also boasts a significant cultural history, with remnants of Chumash Native American villages and historic sites. The Scorpion Ranch Visitor Center will give you insights into the island’s later agricultural history.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, is possibly the most well-known island in California. Famous for its historic federal prison, which housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz," it has since become a major tourist hotspot for visitors to San Francisco.
Originally a fort built in 1846, the prison we now know operated from 1934 to 1963 and was known for its harsh conditions and maximum-security measures. Today, the island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where you can explore the prison through self-guided audio tours that include firsthand accounts from former inmates and guards. The island's lighthouse, built in 1854, is another well-preserved historic structure that can be seen.
Besides its crime-related history, Alcatraz Island provides a habitat for wildlife, including nesting seabirds such as Western gulls and cormorants.
Anacapa Island
Anacapa Island is another part of the Channel Islands National Park. Located about 14 miles off the coast of California, it is composed of three islets: East Anacapa, Middle Anacapa, and West Anacapa. The island’s most recognizable feature is the Anacapa Arch, a natural rock formation that is a popular photography spot.
Wildlife thrives on Anacapa, making it an ideal destination for wildlife photographers. The island is home to various seabirds and the rare island fox. Many enjoy birdwatching here, and many species nest on the island during the spring and summer months.
There are hiking trails on East Anacapa that reward walkers with some of the island's best views. The trail to the Anacapa Lighthouse, built in 1912, adds a cool touch to the place's maritime history.
Accessible by boat or kayak, Anacapa Island is a perfect getaway for those seeking solitude and natural beauty in Southern California.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island, the second largest of California's Channel Islands, is over 53 square miles in size. Yet another famous island within Channel Islands National Park, it contains a mix of sandy beaches, cliffs, and grass-covered hills, making it an excellent destination for those looking to escape to the great outdoors.
The various trails on Santa Rosa Island will allow you to truly experience it up close, with the most popular being the Lobo Canyon Trail and the Black Mountain Trail leading to the island's interior. The island's beaches, like South Beach, generally have spots for picnicking, beachcombing, and kayaking in its calm waters.
While here, make a point to check out the island's unique plantlife, including the rare Torrey pine, found only in limited locations in California.
Southeast Farallon Island
The Farallon Island chain begins approximately 30 miles west of San Francisco and makes up the Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Comprising several small islands and rocky outcroppings, the most notable (and biggest) Southeast Farallon Island is known for its rugged beauty, dramatic cliffs, and plethora of marine life. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous seabirds, including the endangered California brown pelican, western gulls, and various species of puffins.
During the breeding season, tens of thousands of seabirds nest on the islands, creating a spectacular sight and soundscape. The waters surrounding Farallon Island are rich in marine life, with seals, sea lions, and even the occasional whale being common sights.
The island's remote location and harsh weather conditions have kept it largely untouched by human activity. Access to Farallon Island is limited, with visits primarily organized by boat tours and research groups. These trips mainly offer a way to observe the islands' ecosystems and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts in the area.
California is more than just its land-based state and national parks and major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Although destinations such as Yosemite National Park are stunning and deserve to be seen by anybody even remotely into nature, the various islands located within the Golden State are simply underappreciated. Whether it is a quaint lake island like Fannette Island, a tourist haven/nature preserve like Santa Catalina Island or a remote research base like that on Southeast Farallon Island, there is a piece of land only accessible by boat for all kinds of travelers in California.
