Landing Cove
Santa Barbara Island, CA
Landing Cove is the sole boat landing on Santa Barbara Island, the smallest of the Channel Islands and part of Channel Islands National Park. There's no beach to speak of, just rocky shoreline and a trail network across the island's grassy plateau, home to nesting seabirds and sea lions hauled out on the rocks below.
A genuinely remote, wild island stop for anyone willing to plan around the ferry, more about the hike and wildlife than a beach day.
How we score beachesThis is a genuine day-trip-only island for most visitors, with no services and no shade on the exposed plateau above the landing.
Boat access only, through Channel Islands National Park; no roads or bridges connect the island to the mainland.
Dogs are not allowed on Santa Barbara Island or at Landing Cove, since only certified service animals may land there with prior authorization from Channel Islands National Park.
Spring brings wildflowers and nesting seabirds; the calmest boat crossings run from late spring through early fall.
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