Scorpion Beach
Santa Cruz Island, CA
Scorpion Beach sits on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park, a sand and cobble beach reachable only by boat, making it a genuine expedition rather than a casual stop. It's the main entry point for exploring the largest island in the park, with trails leading up into the island's interior.
A genuinely rare, boat-only wilderness experience just off the Southern California coast, though the ferry booking and crossing take real advance planning.
How we score beachesBook the park concessionaire ferry well in advance, especially for weekend trips, this is genuinely one of the more popular Channel Islands crossings.
No fee, though the CCC records no formal parking area; access is by boat only.
Blufftop trails lead from the boat landing into the island; there is no vehicle access of any kind.
Pets are not allowed anywhere in Channel Islands National Park, including Scorpion Beach, to protect the islands' wildlife.
Summer and fall bring the calmest boat crossings, while fog is common most mornings year round.
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