Channel Islands Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

The Channel Islands are geographically much closer to France than to England. Though they've been in the British domain since the Norman conquest, their culture and cuisine show the influence of both countries. The two main islands have established themselves as a tax-free shopping zone (a nice reprieve from the double-digit value-added tax in England). A whole week is needed to explore them, and a lot of your time will be spent on ferries.

The two most popular islands are Jersey and Guernsey. Other Channel Islands—Sark, Alderney and Herm—are much smaller, and only people who have a lot of time and a strong interest in the islands' culture will want to visit them.

Jersey—A sunny climate attracts visitors to the largest and most populous of the Channel Islands. A drive around the island reveals wildflowers, sand dunes, soaring cliffs, isolated beaches, castles, manor houses, forts and grazing Jersey cows. Quaint St. Helier, on the southeastern side, is the capital; plan some time there to visit the markets and enjoy the architecture. Jersey also has many wonderful museums: Our favorites include St. Peter's Bunker (World War II museum), the Motor Museum, the Battle of Flowers Museum and the Jersey Museum. Also visit the zoo, St. Matthew's Church and the Eric Young Orchid Foundation. 35 mi/55 km west of France's Normandy coast.

Guernsey—Slightly quieter than Jersey, it's a bit like the richer parts of rural England were 20 years ago. While there, observe the French influence and sample the farm-fresh produce. Visit the shipwreck museum at Fort Grey, the "Little Chapel" in St. Andrews parish, Hauteville House (Victor Hugo's home), Cornet Castle and the Sausmarez Manor Exotic Woodland Gardens. The island also has a few interesting sights related to German occupation in World War II. Be sure to walk the cliff-top paths along the coast: One vantage point near Icart Point caught Renoir's eye. The island's main city, St. Peter Port, is built on a hillside. Explore its narrow streets and lovely architecture. 25 mi/40 km northwest of Jersey.

Overview

Introduction

Channel Islands National Park is one of the great undiscovered attractions in California. It encompasses the five northernmost Channel Islands, which are seaward extensions of the Santa Monica Mountains.

The establishment of the 250,000-acre/101,250-hectare national park (half of this area is underwater) was the culmination of preservation efforts that began with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938. All five islands in the park can be visited—conditions permitting. There are three Channel Islands that are not part of the national park: San Nicolas and San Clemente are owned by the U.S. government and can't be visited, but Santa Catalina is a well-known tourist destination.

Luxuriant 24-mi-/38-km-long Santa Cruz Island has the most to offer first-time visitors. Take a guided Nature Conservancy hike, kayak just offshore, scuba dive and explore sea caves, or watch birds.

Another good choice is Anacapa Island. It's the closest to the mainland, just 11 mi/17 km from Oxnard; hence many people start there. A visit begins with a 154-step climb up from the boat landing to the island plateau. There's a nature trail as well as a lighthouse and a museum. Overnight camping is possible with advance arrangements. The other islands in the park are Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel.

The national park visitors center is located at the harbor in Ventura (on the mainland, 75 mi/120 km northwest of Los Angeles), and it's the best source for current information about each island, including camping and other permit requirements.

The Channel Islands has some of the best scuba diving in the world, and is home to a number of animal species not found on mainland California. There, you enter the realm of the mighty giant kelp forest, bright orange garibaldi fish, the small but beautiful blue-banded gobie, and large schools of jacks, sardine and senoritas. Lobsters also thrive in this area, luring eager lobster hunters for the October-March season. The visitors center in Ventura on the mainland is open daily. Phone 805-658-5730. http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm.