The Channel Islands: Paradise Found

National Park and Marine Sanctuary Celebrate 25th Anniversary Year; Explore Island?s Untamed Shores and take Advantage of Ventura Hotel Packages

Ventura, CA April 7, 2005 -- Paradise lost? No longer. Home to dramatic cliffs that plummet hundreds of feet to white sand beaches and aquamarine seas, the Channel Islands offer visitors the chance to experience pristine, undisturbed serenity only miles from the California mainland?s shores. The Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary, unique in its isolation from society, celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year as the nation?s 40th national park, inviting visitors to explore its sea coves, kelp forests and trails while experiencing the vast array of wildlife that inhabit the islands and their surrounding waters.

Now, Ventura ? the gateway to the Channel Islands ? is offering visitors a chance to explore both the islands and Ventura?s dynamic art and restaurant scene ? all in one weekend!

A number of Ventura hotels, listed below, are offering Channel Islands exploration packages that include either a half-day non-landing or a full-day landing excursion to the islands plus one-night accommodation. The hotel offers make travel easy and convenient as boats to the Channel Islands depart directly from Ventura Harbor, located within minutes of all of the properties.

After spending an action-packed day hiking and exploring the islands, Ventura?s historic downtown area invites visitors to relax and unwind. Traveling with your significant other? Enjoy a candlelit dinner for two at

Jonathan?s, The SideCar Restaurant or Café Fiore, where romance meets epicurean delight, or bring the entire family to Andria?s seafood or Eric Ericsson?s for delectable sea-fare. If looking to relax in style, Table 13 serves late-night cocktails VIP style, while restaurants such as Westside Cellar Café & Lounge, Wine Lovers, Alegria! and Nona?s Courtyard Café & Wine Bar boast extensive wine lists and invite quiet conversation.

The Channel Islands National Park is comprised of five islands, each distinct in its topography and wildlife habitation. The largest and most topographically diverse island, Santa Cruz, measures 22 miles long by 2 to 6 miles wide, and offers 10 miles of hiking trails. Additionally, kayakers flock to Santa Cruz to explore its numerous sea caves, including Painted Cave ? aptly named for the rainbow of rocks, lichens and algae that line its interior. Home to the Santa Cruz Island Scrub Jay, the Island Fox and a number of sea birds, hawks and owls, the island is characterized by rolling hills and valleys and a cobblestone beach.

Hiking not for you? Explore Anacapa Island, characterized by volcanic cliffs, picturesque pink and yellow wildflowers and Anacapa Lighthouse. Anacapa?s low-activity level nature walk winds toward Inspiration Point ? a visually breathtaking lookout point offering near bird?s eye view of all of the islands ? and allows visitors the chance to bird-watch or merely mingle among the flowers.

If you?re looking to lounge beach side, then Santa Rosa Island serves as a choice pick. Characterized by white sand beaches, rolling grasslands and a variety of tree species, Santa Rosa is an ideal location for a day spent at the beach or on the hiking trail.

For more ambitious hikers, Santa Barbara Island provides rigorous hiking trails and opportunities to view wave-sculpted landforms and tide pools nestled amongst the island?s two cliffs, while San Miguel Island offers a five-mile hike to the Caliche forest. Both islands are home to the large Northern Elephant Seal.

So grab a friend, family member or loved one, plan a Ventura weekend around your excursion, and see what the Channel Islands have to offer!

Ventura hotels offering Channel Islands packages, which include tickets to the islands:

Victorian Rose Bed & Breakfast
896 East Main Street
805-641-1888

Four Points Sheraton
1050 Schooner Drive
805-658-1212

Country Inn & Suites
298 Chestnut Street
805-653-1434

Pierpont Inn
550 Sanjon Road
805-643-6144

The Clocktower Inn
181 E. Santa Clara Street
805-652-0141

Ventura Beach Marriott
2055 E. Harbor Boulevard
805-643-6000

For information on Ventura accommodations and attractions, visit www.ventura-usa.com or phone 800-333-2989. A non-profit organization, the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau enhances tourism and the economy by positioning the City of Ventura as a visitor and conference destination. The Visitors Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 800-333-2989, or visit our web site at www.ventura-usa.com. Visit Ventura: California Coast?s Rising Star.

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