World Astronomy Sites

 

Channel Islands National Park, California

Channel Islands National Park in southern California is a collection of biologically diverse islands and a marine sanctuary located just off the coast, earning its nickname "The Galapagos of North America." That being said, it remains one of the least visited national parks in our nation and offers some of the lowest levels of light pollution among the national parks. Camping is available year-round on its five islands and offers incredible stargazing opportunities, in addition to daytime activities like whale watching, surfing, bird watching, hiking and learning about the islands' history, which boasts some of the oldest traces of human history in North America, dating back 13,000 years.