San Miguel Island

Incredible remote little island with a great look into the conservation/restoration efforts put forth by the NPS and other organizations in the region. Despite being ravaged by agriculture and military exercises for over 100 years, the wildlife is growing back beautifully and, since it’s such a trek to get there (5h ferry and steep hike to the campground where you bring all your own water), it makes you feel like it’s just you and the animals walking around the island. Tons of sea lions, seals, birds, and foxes (who are not as used to humans as on the other islands, so they’re a bit harder to come across). Our ranger (Will) was such a great presence and took us on hikes every day with seemingly unending energy. No cell reception on the island, but pretty reliable wifi available at the ranger station, in case you need to connect here and there. If you’re looking for a nature escape that’s totally different from the rest of SoCal - this is a great spot to consider.

Plan well.

Is it so amazing to be surrounded in wilderness and hearing the sea lions chatting as I fell to sleep. San Miguel is a national treasure.

Beautiful and picturesque views all around. Very remote and rugged. Amazing wildlife watching. The volunteer from the NPS was very kind and took us on guided hikes every day.

Good camping experience away from the shore. It's a special experience not easily gained on the mainland.

My favorite vacation spot. XOXO

This was my second time staying on the island (the last time was 14 years ago). Island Packers are always so great, even with the Covid safety requirements. Once on the island, it was heaven! The hike out to Point Bennett this time was long, hot and exposed (last time I went, the weather was much cooler, so it didn’t seem like such a drag). I would’ve rather stayed and enjoyed the beach, with crystal clear waters soft, fine sand, and plenty of wildlife to see and enjoy.

Reluctant to discuss this as its still a far away, uncrowded, beautiful destination. There is some hardship required to get to camp, overcoming the wind, fog, wet mornings and hiking long distances.... On second thought ya'll better avoid this spot. Thanks.
Cardwell point- sunny September Weekday AM. A few very very large Bull Elephant Seals, several adult female mom sea lions, and a multitude of sea lion pups playing tag, king of the mountain and other shenanigans atop all these large lounging pinnipeds. About the cutest thing I have witnessed, ever.
If your a water person- wetsuit, fins, face mask... there is as much or more to explore below the surface. (enter far west end of the beach past the palm trees and swim thru the kelp beds towards the point).
It's a nearly 2 mile long beach to share with whomever else is out there, (not many).

Excellent adventure. Island Packers & the Park Naturalists/volunteers were knowledgeable , encouraging and fun.

We had a fabulous time on San Miguel island. The wildlife viewing was extraordinary. We saw fox pups with the most adorable faces peering up at us from the periphery of our campsite. At Cuyler Harbor, some juvenile elephant seals put on a show for us, mock-fighting with each other.
The park naturalist, Joel, and his wife were incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable. They led us on four hikes. At Pt. Bennett, we watched newborn Northern fur seals and sea lions doing what comes naturally in the surf. (Bring binoculars to see more). At Cardwell Pt., sea lion pups were learning to body-surf.