Not much happening here. We tried a cupcake but it wasn't that good :( Maybe the place is popping on the weekends. We'll come back another time.
Keep a J 24 here and this is a low-key, nicely protected harbor for a sailing purposes. Nearest Harbor to Malibu and Ventura Harbor is just a short distance to the North.
There were a few shops and restaurants, but the area seemed shabby and rundown, with a lot vacant buildings. Compared to Ventura Harbor, it was disappointing.
I attended a party at the clubhouse. It was a large area; accommodated 100 people. It was well decorated and provided adequate seating.
We really enjoyed the Whale Watching tour. We took the Sunday morning 9:00 am tour. The weather was great for us - calm seas and sunny. We saw lots of whales, dolphins and sea lions. Definitely worth it! Nearly everyone had a coupon for 50%. Coupons are available online.
We were sightseeing and our daughter took us here. Beautiful. Boats everywhere, well kept. Just awesome
It used to be my local bar in the area 30 odd years ago, it has the same old vibe today as it did then. Good food and entertainment, the band playing on this particular night was far too loud, so nothing new there, apart from older ear drums being a little more sensitive, or maybe I was cold sober!
What a waste of amazing real estate. We went for the shopping and restaurants but all we found was a disgusting food court. Maybe we were missing something but we drove all around.
Taking a shuttle to an Island? Bring a thermos of good coffee because when we tried to find real coffee at 6:50am there was none. Found some weak Folgers after 7am loading up the boat with camping gear, but blecccch. It was a safe place to leave the car locked up for the 2 nights camping on the island, and well-lit. Just a nice walkway and a few seabirds in the harbor, but you have to get outside the breakwater to see the seals and dolphins.
Ventura Harbor is just a few miles north, with its relative glitz, lots of shops and tourists come because it is close to the freeway. But Channel Islands Harbor is truly a sailor's harbor. The harbor entrance (that's from the ocean for you landlubbers) is almost always easy, at least from the South end. Ventura's entrance is known for it's tendency to become a sleighride that can get out of control. And the inner harbor is just crowded, you really have to pay attention to what's going on,. CI Harbor also has a great, wide-open turning basin that lets you maneuver around without interference if you';re having any kind of difficulties, have a stuck halyard or some such problem. CI Harbor does have attractions, the Whale's Tail, the Italian Job, Seafresh, and other newer spots at the upper end. And for those in the know, the Rudder Room is right down at the entrance, one of the few spots on the coast where you can get a drink and go set on the sand. For those who want a little more quiet, and a place for a long quiet stroll, while looking at boats, come on down. We keep our boat in CI Marina, on H Dock, one of the most social and friendly docks I know of. Even if you are not a boater, CI Harbor has a lot to offer, come down and hang out for a while. (And no, I do not work for the Harbor or any concession, I just like it).