We flew into LAX on a Friday morning in March and spent the afternoon tide pooling and sea cave exploring at Leo Carrillo State Park.

Saturday was the main event – Channel Islands National Park! We boarded the boat and set sail for Santa Cruz Island. En route, we were lucky enough to even spot some whales! Once we were ashore, we headed off to a very windy Potato Harbor.

After a picnic lunch, we took the scenic route back to the dock.

On Sunday, we decided “What the heck? Let’s knock out another park!” And off we went to Joshua Tree National Park.

We spent the day driving through the park and taking several short hikes. Then it was a LONG drive (hello SoCal traffic!) back to the hotel and home the next morning.