Title: Smugglers Cove in Santa Barbara - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Smugglers Cove Tours and Activities

![Channel Islands National Park showing rocky coastline, a pebble beach and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922700953/31d8c155-02ff-4249-a6fe-228267977637.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smugglers Cove which includes a park as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922700953/a77c6677-8990-4570-b1f2-b4c865e3a4c1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smugglers Cove showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a bridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922700953/e86ccf0b-f4bc-41d6-ae71-4951aa654b52.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smugglers Cove](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922700953/9cc45361-f7fe-4725-b83c-df649065000c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Smugglers Cove](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922700953/84950538-e4e3-4329-9dcd-f43302c40845.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Smugglers Cove

Activities

[Santa Barbara travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Santa-Barbara.dx602277)

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#### Relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean views from this hidden oasis on the craggy California coastline, one of the highlights of the Channel Islands National Park.

If the name alone doesn’t entice you to go on an adventure, the lovely views from Smuggler’s Cove will convince you to make the hike across Santa Cruz island. Put your toes in the sand as the waves wash over them, go tide pooling to observe small marine creatures scuttling around or bring a snorkel to see what’s going on under the sea.

Once used as a base for smugglers wanting to hide their goods, Santa Cruz Island has a rich history waiting to be explored. Look around at Smuggler’s Cove and imagine it completely empty and isolated. Soon, you’ll understand why people deemed it a great place to bury their treasures and store their bounty until they could collect it again.

Luckily, today, Smuggler’s Cove is visited more by hikers than smugglers. Pack your sturdiest hiking boots, though, as the hike to the cove from Scorpion Anchorage takes about 4 to 5 hours and covers varying terrain. Complete the uphill climb in order to appreciate the beautiful views across to other islands. 

Right before you get to Smuggler’s Cove, there is a scattering of trees and then a quick descent towards the beach. Bring a blanket to spread out and reflect on your day on the island, or come prepared with a snorkel and goggles to jump in the water. From the gravel beach peer out to where the water meets the horizon. The rocky land on either side of you adds to the feeling of seclusion and remoteness.

Santa Cruz is home to native wildlife, such as the scrub-jay, that can only be found on this particular island. Watch for island foxes darting around, especially at the beginning of your hike to Smuggler’s Cove. Arrange your visit for low tide to take advantage of great tide pooling.

Access to Smuggler’s Cove is free once you arrive on the island, which is accessible only by boat from Ventura. Pack your own water and food to last throughout the hike, as there are no services at Smuggler’s Cove except for a toilet and a few benches.

## Plan a trip to see Smugglers Cove

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![The Craft House Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/96000000/95110000/95109600/95109525/26e30e88_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Craft House Inn

CA $1,154

per person

Apr 23 - Apr 26

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Vancouver (YVR) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)

Yes, very clean. Super location and convenient. Appreciate the period architect ural details and grounds. Meticulously maintained. Full kitchen availability nice touch. Convenient quality coffee a plus. Parking a valuable amenity. Would definitely recommend to others.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

![El Encanto Santa Barbara](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/20500/20448/5ef1682c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### El Encanto Santa Barbara

Upper Riviera

CA $3,518

per person

May 17 - May 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (551 reviews)

WiFi not stable / not working for the 2 days we were there. No soap in bathroom, minibar with only 2 bottles of water, rooms with full of leds - switch lights that can’t be darken. quality - price ratio not attractive

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2026

![Hotel Californian](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18380000/18374100/18374097/e9b17fb6_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Hotel Californian

Santa Barbara Beach

CA $3,229

per person

May 17 - May 23

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (941 reviews)

Great rooms and friendly staff; amazing location

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

### Popular places to visit

![Cavern Point which includes general coastal views and rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635919602645/b9a00174-fd10-4e2f-a467-1cd2f56951d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Cavern Point

Hike to this lookout point in southern California to enjoy sweeping views of the coastline from the top of one of the world’s largest island sea caves.

[](https://expedia.ca/Cavern-Point-Ventura.d553248635919602645.Vacation-Attraction)

![Channel Islands National Park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922900658/7979eb89-463e-4be7-95af-b1da38a6179b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Potato Harbour

This overlook point with a quirky name is one of the top places to go in California for beautiful views of the coastline and the Channel Islands National Park.

[](https://expedia.ca/Potato-Harbour-Ventura.d553248635922900658.Vacation-Attraction)

![Ventura which includes a lighthouse and rocky coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635922900626/66bceca1-b5c8-49b2-a05a-af372034b6b4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Pinniped Point

Watch as California sea lions and harbor seals splash through the water and sunbathe at this island overlook point known for its wildlife viewing area.

[](https://expedia.ca/Pinniped-Point-Ventura.d553248635922900626.Vacation-Attraction)

![Channel Islands National Park which includes a river or creek and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6063445/2ef3325d-66b4-497e-82bf-38c535d8b422.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Channel Islands National Park

5/5(1 review)

Surround yourself with dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches and fascinating wildlife at this stunning island haven.

[](https://expedia.ca/Channel-Islands-National-Park-United-States-of-America.d6063445.Vacation-Attraction)

![Pink sunset cloud reflection over Santa Clara river seaside marsh at Ventura beach in California United States](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635983992340/049e9537-0a2b-4a5a-a6df-405b00c2c32f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Oxnard State Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Oxnard State Beach during your trip to Oxnard? 

[](https://expedia.ca/Oxnard-State-Beach-Oxnard.d553248635983992340.Vacation-Attraction)

![seagull at sand beach in cold winter day. Silver gull with blach head on the shore](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065437/da66e589-b76e-472c-bbf4-3fb4e68cfe2b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Silver Strand Beach

4/5(1 review)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Silver Strand Beach during your travels in Oxnard? 

[](https://expedia.ca/Silver-Strand-Beach-Oxnard.d6065437.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Smugglers Cove

## Check availability on hotels close to Smugglers Cove

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2101 Mandalay Beach Rd Oxnard CA

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Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor/Oxnard

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Casa Via Mar Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel

377 W Channel Islands Blvd. Port Hueneme CA

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Clocktower Inn Ventura

181 E Santa Clara St Ventura CA

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Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach by IHG

450 E Harbor Blvd Ventura CA

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Amanzi Hotel, an Ascend Collection Hotel

298 S Chestnut St Ventura CA

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Motel 6 Ventura, CA - Beach

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### 

Inn On The Beach

1175 South Seaward Ave Ventura CA

[](https://expedia.ca/Ventura-Hotels-Inn-On-The-Beach.h4217253.Hotel-Information)

[See all 1,996 properties in Smugglers Cove](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=553248635922700953)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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