San Diego is commonly known as “the best city in the United States.” Located on the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, It’s famous for its gorgeous beaches, exceptional weather year-round, and laid-back, surfer lifestyle. It offers plenty of things to do for people of all ages, delicious food (fewer than 20 miles away from Mexico, you can bet that San Diego has some pretty amazing Mexican food), and an abundance of housing. There’s truly something for everyone here.
San Diego’s Islands
San Diego County covers an area of about 4,500 square miles. Its bay is home to three large islands that are worth seeing. All three unique places are located near the central part of the city. They include:
- Harbor island
- Island Shelter
- Island Coronado
Technically, they’re all peninsulas. Two of them were actually created artificially, with the help of human intervention. They are a major attraction that brings both tourists and residents.
What is the Largest Island in San Diego?
Santa Cruz is the largest island in San Diego. It also happens to be the largest in all of California, taking up 96 square miles. It is home to many species of nesting seabirds, approximately 140 species of terrestrial birds, 11 species of terrestrial mammals, and breeding seals. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible destination.
Santa Cruz: The Largest Island in California
Santa Cruz Island is a magical place where visitors can enjoy nature, the cool sea breeze, and serene tranquility. The area was originally inhabited by Chumash Native Americans. They were forcibly removed when the area was colonized for its agricultural land. Now the only people on the island are tourists, as well as employees of the National Park Service and the Nature Protection Service.
The coastline is 77 miles away. Kayakers enjoy exploring the gorgeous seas surrounding the island, as well as the impressive caves that can also be visited. The painted cave is the most impressive, as it is one of the deepest and largest sea caves in the world, making it a truly unique destination on Santa Cruz.
There are regular events and trips that attract people in San Diego, so long as the weather permits travel. Depending on the time of year or the severity of the weather, you may need different gear to safely navigate the island.
Exploring Santa Cruz
Speaking of gear, it’s important to be adequately prepared for exploring Santa Cruz. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move in and to bring a hat, sunglasses, plenty of water, and enough food for the duration of your visit. The sun constantly shines down on you constantly, so it’s also essential to wear sunshine and bring plenty to reapply every few hours.
Santa Cruz also offers great camping options. There is no entrance to visit, but for camping, it costs $15 a night. There are two different camping options: Scorpion Anchorage (which has 31 campsites) and the BackCountry campground, accessible from Prisoner’s Harbor.
Santa Cruz Island is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. Each season offers an abundance of beauty and some of the most incredible views you’ll ever see in your life. Whether you’ve lived in San Diego your whole life or are just visiting for a few days, make sure to swing by Santa Cruz Island.
