Just one hour off the coast of California lies the popular Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the eight islands in the Channel Islands of California and the largest island in California. The island offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and kayaking. Covering 248 square kilometres of area, the island is home to two mountain ranges, beaches, as well as one of the largest and deepest sea caves in the world, the Painted Cave. Consider staying overnight at the Scorpion Canyon Campground and hike the 1.9-kilometre trail to Cavern Point for an unforgettable experience. At Santa Cruz Island, you might come face-to-face with many species of animals not found anywhere else in the world, such as the Santa Cruz Island horse, the island scrub jay and the Santa Cruz Island fox. Whether you visit Santa Cruz Island for a day trip or for a camping stint, you are bound to enjoy the beauty and excitement that the island has to offer.