Channel Islands Harbor is about an hour north of Los Angeles off the 101 Freeway (exit Victoria). As you're approaching Channel Islands Boulevard, you'll notice a fairly new development to the right off Wooley Road. It's a great little shopping area called Seabridge Shops.
Park at the shops and wander the sidewalks for a great LONG stroll along the water. The kids will be rewarded with 2 playgrounds. One larger playground near the shops, shaped like a ship.
If you cross the bridge onto the island, there's a smaller playground to your left at the corner of Seabridge and Caribbean. Both playgrounds have restrooms and drinking fountains.
Grills behind the larger playground make for easy picnicking. No need to park at the shops - just drive past Vons on Victoria and turn into the next driveway where there's parking right by the playground. There is also a grassy area on the island with views of the water and grills for sunset picnics (although parking nearby may be restricted to residents).
The Shops are anchored by a Vons grocery store. Your walk will take you past restaurants like Yolanda's Mexican Cafe, Fresco II on the Marina, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Jersey Mike's Subs, and Round Table Pizza. Rent an electric boat at Duffy Boats.
My kids love to put on "shows" at the outdoor amphitheater below Coffee Bean. Here's the stage:
Seabridge is not on many maps. It shows up as a huge dirt lot on Google. So you'll have to actually visit to get a feel for it. A day near the Pacific makes for special memories. Not far away, there's another amazing playground at Oxnard Beach Park.
Toppers Pizza is our favorite and is located nearby and closer to the main Channel Islands Harbor.
If you happen to visit on a Sunday, the Channel Islands Harbor holds a great Farmer's Market off Harbor Blvd. The harbor offers endless watersports and excursions out to the Channel Islands offshore.
