Refugio State Beach Activities

Santa Barbara County

Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California
Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California

Refugio State Beach Activities

Santa Barbara County


Notice: "7/3/2024 - Refugio State Beach is closed until further notice. Due to complete failure of an extensive culvert system, resulting in numerous sinkholes across multiple agency jurisdictions, the park will remain fully closed for repairs. All reservations through July 31 will be cancelled and affected parties will be contacted accordingly. We anticipate reopening late summer 2024."

Kayaking from Refugio to El Capitan

The protected waters in the wave shadow of the Channel Islands and the south facing beaches, Refugio Beach and El Capitan Beach are popular locations for launching kayaks. The 3-mile trip between the two beaches is a classic paddle. Visitors often encounter sea lions, seals, dolphins, and a myriad of sea birds. A number of private companies offer guided trips, and Refugio State Beach has lifeguard led kayak trips.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company

Refugio State Beach kayaking tours, 3-mile paddles along the coast with included lunch stop at a secluded beach. About 5 hours. Children 8-9 usually ride in tandem kayak with parent. Older children can usually handle their own kayak.
Santa Barbara Adventure Company





The Aniso Trail: Refugio State Beach to El Capitan State Beach

The Aniso Trail is a 3-mile-long paved bicycling and walking path that connects Refugio State Beach with El Capitan State Beach. The rolling trail follows the bluffs between the two beaches, offering wonderful views of the coast and ocean. At several points travelers can divert to explore interesting places along the beach.

During low tides it is possible to walk long stretches of the beach and rocky coast between the two parks. Hikers, of course, need to be aware of the tides to avoid being trapped against a rocky cliff by the waves.

Fishing along the Coast from Refugio Beach to El Capitan Beach

Surf fishermen along the sand and rock coast from Refugio Beach to El Capitan Beach have successful days as long as they can avoid getting hung up in the kelp too much. Sandworms have proven to be a good bait to use in the area. Other popular baits are cut squid, shrimp, and rubber swim baits. At El Capitan beach many anglers like the section from directly in front of the day-use parking lot west to the park boundary.

Fishing at Refugio Beach, Santa Barbara County, CA

Fishing at Refugio Beach

Kayak Fishing

Fishing from kayaks is a good way to get out where other anglers can't reach. The kelp beds around Refugio Beach can produce rockfish, calicos, cabezons, and even halibut. A popular kayak fishing spot is the cove around the point at El Capitan Beach.


Refugio Junior Lifeguards - 2024

Children between the ages of 7 and 17 can participate in the Refugio Junior Lifeguard Program offered every summer. Participants learn about ocean safety and environmental education. During the 3-week long sessions they learn lifesaving skills, first aid, and CPR. They also develop their physical fitness and learn ocean recreation skills.

Among the recreational activities included in previous year's sessions were a sandcastle contest, and Friday field trips. Similar activities are planned for coming years.

Tryouts

All new applicants for Refugio Junior Lifeguards must pass a tryout evaluation of each child's swimming skills and confidence in the water before they can participate in the program. Tryouts are usually held at various dates in May. Enrollment for 2024 opens in April. Check their website as more details become available.
Refugio Junior Lifeguards

2024 Junior Lifeguard Session

One 4-week long session for 2024:
July 8 to August 2, 2024

Standup Paddleboarding at Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California

Surfing at Refugio

When the west swell arrives, Refugio Beach has decent surfing near the point. The waves are rarely big enough to attract the same crowds you will find at El Cap, but it can be pretty busy. The reliable smaller waves at Refugio make it a good spot for beginning and intermediate surfers.

surfer, Pacific Ocean, CA

Diving

Divers leave the crowds behind on the beach and discover the underwater beauty just below the surface. Kelp beds, reefs, and a rocky point make interesting areas for exploring. A great shelf reef is found off the west side of the beach. Another interesting reef is found to the south. The gentle surf makes it a good spot for beginners to develop their diving skills.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.



Nearby Activities, Attractions, and Events

Goleta Butterfly Grove

7701 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA
Adjacent to the Sperling Preserve on the Ellwood Mesa
View monarch butterflies mid-November to mid-February
Goleta Butterfly Grove

Aquasports Kayaking Trips

Professionally guided and outfitted Channel Islands kayaking adventures
Explore island sea caves
No experience required
Aquasports Kayaking Trips

Cachuma Lake

Highway 154, 25 miles north of Santa Barbara
Boating, fishing, camping
Cachuma Lake

Nojoqui Falls Park

Santa Barbara County Park
1½ miles east of Highway 101 near Gaviota Pass.
Take Old Coast Road to Alisal Road
A short hike to view the falls.
Ball fields, BBQ and picnic areas, playground, restrooms
Nojoqui Falls Park

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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety