Refugio State Beach

Santa Barbara County

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

Refugio State Beach

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."

Refugio State Beach

Three miles up the coast from El Capitan State Beach, palm tree-lined Refugio State Beach rests beside a shallow cove. Sandy beach attract sun bathers and picnickers, beach walkers and anglers. Year-round Refugio State Beach is a popular camping destination. During the summer months lifeguards are on duty.

Key Features at Refugio State Beach

  • Mile-long sandy beach
  • Campground close to beach
  • Kayak Tours led by lifeguards
  • Plenty of picnic tables and BBQs
  • General store open on weekends

A paved coastal biking and walking trail connects Refugio State Beach with El Capitan State Beach, 3 miles down the coast.



map of Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, CA

From the bluffs along the edge of the ocean visitors enjoy a great view of the Channel Islands. Walking along the 1.5-mile-long beach can lead to many wonders. Harbor seals can be spotted bobbing in the surf. Watch for herons, gulls, terns, and mallards in the lagoon. The tide pools are filled with rich colonies of sea stars, sea anemones, crabs, and other interesting creatures.

Some visitors like to swim in the freshwater lagoon formed where Refugio Creek empties into the ocean.

Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California

Refugio State Beach


Entrance to Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California


El Capitan Canyon Resort

Several miles down the coast and across Highway 101 from El Capitan State Beach is El Capitan Canyon Resort. Located on 300 acres, El Capitan Canyon provides nature lodging for those who want to relax, unwind, and commune with nature.

El Capitan Canyon Accommodations

Enjoy cedar cabins and safari tents grouped in villages with names such as Peace Tree, and Shaded Creek. Each cabin or tent has casual furnishings. All cabins have front porches, bathrooms, fine linens, kitchenettes, wet bars, outdoor picnic tables, grills, and firepits. Some cabins have fireplaces and soaking tubs.

Safari Tents are equipped with queen or double beds, screened windows, linens and towels, storage, heaters, electric lighting. Each tent has its own picnic table, grill and firepit. Private bathroom facilities are located in nearby buildings. Yurts come with features similar to the safari tents. Bathrooms are nearby.



El Capitan Canyon Amenities

On the resort grounds are a market and deli, a swimming pool, and a ropes course. Guests enjoy yoga, story-telling, Saturday night BBQs, and much more. Beach cruiser bikes available. WiFi is provided.

Contact

11560 Calle Real, off Highway 101,
opposite El Capitan State Beach
(805) 685-3887 or toll free (866) 352-2729
El Capitan Canyon Resort
Rates: $$$

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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