Notice: "4/2025 - Starting Monday, February 17th, Refugio Road will be closed at night from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM the next morning until Friday morning. The main entrance to Refugio State Beach will remain open, but only accessible from the Southbound 101 off-ramp. Northbound 101 traffic will need to turn around at Calle Real and proceed Southbound on 101 to get to the park’s entrance. During the day, Refugio Road will be reduced to one lane and remain open to traffic with flagging traffic controls."
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.
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
