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Refugio State Beach, Goleta, CA

Photo: Pacific Southwest Region USFWS from Sacramento, US, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sports & Outdoors

Refugio State Beach

A coastal state beach about 20 to 22 miles west of Santa Barbara, known for sunsets, fishing, picnicking, and camping.

10 Refugio Beach Road, Goleta CA 93117 · Goleta, CA

About Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach sits on the Gaviota Coast along Highway 101, roughly 20 to 22 miles west of Santa Barbara. Visitors come for ocean views, sunsets, coastal fishing, picnic sites, and trails. The park has a campground with 66 campsites and 3 group campsites, plus a campfire center and grassy areas with barbecues. Surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing are also popular here. The park is also used for small weddings and events. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round, and beach wheelchairs are offered to the public at no cost.

  • #beach
  • #camping
  • #fishing
  • #picnic
  • #surfing

What's around here?

The closest stops to Refugio State Beach, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Circle Bar B Stables

    $50+

    Guided horseback trail rides through canyons and along the Gaviota Coast north of Santa Barbara.

    3.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Elverhoj Museum of History and Art

    No admission fee

    Solvang museum in a hand-built Danish farmhouse-style home, showcasing local history and rotating art exhibits.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    9.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Santa Barbara Wine Country Cycling Tours

    $50+

    Guided wine country cycling tours through the Santa Ynez Valley with a vineyard lunch.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    10.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Solvang Visitor Center

    No admission fee

    The city's walk-in visitor center on Copenhagen Drive in the heart of Danish-style Solvang.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    10.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Highline Adventures

    $50+

    A zipline and aerial adventure park in the hills west of Buellton in the Santa Ynez Valley.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sports & Outdoors
    Outdoor Adventure

    Santa Ynez Valley Horseback Rides

    $50+

    Guided horseback trail rides along the Santa Ynez River from a stable at River View Park in Buellton.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    13 mi awayMore like this

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