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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Refugio State
Beach Santa Barbara County
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By Sofia Mitchell |
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lovely State beach lined with palm trees provides for a
relaxing day at the beach or a fun weekend getaway if you
like to camp.
Refugio State Beach is one of the lovely beaches located
north of Santa Barbara along the Gaviota Coast This palm-tree
lined beach is popular with day-users, beach loungers, coastal
fishermen, surfers, bird watchers, picnickers and overnight
campers.
The Gaviota Coast is a special place because it represents
one of the last stretches of undeveloped Southern California
coastline. Refugio Beach is one of the public recreation
areas along this coastline; El Capitan and Gaviota State
Park are the others.
Visiting this part of the coast gives you a glimpse of what
the California coastline was like before extensive development
and sprawl stretched along the coast and inland. A visit
to Refugio State beach is a great day trip from the Los
Angeles area or it can be stretched to a lovely weekend
trip if you want to camp at the park’s campground
or find lodging in a nearby motel or hotel.
Campsites are located very close to the beach with some
nestled in shady palm trees. Imagine falling asleep to the
sounds of crashing wave. The campground has flush toilets
and showers and sites have a picnic bench and fire ring.
Camping is available for tents and RV trailers up to 35
feet. If you have larger RV equipment, make sure you select
a site that will fit your size.
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Refugio State Beach |
Here are
some ways that you can enjoy your time at Refugio State
Beach. No matter how your spend it, you are sure to come
away relaxed and recharged from your day in the sun, sand
and sea.
Picnics: If you want to enjoy a picnic
lunch or sunset dinner, you can enjoy it right on the sand
or grab one of the picnic tables in the grassy picnic area.
The large tables can accommodate your family. If the urge
to grill strikes you, you can use one of the on-site grills.
You’ll need to bring your own charcoal. There are
plenty of places to pick up food in Santa
Barbara, or pack your own cooler with goodies from home.
Remember, for everyone’s safety, no glass beverage
containers.
Kayaking: The Gaviota Coast can also be
enjoyed from the ocean. Bring your own kayak and enjoy the
open coastline, or you can arrange a kayak rental and tour
from a local vendor, such as Santa Barbara Adventure Company
(877-885-WAVE). You’ll get to soak in the sun, the
gorgeous views and coastal wildlife sightings from your
ocean perch.
Biking: If you like to enjoy the freedom
of biking, there is an easy bike trail that connects Refugio
with El Capitan State Beach. It is a 2.5 mile ride each
way and affords lovely coastal views the entire way. The
trail is suitable for all ages.
Wildlife Viewing: The coastal location is great
for watching diving sea birds, shore birds and more. Bring
a pair of binoculars. During the right time of year, you
can see migrating whales or catch playful porpoises frolicking
in the wave. On a wildlife note, be sure to keep your picnic
items secure and under watch at all time. Feisty gulls and
little rodents have been known to enjoy a snack or two from
unsuspecting beach goers. Make sure you do your part to
keep the wildlife wild. |
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Camping:
If you enjoy spending the night in the outdoors, camping
at Refugio should be high on your list. Because the sites
are located right near the beach, reservations for weekend
stays fill up quickly. You will want to plan ahead if you
hope to score a coveted weekend summer-time camping spot.
There are 63 standard sites and three group sites which
are available year-round.
Sites are located very close to the beach with some nestled
in shady palm trees. Imagine falling asleep to the sounds
of crashing wave. The campground has flush toilets and showers
and sites have a picnic bench and fire ring. Sites are available
for tents and RV trailers up to 35 feet. If you have larger
RV equipment, make sure you select a site that will fit
your size needs.
Camping is also available at El Capitan and Gaviota State
Beaches located along the coast. Check these parks if you
are not able to get a spot to your liking at Refugio.
Camping
Reservations Refugio State Beach |
Getting
There: Refugio State Beach is located off of Highway
101, approximately 20 miles north of Santa Barbara. Look
for the Refugio Road exit. Day use fees apply at Refugio
also gets you into the nearby El Capitan State Beach and
Gaviota State Beach for free on the same day.
In The Area: El Capitan State Beach is
located about five miles to the south of Refugio and is
also a popular spot for swimming, surfing, picnicking, day
hikes and camping. Gaviota State Beach is located to the
north. |
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Jalama
Beach 30 miles north of Santa Barbara.
RV camping and beach cottages. |
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