Refugio State Beach Tours

Photo by Cathleen Clark
Photo by Kate Stella


The kids are sure to sleep soundly after playing by the seaside at Refugio State Beach. Search for crabs and other little critters, dip a toe in the water or maybe even fly a kite!

Once you've ticked this stretch of coastline in Goleta off your to-do list, why not make your way to El Capitan State Beach? It's close to Refugio State Beach and is one of the area's best sights.

Plan a trip to see Refugio State Beach

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Secret Garden Inn and Cottages
The De La Vina Inn
Los Aguajes

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Refugio State Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

5 out of 5
8301 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Wine Valley Inn

Wine Valley Inn

3 out of 5
1564 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
Wine Valley Inn
Vinland Hotel and Lounge

Vinland Hotel and Lounge

3.5 out of 5
1455 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Vinland Hotel and Lounge
King Frederik Inn

King Frederik Inn

2.5 out of 5
1617 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA
King Frederik Inn
Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

4 out of 5
3400 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA
Chumash Casino Resort
Royal Copenhagen Inn

Royal Copenhagen Inn

2.5 out of 5
1579 Mission drive, Solvang, CA
Royal Copenhagen Inn
Corque Hotel, Solvang, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Corque Hotel, Solvang, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
400 Alisal Rd., Solvang, CA
Corque Hotel, Solvang, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge Americas Best Value Inn

Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge Americas Best Value Inn

2 out of 5
1711 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge Americas Best Value Inn
Kronborg Inn

Kronborg Inn

3 out of 5
1440 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Kronborg Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Refugio State Beach

At Refugio State Beach, visitors can engage in ranger-led programs that offer educational experiences about the local environment. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic beauty for hiking and wildlife watching. For added comfort, beach chairs are available, and a camp store provides essential supplies. Additionally, various tours can be arranged from the beach, allowing guests to explore the stunning coastal landscape and nearby attractions.

Shopping

For shopping near Refugio State Beach, visit the Camino Real Marketplace, which offers a public market experience 11 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out the Paseo Nuevo Mall and Rafael Gonzalez House, both located 21 miles from the beach, featuring entertainment and unique gifts.

Recreation

Play a round at Sandpiper Golf Club, where you can enjoy the scenic landscapes and outdoor vibes. Visit Nojoqui Falls Park for a relaxing hike among nature and rejuvenate at Sunny Fields Park, perfect for unwinding amidst beautiful gardens.

Adventure

Embark on the Lost Valley Trail, 14 miles from Refugio State Beach, where stunning scenery and outdoor adventure await. Explore the Jesusita Trail, located 19 miles away, for a captivating hiking experience surrounded by nature. For a leisurely ride, enjoy the Cabrillo Bikeway, 21 miles from the beach.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere at Solvang Festival Theater, just 10 miles away, offering culture and romance. For a lively pub scene, visit Cold Spring Tavern, 13 miles away, perfect for drinks and entertainment. If you're in the mood for adventure, Zodo's Bowling and Beyond, also 13 miles away, promises fun-filled activities.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach in Goleta, California, offers a perfect blend of outdoor experiences and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beach, explore nearby historic colleges and universities, or relax by local lakes. Whether you're looking for sun and surf or a taste of local history, this area provides a variety of activities and sights to enhance your vacation experience in California.

  • El Capitan State Beach: Just 2 miles from Refugio State Beach, El Capitan State Beach offers stunning coastal views and excellent opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Its sandy shores and scenic cliffs create a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities.
  • University of California, Santa Barbara: Located 12 miles away, this historic university boasts beautiful architecture and picturesque gardens. Visitors can explore the campus, soak in the vibrant culture, and enjoy art exhibits and events that reflect its academic legacy.
  • Old Mission Santa Ines: Situated 10 miles from Refugio State Beach, this historic church is a serene spot filled with cultural significance. Visitors can admire its beautiful architecture and learn about California’s mission history through guided tours.

Best time to go to Refugio State Beach

The best time to visit Refugio State Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Refugio State Beach

To save money on your trip to Refugio State Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to sort hotels by price and explore eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Don't forget to look for flexible and refundable booking options to ensure peace of mind.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Refugio State Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Refugio State Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Refugio State Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can sort your results from the lowest to highest price, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you’ll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Refugio State Beach with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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