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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Milo
Hotel Californian
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
Chumash Casino Resort

Chumash Casino Resort

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

King Frederik Inn

2.5 out of 5
1617 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA
King Frederik Inn
Royal Copenhagen Inn

Royal Copenhagen Inn

2.5 out of 5
1579 Mission drive, Solvang, CA
Royal Copenhagen Inn
Kronborg Inn

Kronborg Inn

3 out of 5
1440 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
Kronborg Inn
The Winston Solvang

The Winston Solvang

3.5 out of 5
486-C 1st street Solvang, Solvang, CA
The Winston Solvang
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

Refugio State Beach in Goleta, California, offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. You can relax at the beach park, set up a picnic at designated sites, or camp at the beach campground. For nature enthusiasts, scenic hiking trails provide stunning coastal views, while fishing opportunities abound for those looking to cast a line in the ocean. It's a perfect spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Food and drinks

Indulge in local flavors at Solvang Brewing Company, 10 miles away, known for its craft brews. For a romantic wine experience, visit Sunstone Vineyards & Winery, 9 miles from the beach. Enjoy outdoor vibes at Saarloos and Sons Winery, 14 miles away, perfect for snacks and relaxation.

Shopping

For a local shopping experience, check out Camino Real Marketplace, located 11 miles away, offering a variety of shops in a vibrant setting. If you're up for a drive, La Cumbre Plaza, 18 miles away, features family-friendly stores and entertainment options in a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the serene ambiance at Nojoqui Falls Park, where you can unwind amidst nature's beauty. For golf enthusiasts, Sandpiper Golf Club offers stunning coastal views and a challenging course. For holistic healing, visit Valley Holistic Healing Center, where relaxation and rejuvenation await.

Adventure

Explore the Lost Valley Trail, located 14 miles from Refugio State Beach, offering breathtaking scenery and adventurous hiking experiences. For more outdoor excitement, the Jesusita Trail, 19 miles away, features stunning views and a thrilling trek through nature's beauty, perfect for adventure seekers.

Nightlife

For a lively night near Refugio State Beach, visit the Chumash Casino for exciting gaming and vibrant city vibes. If you prefer a cultural experience, the Solvang Festival Theater offers family-friendly entertainment. For a cozy pub atmosphere, check out Cold Spring Tavern, perfect for drinks and romance.

Find the best attractions near Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach in Goleta, California, offers a delightful blend of attractions for every traveler. Enjoy the picturesque beach, explore nearby urban parks, or visit local churches. Perfect for families and those seeking outdoor adventures, you can also discover beautiful spots like Gaviota Beach and Refugio Cove. Whether you're interested in soaking up the sun or immersing yourself in local culture, there's plenty to see and do around this stunning coastal area.

  • El Capitan State Beach: Just 2 miles from Refugio, this stunning beach offers picturesque views and a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, and exploring tide pools, all while surrounded by coastal bluffs and lush scenery.
  • University of California, Santa Barbara: Located 12 miles away, this historic university boasts beautiful architecture and vibrant gardens. Stroll through the campus to soak up the rich culture while enjoying art exhibits and stunning ocean views.
  • Lake Cachuma: Situated 10 miles from Refugio, this serene lake is perfect for romantic outings and outdoor adventures. Enjoy fishing, hiking, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the water.

Best time to go to Refugio State Beach

Visitor numbers around Refugio State Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Refugio State Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Refugio State Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Refugio State Beach falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
March56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July72.1°F (22.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.9°F (22.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September71.6°F (22.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
November60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Refugio State Beach

To save money on your visit to Refugio State Beach, take advantage of the free entry and nearby attractions like Chumash Casino and Lake Cachuma. Travel during the off-peak months of November to January for lower accommodation prices, and consider booking your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options and consider their package deals to combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Refugio State Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Refugio State Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool is designed to help you find accommodations that fit your budget and preferred location. You can easily sort the results to view the lowest-priced hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Refugio State Beach with your flights and activities.
  • 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.