Refugio is a very popular destination for beach-goers.  With over 100 campsites (mostly reserved from early on in the vacation season), the beach can be very crowded.  But once underwater you won't have to worry about those crowds!  Just a short distance off shore you'll find kelp beds and reef, and, for the more adventurous, a rocky point to explore to the West.

Found 19 miles West of Santa Barbara, take the Refugio exit of Highway 101, and follow the signs to the beach.

Refugio State Beach

Great beach all around. I have been camping there for 26 years every summer for a week. I have seen the vis  at 1ft all the way to 50+ over the years. There are some nice dive spots north and south of Refugio. If you have the availability of a small boat, great beach launch spot there and are never any big  waves. I take a hard bottom inflatable with a 25 hp. Head north most of the time. There are two large kelp beds with about 75 yards between the two. Also you can pull off the freeway and walk down to beach. There's a big tree on the beach for shade. Use Google earth and see for yourself.

Free Diver MVD's Dive Log

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