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

I got certified at this site and the at the Channel Islands. When I went I was a newbie but even like that I knew one foot of visibility was bad and the only animals I saw were 3 1-inch crabs

Gus's Dive Log

@gus

1 dives