Refugio State Beach

Santa Barbara County


Fishing, swimming (lifeguards on duty) and enjoying the views out to the Channel Islands are the best things to do at this narrow beach, 20 miles west of Santa Barbara.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santa Barbara County attractions

1. El Capitán State Beach

2.49 MILES

Head down from the low cliffs to enjoy swimming (confident bathers only), surfing and fishing from this pebbly beach, overlooked by native sycamore and…

2. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery

8.74 MILES

Wander inside what looks like an 18th-century stone farmhouse from Provence and into a cool hillside cave housing wine barrels. Sunstone crafts Bordeaux…

3. Kalyra Winery

9.15 MILES

Australian Mike Brown traveled halfway around the world to combine his two loves: surfing and winemaking. Try his full-bodied red blends, unusual white…

4. Old Mission Santa Ínes

9.87 MILES

The 19th of 21 California missions was founded by Franciscan friars in 1804 and remains an active parish. A self-guided tour takes you through a small,…

5. Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

9.87 MILES

South of downtown, tucked away on a residential side street, this delightful little museum has modest but thoughtful exhibits on Solvang’s Danish heritage…

6. Tocatta

9.96 MILES

Locals gather for afternoon drinks and food at Toccata. The cosy and friendly downtown Solvang winery specializes in Italian varietals and robust Tuscan…

7. Hans Christian Andersen Museum

9.99 MILES

If you remember childhood fairy tales with fondness, stop by this tiny two-room museum. A larger-than-life bust of Denmark's favorite storyteller welcomes…

8. Neal Taylor Nature Center

10.06 MILES

Exhibits and friendly volunteers help residents and visitors learn more about the local area and Santa Barbara County in general.