Santa Barbara County, CA · Pacific Ocean

Refugio State Beach

Palm-lined cove on the Gaviota coast with a small creek mouth and a popular beachfront campground. Often paired with neighboring El Capitan via a 2.5-mile coastal bike path.

Stay 3

Today's Conditions

Ideal for a beach walk.

80°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 71. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Weather

80°F air — ideal beach weather
Sunny skies — clear conditions

85 /100

ideal

85 Sunbathe

87 Walk

83 Photo

Best for walking today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

80°F

Clear

Wind

5 to 10 mph

Rain

Today

Air Quality

31 Good

Ozone · Goleta

UV Peak

5 Moderate

Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~40m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 03 PM

Tomorrow

80°F

Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Next High Tide

8:47 PM

4.1 ft · in 2.2h

Wave Height

3.3 ft

14s · WSW swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (PZZ650)

The LOX office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

CAZ362 Malibu Coast — Los Angeles County Beaches n/a
CAZ354 Ventura County Beaches n/a
CAZ349 Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast — Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast n/a
CAZ340 San Luis Obispo County Beaches — Santa Barbara Central Coast Beaches n/a

NWS SRF · LOX · Issued Nov 7, 1:25 AM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:26 AM

Sunset

5:01 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

80°

Sunny

Sun Nov 8

80°

Mostly Sunny

Mon Nov 9

79°

Sunny

Tue Nov 10

80°

Sunny

Wed Nov 11

79°

Sunny

Thu Nov 12

75°

Sunny

Fri Nov 13

73°

Slight Chance Light Rain

24%

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Day-use $10 per vehicle.

Dogs

No dogs on the beach. Leashed (6 ft) dogs allowed in campground and paved areas only.

Entry Fee

$10 per vehicle day-use.

Address

10 Refugio Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117

Amenities

restroomsshowerslifeguard towercampingpicnic tables

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Refugio State Beach today?

Refugio State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Refugio State Beach dog-friendly?

No dogs on the beach. Leashed (6 ft) dogs allowed in campground and paved areas only.

Is there an entry fee at Refugio State Beach?

$10 per vehicle day-use.

Are there lifeguards at Refugio State Beach?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Refugio State Beach during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Refugio State Beach?

Amenities at Refugio State Beach include restrooms, showers, lifeguard tower, camping, picnic tables.

When is the water warmest at Refugio State Beach?

The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.

Where is Refugio State Beach located?

Refugio State Beach is in Santa Barbara County, CA, at 10 Refugio Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117.