Updated
Refugio State Beach
State park · Goleta, California
Use caution — an official advisory is in effect
Use cautionUse caution — an official advisory is in effect: a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for San Luis Obispo County Beaches; Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches and other areas.
- Water temp 73°F (23°C)
Live data from NOAA buoy 46053 (19.9 mi away), as of Oct 29, 10:00 AM UTC.
Why, sources & official advisories
- A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for San Luis Obispo County Beaches; Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches and other areas. — NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
- Water temperature is 73°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. — NOAA buoy 46053, as of Oct 29, 10:00 AM UTC
- No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Official advisories
Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.
Get an email when it’s warm enough
It’s 73°F at Refugio State Beach now. We check the water daily and email you once when it reaches your temperature.
Serene stretch of coast & picnicking spot with a snug, basic campground & scenic views.
What’s swimming here?
Fish recorded within 2 km: Señorita Wrasse, Kelp Bass, Black Perch and 22 more species.
25 fish species in 867 public records within 2 km of Refugio State Beach since 2000.
- Señorita Wrasse Halichoeres californicus243 records · 2018
- Kelp Bass Paralabrax clathratus231 records · 2018
- Black Perch Embiotoca jacksoni130 records · 2018
- Rock Wrasse Halichoeres semicinctus78 records · 2018
- Pile Perch Phanerodon vacca71 records · 2018
- Rainbow Seaperch Hypsurus caryi32 records · 2018
- California Sheephead Bodianus pulcher14 records · 2018
- Barred Sand Bass Paralabrax nebulifer12 records · 2018
Show all 25 species
- Kelp Rockfish Sebastes atrovirens11 records · 2018
- Rubberlip Seaperch Rhacochilus toxotes8 records · 2018
- Sargo Anisotremus davidsonii6 records · 2017
- Blacksmith Chromis Chromis punctipinnis6 records · 2016
- Brown Rockfish Sebastes auriculatus5 records · 2017
- Striped Surfperch Embiotoca lateralis4 records · 2013
- California Scorpionfish Scorpaena guttata2 records · 2026
- Cabezon Scorpaenichthys marmoratus2 records · 2018
- Rudderfish Girella nigricans2 records · 2017
- Garibaldi Damselfish Hypsypops rubicundus2 records · 2015
- Grass Rockfish Sebastes rastrelliger2 records · 2015
- Bluebanded Goby Lythrypnus dalli1 record · 2026
- Notchbrow Blenny Hypsoblennius gilberti1 record · 2025
- Lingcod Ophiodon elongatus1 record · 2017
- Plainfin Midshipman Porichthys notatus1 record · 2015
- Black-and-yellow Rockfish Sebastes chrysomelas1 record · 2015
- Blue Rockfish Sebastes mystinus1 record · 2015
Data: GBIF.org occurrence records, CC0 and CC BY only (iNaturalist research-grade observations, GBIF dataset). Common names: USGS NAS; GBIF.org (The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)). Non-native flags: USGS NAS. These are sightings and specimens people reported, not a survey: a fish missing from the list may still live here.
Things to Do Near Refugio State Beach
Top-rated tours and experiences around Goleta, powered by Viator — free cancellation on most.
Private Shore Excursion: Beach or Canyon Horseback + Bufadora opt
Long Beach Harbor 45-Minute Boat Tour
Highway 1 Pacific Coast Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Kayak with Sea Lions in a Calm, Beautiful, Redondo Beach Harbor
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Refugio State Beach?
- Refugio State Beach is a state park in Goleta, California.
- What is the water temperature at Refugio State Beach?
- As of October 29, 2026, the water temperature at Refugio State Beach in Goleta, California is 73°F (23°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46053, 19.9 miles away.
- Can you swim at Refugio State Beach?
- Use caution — an official advisory is in effect: a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for San Luis Obispo County Beaches; Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches and other areas. Checked October 29, 2026.
- How is Refugio State Beach rated?
- Refugio State Beach in Goleta, California has an average visitor rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 1481 reviews.
- What amenities does Refugio State Beach have?
- Visitor-listed amenities at Refugio State Beach include camping-nearby.
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Location & Contact
💡 Best times & visiting tips
- ›Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) are typically less crowded
- ›Check the forecast 2–3 days ahead for best planning
- ›Avoid holiday weekends for a quieter experience
Features & amenities
Highlights
Accessibility
Amenities
Family & Children
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