Photograph courtesy beccalovesart.blogspot.com
Twenty miles west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach Campground puts you right on the shore. Many of the 67 sites—they’re close together, but this is the coast, after all—are shaded by palm trees, and each has a picnic table and a barbecue pit. Staffers lead kayak outings, there’s a paved bike trail, and 12 miles north, Gaviota Peak is a challenging hike. Showers and flushable toilets are available. Reservations required April through November; 800-444-7275.
