Refugio State Beach

South-facing cove on the Gaviota coast, fully sheltered from north through east by the mainland. The channel's prevailing westerly windswell wraps around Refugio Point with moderate energy, and the open window between Point Conception and San Miguel Island lets southwest energy in at moderate strength, while west arrives noticeably reduced. South and south-southwest are largely shadowed by the islands, though a steep south swell can thread the gaps and surprise divers with sudden surge. Generally calm inside the cove, but expect surf along the point during winter westerlies.