Exit the 101 freeway at Refugio Road and park for free on the north side of the freeway (or pay to park in the campground on the south side of the freeway). This "first creek crossing" hotspot is for the half-mile of road between the north side of the freeway and the start of roadside orchards (there are, in fact, several creek crossings).

The land is private property the whole way, so birders need to stick to the road. In some places there is a shoulder to walk on, but be very cautious on the bridges and other areas where there is no shoulder and some blind turns -- traffic is very light, but some cars go fast! 

This area can be very birdy year round, but most birders visit during spring migration, when it is one of the top places in the area for migrants. For more excellent birding, return to your car and drive 1.8 miles up the road to the end of the roadside orchards, then start walknig again (this upper area is the Refugio Creek Canyon hotspot). There is also a footpath under the freeway along the creek that connects to the Refugio State Beach hotspot (restrooms available at campground).

The riparian area is very good for migrant warblers, vireos, chats, etc., including rarities, in spring. The rocky hillside on the east side of the road has Rufous-Crowned Sparrows year-round. Grassy areas have many Blue Grosbeaks and Lazuli Buntings in spring. The pepper trees near the parking area can have sapsuckers, including rarer species, in winter. The area is birded less in the fall, but rarities have been found here then, as well.