The best season for birding Refugio State Beach is during fall migration. A good birding spot is located just as you drive into the park crossing under the RR bridge. Look for the rock wall overlooking the upper estuary just beyond the stop sign. From this wall check the overhanging willows and creek bottom. Birds are often attracted to the water's edge for bathing and drinking. Next to this wall is a large eucalyptus tree which is often busy with warblers, tanagers, and sometimes orioles and grosbeaks, especially when the tree shows signs of Lerp Psyllid infestation which varies from year to year. Several rarities have been discovered in this tree and in the willows next to the creek. Also, look through the thick brush and grasses all along the estuary margins for sparrows. Egrets, herons, and waterfowl are regular in the estuary.

A few good areas worth investigating in the campground include the dense cluster of Brazilian Pepper trees east of the estuary at the Day Use Area. Another is west of the estuary in the eucalyptus row on the hill next to the RR tracks. Also, look around the silk oaks in the open lawn area near the houses. Additionally, you can walk north under the 101 Freeway overpasses to bird the willows and small cottonwoods found in the creek directly below the freeway. When water is in this upper creek several birds may be present. There is coastal scrub habitat to the west and east.

Gulls and terns will often congregate along the long stretch of beach, often in front of the creek mouth if left undisturbed. Scoping offshore can be good for seabirds such as pelicans, cormorants, grebes, scoters, and occasionally jaegers and shearwaters when they move closer to shore. Shorebirds are also found along the beach.

Spring birding can also be productive here in April and May, but is better inland away from the immediate coastline. Visit the adjacent Hotspot Refugio Rd--first creek crossing just to the north of Refugio State Beach which offers excellent spring birding.

Typical western migrants found in the eucalyptus, cypress, and willows include Yellow Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler and occasionally Nashville Warbler. Western Tanager can be common at times. Flycatchers, grosbeaks, and orioles may also be present. In fall and winter, sparrows are found scattered around the campgrounds below the trees. Vultures and hawks can be seen riding thermals over the coastal hills to the north. Rarities include Chimney Swift, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Great Crested Flycatcher, Yellow-green Vireo, Canada Warbler.

The entrance to Refugio SB is located at 10 Refugio Beach Rd. From Highway 101 take Exit 201 to Refugio Rd. and proceed to the entry gate. If there is no attendant at the entry kiosk use the self-pay parking machine as you enter. Park hours are 8:00 AM to sunset. Camping is available by reservation up to six months in advance. Day use fee is $10.00. Amenities include public restrooms, picnic tables, beach, 67 campsites, and day use areas with parking.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: Refugio Cyn. Rd. beyond the 101 Freeway overpasses (north), Refugio Rd. entrance into Refugio SB (east), offshore viewing distance limit (south), Refugio SB bluff trail (west)

Helpful tip - your day-use entry fee into Refugio SB will gain you entrance on the same day to Gaviota State Park, and El Capitan State Beach nearby. Retain your parking receipt to enter these other parks for a full day of birding.

The campground is always full in summer and the beach is popular with swimmers and surfers. Fall has less camping activity but not until mid-October. Weather can be overcast in summer and early fall, to sunny and very warm. On clear days the islands offer a picturesque view across the channel. Birders should not go into the ranger’s residence areas at the western end of the park.