Hawaii, Denmark & wild west, without leaving So. Cal!

EL CAPITAN & REFUGIO STATE BEACHES

Refugio State Beach resembles Hawaii in many ways - the water is just not quite as warm!  We camped at El Capitan State Beach, making reservations 7 months ahead of time!  Only 3 miles apart, these two beaches are California gems. 

Our campsite gave us 180 degree view of the ocean.  A short walk through the field, we would set up our chairs and were thrilled to watch humpback whales play, dolphins and about a dozen seals jumping out of the water.  Except for the campers from hell next to us, we enjoyed five days in this site.  We had no hookups and brought our own table and firepit, none of which were provided.  The cost was about $35 a night. 

Dolphins and whales were constant companions on our ocean watch.

Spotted a whale's tale breaking the surface!

Two dolphins headed north!

There is so much to explore in the area.  For a taste of Denmark we visited Solvang to feast on red cabbage, sausage, herring, beer and abelskivers.

A visit to the Santa Ynez Mission:

  After making a donation to the Native Americans at the Chumash Casino, we discovered a great wild west restaurant in Buellton called A.J. Spurs.  This rustic log cabin in the Santa Ynez Valley is a massive log structure with a wonderful menu.  All meals are served with complimentary homemade salsa, tequila beans and vacquero soup, and an after dinner liqueur (our choice:  Bailey's), or rootbeer float.  We also enjoyed live music and the friendly atmosphere. 

We visited a gem fair at the fairgrounds in Santa Barbara, shopped and lunched on the pier, and visited the weekly Sunday artfair.

WARNING:  FOR CAMPING RESERVATIONS FOR NEXT SUMMER THROUGH RESERVEAMERCA, HEED THE FOLLOWING DATES:

FOR CAMPING IN     RESERVE ON OR AFTER

JUNE                        DEC. 1

JULY                         JAN. 2

AUGUST                    FEB 1

SEPTEMBER             MARCH 1