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Vista Del Mar provides an access point to the beach between Gaviota and San Onofre. A narrow trail leads down to the bluffs. Below is a small quarter mile long beach that has a very remote feeling to it.

It is a bit of a hike down to the beach on the rough trail, but once you are there you’ll find a long stretch of wide open sand and plenty of places to set out your gear for the afternoon.

Like El Capitan, Refugio Beach State Park has lots of space for picnicking and playing in the surf, and the water is usually calm, making this a relatively safe place for the kids to play at the ocean’s edge.

The trestles at the mouth of Arroyo Hondo Canyon are very picturesque, as is the beach below. The climb down to the beach is only the start of the adventure.

There are wonderful walks in either direction at low tide and it is 3 miles in either direction to Arroyo Hondo or Gaviota State Park.

Spectacular beach, unique geology and nearby hikes make this a great place to visit.

There is ample area at the beach for picnicking and frolicking on the beach, as well as scores of overnight campsites. A bike path leads along the bluff tops from El Capitan to Refugio, providing a nice way to enjoy the coastline from above, either by bike or on foot.