the times i went to SB were for parties and getting drunk, but i heard there are places that you can actually visit and such. i'm taking the family and was wondering what part of SB are good to check out?

 

there's not much in SB other than shopping and coastline, both of which you can see and do anywhere in california. why don't you just take you're family to one of the great parties you attend in SB and get drunk with them...

 

I don't know too much about the sights and such, but since there's FAMILY invovled, there's a great place for a dinner. It's called "WINE CASK," and it's pretty $BANK$. But everything... food, wine, and service is the bizzzomb. And plus it's near all the shopping stuff...

 

Also, if you do want to have a few drinks -- swing by this bar Joe's.

Stiffest drinks I've EVER had.

 

Ahh..I took my gf up to Santa Barbara for a weekend for her bday, and I had a whole itinerary planned out...I'm trying to find it right now.

I guess the obvious resource would be www.santabarbara.com.

A few of the places I took her were to the courthouse, beach and the wharf. The courthouse has some pretty cool oldstyle architecture and there's a nice view at the bell tower.

We went to El Capitan beach, but it wasn't that great. The beach is in a little bit more private, but I'd say the beach overall is subpar. Newport has MUCH better beaches.

The wharf also isn't anything special. I know that on Thursdays (I think), there's an art gathering of some sort where you can look/buy different kinds of artistic pieces. Other than that, there are just a couple restaurants and little shops.

There's also a zoo which is close to downtown SB, the botanic gardens, and a handful of museums.

The SB website will pretty much tell you everything you need to know, as well as the pros and cons.

 

Go up a little further on PCH and have lunch at Morro Bay.

Rose's restaurant: best garlic fries ever.

 

Things to do in SB

Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
Visitors can tour this historic Franciscan mission that features twin bell towers and lovely gardens.
Attraction type: Mission; Religious site; History museum; Architectural building; Other; Garden


Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara
Visitors can watch fishing boats unload the day's catch, enjoy spectacular sunsets and sample fare from fast food to fine dining at California's oldest working wharf.
Attraction type: Wharf/pier/boardwalk


Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara
Designed by William Mooser III in the Spanish-Moorish architectural style, this working courthouse is surrounded by landscaped gardens and lawns.
Attraction type: Architectural building; Government building; Historic site; Observatory/planetarium; Other


Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara
This museum, founded in 1941, houses a prestigious and varied collection of modern and ancient art plus a special gallery for children.
Attraction type: Art museum; Other


Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara
Garden enthusiasts will savor the nearly 70 acres of native regional plants at this popular attraction.
Attraction type: Garden; Other

 

Thanks for asking Rich, I'll be there soon myself.

 

One more thing. Don't stay at the Hotel Santa Barbara. It's OK, at best.

 

I hear Santa Barbara during Halloween is the place to be...