re: Santa Barbara and Ventura reccomendations?

Santa Barbara is one of the best places I've ever visited. Just a great sleepy beach atmosphere with awesome architecture and a beautiful mountain backdrop. Rent bikes and ride around the little downtown area. Ride to the courthouse, it's awesome. Eat at Mac's Fish and Chips...dudes are straight from England and have a great shop downtown. Can't remember the name but you can walk out on the huge main pier and there are a couple of restaurants/bars you can sit and relax and have some drinks/eats. Just a great place.