My husband and I are considering our first trip to California in August. We are thinking about these cities. We like touring, wildlife, beaches, dining and shopping. Which one of these would be best for a week's stay?

I vote for S.Barbara.Paul

Santa Barbara and Monterey are much more scenic than Ventura. I'd immediately cross Ventura off my list if I were you.
If it were me, I'd choose Carmel, to me the most picturesque town in California that I've visited so far, and in the same approx. area as Monterey.

Monterey. If you spend a week there, you could also see much of Big Sur in a day's drive. Much more sea life than Santa Barbara, plus there's the aquarium. Are you only spending one week in one place in CA?

Definitely go to Monterey. Fresh Cream, the Sardine Factory, the aquarium, kayak rentals, whale watching, Fisherman's Warf, sea otters, seals, 17 mile drive, Carmel, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, etc. The list goes on and on.

I concur with the above: Go to Monterey, Carmel and Pacific Grove. Great area to visit. Check out Pacific Grove while there.

Go to www.pacificgrove.org to see their web site and list of hotels facing Monterey Bay. You can fly into San Jose and will be only 1 hour away or try to book a flight directly into Monterey Airport.

I agree with frankie. Not as pretty, Ventura. I would do Monterey/Carmel (stay in Carmel) and Santa Barbara - divide the time by those 2 places. If you must do a week in one place, there's more to see and do in Santa Barbara.

Monterey/Carmel wins by a mile in my book. Don't miss Point Lobos State Preserve located maybe a mile or two south of Carmel.
http://pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us/

Another vote for Monterey I would stay in Pacific Grove. Within an hour's drive there is an unbelieveable amount to see - or you can spend your time lazily watching the water and going for strolls around town. Can't go wrong either way.

One more Monterey area vote. I love the whole area: Pacific Grove, Carmel where my daughter was married, Carmel Valley. And Santa Cruz and Capitola are fun and an easy drive. There's plenty to do in the Monterey Bay area for a week.

Keep in mind that it won't be as warm at the northern Ca beaches in Aug. as Santa Barbara or Ventura would be. Both areas have their strengths so decide what is most important. How much traveling around are you willing to do? What atmosphere are you looking for? Northern Ca is different than the central coast and southern Ca.

I would go to Santa Barbara cuz it has beautiful geography, great restaurants (and wineries if you choose) and lots of activities. I'd choose Monterey if I wanted scenery.

About the August weather, usually the fog/ cloud cover is just in the morning. And if you want warmer temps, usually 5- 10 miles inland will do. For example: Carmel may just have a high of 68F, while Carmel Valley is 85F.

There are actually quite a few wineries in the Monterey area too - in the Carmel Valley and the Santa Cruz mountains.

Thanks to all of you who responded. We are leaning towards Santa Barbara and thinking of staying at the Fess Parker Double Tree hotel. Any thoughts on this hotel? We like a hotel to include a pool and a restaurant/lounge. Any other thoughts?