Would like recommendations for a nice place to stay in Santa Barbara in July (4 or 5 nights) - preferably near the ocean. Thanks.

The Franciscan Inn is nice. Here's their website: www.franciscaninn.com

Have a great time.

Contrary to what you might think, most accomodations in Sta. Barbara are not on the beach, although many are across the road from it. The one exception is the Santa Barbara Inn, but avoid the Citronelle restaurant in this hotel as it's fallen on hard times. Another great hotel at the beach is the Santa Barbara Biltmore. For a lovely B&B type place I would recommend the Summerland Inn or El Encanto, although that is far from the beach. Franciscan as posted above is also very nice.

I honestly think the Biltmore (a Four seasons hotel) is much overrated. Perhaps just my taste, but for the rate I think the room decor and bathrooms are relatively mainstream. If it were a Hilton or something and rates were 50% lower I'd say it was a great place. All relative in that sense.
The Bacara is new and caters to very upscale clientele. It's on the waterfront, but I haven't stayed there yet.

Thanks for the info - has any stayed at the Fess Parker's Doubletree?

Fess Parker's just on the same bit of beach as the Biltmore (again across the street from the water, but there's nothing on the water at that point). Haven't stayed there, but have always thought it was acceptable but one level down from the Biltmore. it's a bit closer to the wharf and downtown Sta. Barbara than the Biltmore.

We stayed there not long ago & enjoyed it.