Seeking recommendations re: best B&B in SB area, or really nice motel/inn. Near beach would be nice.
Best formal dining?
Best informal dinning?
Thanks for any ideas.

Price range?
I think the best in the area is the San Ysidro Ranch if you're looking for luxurious private accommodations which still feel unstuffy. Great dining, too. All very pricey though.

Price is not necessarily an issue. Thanks, forgot to include that.

The Simpson House may be the best B&B in the country (AAA 5 star rating) if you can get an available room. Thats where i'd stay if i could afford it!!!

San Ysid is 20 miles inland, and Simpson House is lovely, but in residential neighborhood. On the beach dream sites: Bacara Resort and Spa (Goleta), Inn on Summer Hill B&B (Summerland), Four Seasons Biltmore (Santa Barbara), and Fess Parkers Doubletree (SB). No special order, whatever you can afford!

I've eaten at San Ysidro, but haven't stayed there. I'd do it in a heartbeat though-- there's something about it.

For funky charm, I love El Encanto. it's not for everyone-- it's older and up in the hills, but so peaceful and very romantic.

My husband & recently stayed at the Cabrillo Inn at the Beach in Santa Barbara. It's clean, great continental breakfast & lovely 2nd story sundeck with an ocean view. We paid the internet rate of $99.00 per night.

One of the best things about Santa Barbara is that the beach is open and not much built on the water side. That allows you to walk with unobstructed views. That said, Cabrillo Inn is half a block from the beach, and Coast Village Inn in Montecito (next to Sta. Barbara) has some rooms with water views--it's two blocks from the beach. Probably the best B&B IMO is the Cheshire Cat, but it's not on the beach. There are lots of others and most have websites.You've got to go to La Super-Rica on Milpas at Alphonse St. for Mexican. Wine Cask is pretty and has a nice patio. Citronelle has been having some hard times lately.