Going to Santa Barbara for first time in August. Looking for lodging near the ocean/pier. Any recommendations? West Beach Inn looks decent on web. Any good dinner spots? Thanks!

The Harbor View Inn would be my choice in that area, although there are other nice places to stay. The Biltmore is a classic but while it's across from the beach it's not near Stearn's Wharf. West Beach is in good location--never been inside.

Personally, my preference is the Santa Barbara Inn or Fess Parker's Doubletree, both of which have great restaurants. Also, you should try to eat at least once out on the pier.

I go to SB on a yearly basis but I usually stay at budget lodgings (Days Inn, Motel 6). But there are some nice hotels along the beach area (not on the beach but on the main boulevard facing the street).
I think the West Beach Inn is on Cabrillo Blvd isn't it? If you can get a window facing the beach, that would be awesome.
And I agree with Tony, definitely eat once on the Pier. They have a nice restaurant there (I can't remember the name).

I stayed at the West Beach Inn a couple of years ago and liked it alot. A great location, good complimentary breakfast buffet and they serve wine and cheese in the afternoons. The rooms are fine and the price is good for the area. Don't miss the artwalk on Sunday along the boardwalk.Have fun.

I like the Secret Garden Inn for a romantic get-away but you might liketo stay on the beach. The Doubletree is great. I liked the Santa Barbara Inn but ONLY if you get an ocean view room. Otherwise, you look over a parking lot.

Thank you all for the feedback; this is great info.

The restaurant out on the wharf is the Harbor Restaurant. Upstairs casual food, downstairs seafood, steaks etc. Fantastic on the outdoor terrace if it's a pretty day. Wine Cask is another one in town that has a pretty patio on a good day and very reasonable wine list. If you like Mexican, the Super Rica tacqueria is wonderful---just a hole in the wall with a patio--I think it's the Milpas exit you take and head up the hill. Anyone can tell you. Do drive up to see Montecito and see the mission, known as the "Queen of the Missions". Enjoy Santa Barbara--it's just about perfect!

We also liked the HarborView.Rooms were very spacious and is across the street from the pier. Nice pool area.

Stayed just outside Santa Barbara last summer at a little place right on the ocean and loved it. Cliff House Inn is the name and their website is:

http://www.cliffhouseinn.com/

If you haven't gone yet, another place I'd suggest is the Eagle Inn. It's not on the main street. It's 2 short blocks from the main street near the beach. It's sort of a B&B. It's very quaint, clean and within walking distance of Stearns Wharf, the beach, restaurants.
I would recommend that place (though they almost messed up my reservation over the 4th. They claimed I cancelled my reservation even though I never did! However, fortunately, they had a room available so things worked out).

The Miramar is right on the beach and not as expensive as some of the other places suggested and near the community of Montecito (sp?) which have some lovely parks and homes.