I'm looking at spending a long weekend in Santa Barbara to visit a family member and experience as much of that area as I can.
Arrive very late 10/18 at the Santa Barbara airport
Santa Barbara Saturday, 10/19 - Tuesday, 10/22
Depart early afternoon 10/22
I haven't booked flights yet, so this is flexible.
What are the must-visits in Santa Barbara? I'm interested in the beach, old town, seeing beautiful sites, eating good local food. Wine and bars are of no interest.
I'm a 40 year-old, young at heart, arts professional

Will you have a car?

Just a quick list of a few things in SB:
The Mission,
Casa de la Guerra
Stearns Wharf
Walking around the historic downtown district
Several art galleries
The Botanic Gardens.

I haven't visited SB since pre-covid so I won't recommend any specific restaurants because things change. But there are several Fodorites in the area or who visit frequently so hopefully some of them will have current suggestions for you.

We had a good (but pricey) meal at Toma, and Italian restaurant near the beach and marina. https://www.tomarestaurant.com. Seemed very popular, reservations wise.

Spent a couple of hours in the Maritime Museum, but that is a specialized interest. There is an interesting section on pre-Columbian cultures.

janisj Yes, my cousin has offered to play tourist with me for those days, so we will use her car. I'll look up your suggestions. The Mission, Warf, and historic downtown are high on my list. Basically, I want to be wowed by architecture and the ocean. I'm usually very interested in museums, galleries, and botanical gardens too, so I will keep those in mind. Is there anything to do in Montecito? I want to at least drive around that area and see where the rich and famous live.

Look up Butterfly Beach in Montecito. Gorgeous neighborhood to see some fabulous houses. And don't miss the courthouse downtown. We like eating at Reunion Kitchen.

We thought the SB courthouse even more impressive than the Mission. The maritime museum is a specialized interest, but it’s so nicely done that it’s worth having a look. The Lotusland tour is memorable if that interests you.

Oh yes, I forgot Lotusland. Really enjoyed my time there. Next time I won't take the guided tour. There were times when I really wanted to move on.

Food:

La Super Rica
https://www.seriouseats.com/la-super...t-mexican-food

https://santomezcalsb.com/happy-hour

Santa Barbara Shellfish on the Wharf
https://www.dininganddestinations.co...llfish-company

Tri-Tip Burrito at The Chicken Ranch or at Joe's Cafe

Buena Onda Empanadas

McConnell's Ice Cream (try the Lemon Marionberry and the Turkish Coffee)

Machaca Breakfast Burrito at Lito's

Baja Fish Taco at On The Alley

Restaurants:
Uptown, in the Santa Barbara Public Market, Corazon Cucina for fantastic tacos, etc. https://corazoncocinasb.com

Italian, uptown on Victoria near State, either of the Olio restaurants. Both are sit down, first is more casual.
https://www.oliopizzeria.com
https://www.olioelimone.com

down by the beach: https://flordemaizsb.com

also wonderful, mid town breakfast and lunch:
https://alessiapatisserie.com

Thumbs down on this suggestion. Uncomfortable and unremarkable.