It was Saturday Night when I arrived in Santa Barbara and I had to realize that nearly everyone is in Santa Barbara on weekends. Therefore, the hotels are really expensive (not under 200 Dollar/Night) on a saturday and that is why I spend the first night in Santa Maria. But coming back after a restful stay in the Holiday Inn was worth it. Santa Barbara has it all: a small, cute town, with a smooth beach and a pier with shops, restaurants and live music, a nice mountain view and romantic boat trips.