<p>i’m from the area…literally, i live a mile away in goleta</p>
<p>here are some places ranked by popularity
Big strip malls:
Camino Real Marketplace (the place is quite charming during the day, but watch out at night)
Calle Real (stores close a tad early)
Fairview</p>
<p>Movie theaters:
Camino Real
Fairview</p>
<p>Restaurants:
IV (the college town Isla Vista) has a few OK places, but need something upscale go to SB or Montecito for something WAY upscale</p>
<p>Bars:
There are a lot of clubs and lounges in SB. Everyone says Santa Barbara has great nightlife, but really I don’t know.</p>
<p>Shopping:
I think Isla Vista has enough for basic needs. SB (esp. State Street) feels like Rodeo during the summer, and b/c there are so many British and Euro tourists, you’ll have to pay a premium for everything.</p>
<p>Local hotspots:
Meh? I’m only a HS student that stays home all the time, so I don’t know. Camino seems to be hot among HS students thgh.</p>
<p>Tips:
Avoid Goleta parks at night or you’ll meet some drug dealers and child predators.
There is a de facto curfew in IV…out after 11pm and you can be sure the Foot Patrol will be watching you.
Again…don’t visit the parks at night…I don’t know why but there is a tradition of junior high having sex there (eww…)</p>