Suggestions for Santa Barbara & Newport Beach

Hello all, hope everyone is well and looking forward to summer (sun is forecast for Sheffield this afternoon, I've forgotten what it looks like...)

We have just booked a family holiday to Los Angeles in August, flying UC LHR - LAX. We normally stay in Beverly Hills (the last time was approximately 5 years ago), but we are having a change this year and are going to spend 4 nights in Newport Beach and 3 nights in Santa Barbara.

We've got the hotels booked (Lido House and Hotel Californian), but I wanted to tap into your knowledge of these areas for any suggestions of restaurants, bars or general things you would recommend to do.

For clarity 'family holiday' refers to my mom and dad (very early 60s), my husband, brother and myself, all of whom are in our VERY early 30s, so there are no babies/infants to take into consideration.

Thanks in advance

I was in Newport Beach a couple of years ago. We had a place with a kitchen so didn't eat out every night or anything, but I can recommend the Rusty Pelican restaurant for an informal lunch/dinner, 21 Oceanfront was more up-market and had very nice food and great service and Ruby's diner which is an old fashioned diner out on a pier was good fun.

Santa Barbara is one of my stop-off journey breaking points on West Coast trips with the Simpson House Inn being my accommodation of choice; here are some ideas for food, bars and activities based on previous visits.

Hotel Californian has Blackbird with a recently awarded L'Assiette Michelin so, hopefully, you'll all enjoy a meal there.

If you are not having breakfast at the Californian (I would!) head to Sambo's at 216 West Cabrillo Boulevard (7 minutes walk 0.3 miles).

Mexican

La Super-Rica Taqueria
622 North Milpas Street
Think Formica tables and plastic chairs, paper plates, plastic cutlery with great Mexican food, aim to share. It's definitely worth a visit for authentic Mexican plates.
Parking on North Milpas; looks a bit run-down but very safe (obviously don't leave valuables in sight in your vehicle).
Note: check opening days & times!

Seafood
Enterprise Fish Co.
225 State Street
Seafood mostly! Tends to be pretty busy, generally locals, so get your hotel to phone to make a reservation (805 962 3313). 5 minutes walk 0.2 miles.

Brophy Bros
119 Harbor Way
Seafood with harbour views. 19 minutes walk 0.9 miles.

Holdren's Steaks & Seafood
512 State Street
Seafood and decent steaks. 9 minutes walk 0.4 miles.

Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch
900 San Ysidro Lane, Montecito, CA 93108 (~6 miles out from Santa Barbara)
Upmarket steak and seafood; vegetables from the Ranch gardens.

Bars

State Street is awash with them and best avoided; try the Ty Lounge at The Four Seasons (Happy Hour Monday - Thursday 16.00 - 18.00) 3.6 miles driving.

Things to do:

Cold Spring Tavern (late lunch) and a side trip to Knapp's Castle (20 miles)
Old Mission Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Santa Barbara Zoo
Santa Ynez Valley wineries (~120 of them; tour or designated driver!)
Charles Fazzino 3D Studio Gallery 529 State Street (6 minutes walk 0.3 miles)

Have a really great trip!

Wow, thank you so much for your suggestions, it's much appreciated!