Nestled in between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Santa Barbara is one of California’s most beautiful cities. With sweeping ocean views, pristine beaches, world-class restaurants and premium shopping, it’s like a little piece of heaven on earth—making it a great option for a honeymoon or romantic weekend getaway!

If you are considering a trip to Santa Barbara, check out some of these hot spots for food, fashioned and fun:

Where to Eat & Drink

Food

• The Santa Barbara Shellfish Company: At the end of Santa Barbara’s historic Stearn’s Wharf, The Shellfish Company provides a casual dining experience coupled with some of the best seafood the city has to offer.
• Arigato: Santa Barbara is full of amazing sushi restaurants! Arigato offers a delicious range of rolls, sushi and other menu items with plentiful wine, beer and sake options.
• Opal: Cozy up next to your new spouse in one of the chic tables facing all the action on State Street. The perfect place to watch the many parades and festivals go by, Opal combines California cuisine with international flair.
  
• The Biltmore: This Four Seasons Resort offers breathtaking views and the utmost in luxury. Stop by for brunch that can’t be beat at the Bella Vista restaurant.

Drinks

• Soho: Check the website for Soho’s calendar of events, or just slide up to the bar to enjoy Santa Barbara wines and a range of premium cocktails.
• The Boathouse: Enjoy your cocktails while taking in an amazing view of the Pacific! The Boathouse offers great happy hour specials, a fun crowd and some of the best scenery in the city.
• Joe’s Cafe: Strong drinks, cushy booth seating and a casual vibe combine to make Joe’s the go-to spot for late night cocktails.

What to Do

• The Santa Barbara Zoo: It might be small, but the Santa Barbara Zoo is full of cute little animals and amazing views of the surrounding area. You’re sure to love the quaint and cozy atmosphere.
• Whale Watching: Every year gray whales migrate past Santa Barbara on their way to Mexico, providing the perfect reason hop aboard a boat for the afternoon!
• The Santa Barbara Mission: Step back in time with a tour of this California landmark, and then fall in love all over again in the Mission Rose Gardens (a popular site for weddings!).
• Beaches: Santa Barbara has a wealth of beautiful beaches where you can spend days lying in the sand and soaking up the sun!

Where to Shop

• State Street: This famous stretch of road features some of the best shopping in California! Cruise down toward the beach to visit shops like Blue Bee and Blue Beetle, which feature fun and fashionable designs for you and your hubby, respectively.
• The Closet: Also known as designer resale heaven, The Closet offers vintage and consignment designs that will make a thrift store convert out of you!

The first thing I did when I started planning my wedding was join an online forum. However, I quickly learned that their was a common language associated with these forums that takes some time to pick up.

If you are looking for a guide to the many wedding acronyms that are out there in cyberspace, below is a handy list to help you out:

• B2B – bride to be
• BF- boyfriend, best friend
• BFFL – Best Friend For Life
• BIL – brother-in-law
• BM – bridesmaid
• BUMP – bring up my post
• BP – bridal party
• BS – bridal shower
• CP – centerpiece
• DFH – dear future husband
• DH – dear husband
• DIY – do it yourself
• E-ring – engagement ring
• FBIL – future brother-in-law
• FFIL – future father-in-law
• FG – flower girl
• FH – future husband
• FI – fiance
• FMIL – future mother in law
• FOB – father of the bride
• FOG – father of the groom
• FSD – future stepdaughter
• FSIL – future sister-in-law
• FSS – future stepson
• FW – future wife
• G2B – groom-to-be
• GF- girlfriend
• GM – groomsmen
• HM – honeymoon
• IRL – in real life
• MOB – mother of the bride
• MOG – mother of the groom
• MOH – maid of honor
• NWR – not wedding related
• OOT – out of town
• RB – ring bearer
• RD – rehearsal dinner
• SIL – sister-in-law
• SO – significant other
• STD – save the date
• TIA – thanks in advance
• TOJ – tears of joy
• TY – thank you (thank you cards)
• WI – wedding invitations
• WR – wedding ring

Ever wonder if the men of our lives use any acronyms? Here is one that I got a kick out of:

• SWMBO – She Who Must Be Obeyed

Please feel free to comment and add any that I may have missed!