Santa Barbara weekend: Places to eat

Instead of dinner on State  Street:

Avoid the raucous lower State Street nightlife scene and try one of these gems: the grilled shrimp salad at Paradise Café ($$; 702 Anacapa St.; 805/962-4416), with its neon sign and cash register from the 1940s; Italian food at Ca’ Dario ($$$; 37 E. Victoria St.; 805/884-9419); or abalone at hot-ticket Julienne ($$$; 138 E. Canon Perdido St.; 805/845-6488). 

Locals also line up for baked goods at D’Angelo Bread ($; 25 W. Gutierrez St.; 805/962-5466) and cupcakes at Bella Dolce Bakery (113 W. De La Guerra St.; 805/962-2253).