SDWINDANSEA,
Congrats on the new SMB!
As far as camping goes, I highly recommend Jalama Beach. I was there in March right before I got my SMB. I tent camped and can't wait to go back there with my SMB. It is a secluded part of the coast with only the campground (which is quite big). You can stay at the beach level where most people tent camp and then walk right up on the dunes (which block the view and wind from the campground), or up higher where some of the larger RV's stay with a beautiful ocean view. (and more wind). Try the Jalama cheese burger at the snack shop/store. BTW, the drive to Jalama Beach from the 101 via the 1 is beautiful so take your time.
As far as where to eat:
Santa Barbara-I like the casual and nice view right on the water at Brophy Brothers. Good Fish and Chips.
Hitchin Post is a very good steak place right off the 101 in Buelton (made famous by the movie Sideways) It is busy so I suggest a reservation.
You can go in towards Solvang and then to Los Olivos where there are several wineries. I like Kalyra Winery, which is a young crowd and run by Australians. It is a fun, relaxed atmosphere. I am only crazy about one of there wines, the Old Vine Zinfandel. I bought 3 cases and they may be out of it.
Sunstone Winery is nice and I suggest you go for lunch. Wines are OK.
In Los Olivos is Mattei's Tavern, an old stage stop that is a good restuarant.
Further north and in my opinion a better steak (one of the best around last time I was there 5 years ago) in the town of Nipomo is Jocko's. it is a casual place with huge rib-eye steaks cooked over white or red oak. Excellent.
As far as another place to go that is south of Big Sur is Cambria. I never camped there but stayed on beautiful Moonstone Beach. Try the Sow's Ear for dinner. Excellent cream of mushroom soup. Had a glass of the Latetia Pinot Noir-quite good.
Then go Hearst Castle if you have never been. This is a must see. Go on one of the tours and see how the other half lived. I have been 4 times and it is worth it.
That is all I can think of for now. Let us know how it goes and if you try any of these places.
Enjoy!
Steve