UCSB vs UCD for physics

Hello, I just got into UCSB off the wait list and had a few questions. I want to major in physics and maybe dabble in a bit of electrical engineering. I really like quantum physics and want to do either research or internships in that. Davis is really close to where I live but UCSB is like 5 hours. I like the college town vibe of Davis, however, SB is better ranked for physics and quantum physics. SB also has specific AMO physics research which I am interested in. However, Davis offered a physical electronics course and I wouldn't have to double major. I am also not a big party person and have friends going to both places! I am hoping to get some insight from physics students about research opportunities and how the teaching is. I am also hoping to go to grad school and want to preserve my gpa for that. I've also heard that UCSB is pretty competitive and that grade deflation is prevalent and was wondering if that's true? Is it hard/easy to get research opportunities?