must see
 

My husband and I will be in California next week. Part of our itineray includes one day in Santa Barbara and 2 days in San Diego. What must we absolutely see and/or do in these 2 cities given the little time we have?

Santa Barbara's mission is lovely.

What are your interests, and what else do you plan to see on your trip?

Lee Ann

Zoo in SD.

IMHO, seen one zoo, seen them all.

In San Diego, we loved the USS Midway and the variety of museums in Balboa Park.

Nope, SD ZOO is special. And the wild animal park is even better, the zoo owns it. I would rate the zoo at Washington DC a distant 2nd. I am certainly not a zoo expert, but have been to at least 15 or so of them in the major cities and a few smaller ones. Best aquarium is hands down the one at Monterey Bay.

But yes, there is a lot more to Balboa Park than just the zoo.

IMOP, or course.

I second the recommendation for Balboa Park. I loved the Ruben H. Fleet Science center......

Old Town in San Diego, easy access on the transit system. Balboa Park for the museums and more. USS Midway and the Hotel Del Coronado. Also shops and restaurants in Gas Lamp District.

Santa Barbara the mission is really great. Stearns Wharf and adjoining beach/park. Good transit in SB as well as tourist rentals of 4 wheel bikes.
If interested there are several wine tasting rooms in SB State STreet and the water.