CALIFORNIA HONEYMOONS

HOTELS YOU'LL LOVE:

• Surf & Sand Resort, Laguna Beach. 155 rooms, 13 suites. Rooms stand above the rocky ocean's edge and you fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Rooms have a clean no fuss decor with ultra comfortable beds, balconies and panoramic ocean views. Picturesque downtown Laguna Beach, famous for its art galleries and cozy restaurants, is just minutes away. 1555 South Coast Highway. Tel: (949)497 4477.

• The Inn at Morro Bay, Morro Bay. 97 rooms. Bird watchers love this picturesque hotel that stands beside Morro Bay State Park and a heron preserve. Reserve a room with a private deck and be sure to be on it with a glass of wine at sunset. Beds are especially comfortable. Splurge on a large one with a fireplace. By day, you can borrow a bike and go exploring. The peace and quiet will inspire your dreams. 60 State Park Road. Tel: (808)772 5651.

• The Huntington Hotel, San Francisco. 135 rooms, 12 suites. Atop Nob Hill just across from a park and the Pacific Club, this Old World, service oriented establishment that is popular with travelers-in-the-know makes you feel like a native. Rooms are spacious but furnished as if they were a comfortable private home. The dark paneled restaurant and bar are as sophisticated as they come and have the aura and romance of a private club. You can have as much privacy as you want. Service is personalized and the concierge can arrange just about anything. 1075 California St. at Taylor. Tel: (415) 474 5400.

• The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles. 204 rooms, 21 bungalows. You'll feel like movie stars as you stroll the grounds and gardens and relax by the pool at this Grand Dame of Los Angeles hotels. Celebrities still flock here. The Polo Lounge restaurant has been a meeting place for the rich and famous for years, and Hollywood history is in the air. Large marble bathrooms, sumptuous beds and spacious living areas keep the hotel popular. 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Tel: (310)276 2251.

• Wine & Roses Hotel, Lodi. 47 rooms, 4 suites. This is the perfect place for couples seeking total tranquility. Leisurely walks in the sprawling gardens, a spa, and beautifully decorated rooms all help you relax as you begin your new life together. Everything has an air of low key elegance, and the restaurant is outstanding. 2505 West Turner Road, Tel: (209)334 6988.

• The Parker Palm Springs, Palm Springs. 115 rooms, 12 suites. This is one of the livliest and most outrageous places to stay in Frank Sinatra's old stomping grounds. Walk to your room through a desert garden and chill out around the pool or in the hammock on your balcony. The atmosphere in the public areas is lively and action packed. You'll feel like a celebrity couple here. 1200 East Palm Canyon Drive, Tel: (760)770 5000.

• Mission Inn, Riverside. 211 rooms, 28 suites. Step into the past as you begin your new life as a couple. This Spanish colonial estate surrounded by beautiful gardens is a national historic landmark. More than one U. S. president has spent his wedding night here and many more have visited. Comfortable rooms, great restaurants (Don't miss the Sunday brunch) and a spa add to the appeal. 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Tel: (951)784 0300.

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

Here are a few things for California bound newlyweds to remember:

• Big cities are spread out and distances are usually great. No matter where you go, you'll need to rent a car. Make sure to double check your rental reservation a week before you leave, and get ready to explore!

• California's freeways are famous but demand driving know how. Traffic can be congested at rush hours, so plan days accordingly. Drive at least the speed limit. Right lanes are generally for trucks. Keep in the center lane, know your exit, and plan ahead to get to it.

• Gas is cheaper in Southern California, so fill up the tank before heading north.

• Some areas (such as Sonoma, Lake Tahoe, national parks, etc.) have their own visitor centers and tourist offices or Chambers of Commerce. Contact them in advance to plan your honeymoon days.

• Be careful of your intake if you're planning to visit several wineries in one day.

HONEYMOON HIGHLIGHTS:

Don't miss these California treats.

• A walk on the beach. There are over 1200 miles of coastline to enjoy. Hold hands and share your dreams as you soak up the beauty and walk along the stunning beaches of Carmel, Morro Bay, Malibu, Laguna and many others.

• The 17 Mile Drive on the Monterrey Peninsula. This is one of the most famous bits of roadway in the USA. Startling ocean views, dramatic cliffs, wooded byways and great golf courses are just part of the panorama. Stop to see the weather worn lone cypress which has become world famous. It's the perfect spot to snap a photo of your loved one!

• Try a word famous California wine in Sonoma or Napa Valley. This area is one of the world's largest wine producers! Wineries dot the countryside of Monterrey Bay, Shenandoah Valley and Santa Barbara country. Visit them. You'll learn a lot as you try to choose your favorites.

• Redwood National Park, Crescent City. Some of the world's oldest and tallest trees are awesome sights. As you walk along the paths between tree stands, you'll feel tiny among the giant ancient sequoias, firs, hemlocks, and oaks. The shaded wonderland is sure to enchant you.

• The Hearst Castle at San Simeon. Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and his celebrity guests from throughout the world lived life to the fullest in the 1930's and 40's at this opulent, outrageous country "castle" which is now open to the public. Get a glimpse of the luxurious life of days gone by as you visit the house and gardens. If you north on Highway l afterwards, you'll be treated to another of the state's most scenic drives.

• Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Diego to Los Angeles at sunset and enjoy sweeping ocean views. This just might be one of the world's most romantic stretches of road!

• A cable car ride, San Francisco. Hop on the old, open air trolley in the downtown shopping district, go up the steep grade to the top of Nob Hill and down the other side to Fishermen's Wharf and you'll make memories to share. It's just like the movies!

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

California cuisine has its own special flavors. Healthy, fresh ingredients seem to be a way of life. The organic food trend began here. The state's bountiful produce from local markets and fruits and vegetables imported from Mexico, Hawaii and Asia are blended into delicious dishes by California's famous creative chefs, making dining almost anywhere a pleasure that lovers love. Many of the restaurants listed here are popular, so be sure to reserve in advance and ask your concierge to request the most romantic table.

• Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford has to be one of the most romantic hotel restaurants in the state. Reserve a table on the balcony if the weather is good and linger over wine and dinner from sunset into the star filled night. This is the palce to splurge. The beautifully decorated rooms, many with fireplaces, are great too. 189 Rutherford Hill Road. Tel: (707)963 1211.

• Spago, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Locals as well as visitors still flock to this classic restaurant that world famous chef Wolfgang Puck started years ago. It was his trampoline to world renown, and you'll love people watching as well as the delicious food. Save room for desert. Reservations are a must. 176 North Canon Drive. Tel: (310)385 0880.

• George's California Modern, La Jolla. Have drinks at the informal rooftop restaurant overlooking the cove and then go downstairs to the spacious dining room where celebrities like to dine next to the windows with panoramic views. You'll want to savour the flavors here and linger longer over coffee and desert. Reservations are a must. 1250 Prospect St.l, Tel: (858)454 4244.

• Candela's, San Diego. Soft candlelight sets the mood for the subtle tastes of modern Mexican cuisine. The setting is comfortable and intimate. Stop at the bar for Margaritas before you dine, or stop afterwards when it turns into a lively nightspot. 416 Third Ave. downtown. Tel: (619)702 4455.

• Wilshire, Santa Monica. Reserve a table on the patio and prepare for a treat. The chef specializes in dishes created from exotic fresh produce that you'll love. Make an evening of it. stop in the friendly bar before and after. 2524 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Tel: (310)586 1707.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

• Coming Soon!