Romantic Weekends: Southern California (PDF)

Don't save your passion for a once-a-year celebration or birthday night out, relationships need to be renewed more frequently than that! Profiling over 28 locales in this popular state, Romantic Weekends Southern California provides the inspiration you need to celebrate that special person in your life. Designed for couples of all ages and lifestyles, this book offers romantic ideas to suit all budgets, too. And it's not just a listing of restaurants with candlelit tables. First, you should both complete the Compatability Quiz to make sure you know what pleases each other on a weekend away. This enables you to take a trip that is mutually satisfying, perhaps dedicating one weekend to his tastes (you can play tennis while he plays golf), followed by another trip more suited to her idea of fun (after a day's shopping she'll still enjoy a romantic soirée at the best restaurant in town). The quiz also makes you aware of any budget restrictions you might need to adhere to (that $500-a-night resort suite is lovely, but the B&B next door may serve your purposes just as well this time). Travel strategies, making reservations, climate and tips on how to find a place that's right for you are all covered in the introduction, along with a complete list of information sources (web sites, too!). Then it's time for the fun to start! Profiling Bakersfield, Kernville, Catalina/Avalon, Long Beach, Big Bear, Joshua Tree, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Huntington, Laguna, Seal and Newport beaches, Orange, San Juan Capistrano, Indio, Idyllwild, Borrego Springs, Coronado, Del Mar, Julian, Mission Bay, Temecula and the Coachella Valley, Murray offers unique ideas for fun with your partner. Walks along the beach, old-fashioned sundaes to share, bookstore browsing with café latte on the side, secluded nature preserves with backwoods paths. A select choice of places to stay are then given, with the author's personal recommendations indicated by a heart, making it easy to spot the first choices. Many of these offer fine dining, antique-filled rooms, immaculate grounds, personal service, in-room jacuzzis, privacy and even "theme" rooms, where you can act out your fantasy roles in the right setting (for once!). Restaurants are subject to the same scrutiny, and only those with a certain je ne sais quoi are included, with addresses and phone numbers for all.