AFTER YOU SAY "I DO!" - CALIFORNIA'S HONEYMOON HIDEAWAYS

Distinctive Destinations Offer Newlyweds All Types of Romance

CALIFORNIA - Ranked in the top 20 of all honeymoon destinations throughout the world according to Modern Bride, California offers an incredible selection of unique, post-wedding vacations for newlyweds of all types.

"For affordability, romance and variety, you can't beat California as a honeymoon destination," said Caroline Beteta, executive director of the California Travel and Tourism Commission. "Whether you want an active, outdoor experience, romantic pampering, or just a place to unwind after the "big day," California has activities and accommodations for every couple to enjoy."

According to Modern Bride's Seventh Annual Honeymoon Survey, California ranks in the top 10 worldwide for couples looking for affordability, food, nightlife and winter sports. The magazine notes, "The gold rush may be over, but the state that sparked the fever still shines for honeymooners." (Modern Bride, Oct/Nov 2003)

The following are a few notable destinations for newlyweds:

Shasta Cascade

Brigadoon Castle located in Shasta County is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples looking to step back in time. Situated on 86 acres, this Elizabethan castle is surrounded by mountains, forests and meadows, and is home to a perennial stream that runs through the estate. Newlyweds can experience nature at its finest while hiking wilderness trails or while soaking in a hot tub. For more information on the Brigadoon Castle, visit www.brigadooncastle.com or call (888) 343-2836 or (530) 396-2785.

Centrally located at beautiful Shasta Lake, the O'Brien Mountain Inn Bed & Breakfast rolls out the red carpet for romantic couples. Guests are greeted with fresh flowers, chocolate and candles upon arrival, and pampered with amenities such as Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, robes and personal patios. For more information on the O'Brien Mountain Inn Bed & Breakfast, visit www.obrienmountain.com or call (888) 799-8026 or (530) 238-8026.

North Coast

Situated in the quaint coastal town of Ferndale, the Victorian Inn offers a peaceful yesteryear atmosphere for couples seeking a relaxing honeymoon getaway. With close proximity to virtually undiscovered beaches and magnificent redwood groves, couples can travel back in time while strolling through this historic town. Ferndale gained international exposure as the setting for "The Majestic," a major motion picture starring Jim Carrey. For more information on the Victorian Inn, visit www.a-victorian-inn.com or call (888) 589-1808 or (707) 786-4949.

Just inside the California border near Crescent City lies Casa Rubio, located just 15 minutes from the 10,000-acre Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Couples can cozy up in complete privacy situated just feet from the crashing surf of Pelican Bay. Enchanting gardens provide a serene backdrop for reading and relaxing. For more information on Casa Rubio, visit www.casarubio.com or call (800) 357-6199 or (707) 487-4313.

San Francisco Bay Area

Located on a private island in the straits that separate the San Francisco and San Pablo bays, the East Brother Light Station Island Bed & Breakfast feels like a world away. Couples can honeymoon in a beautifully restored Victorian lighthouse perched atop the island overlooking the awe-inspiring San Francisco skyline. For more information on the East Brother Light Station, visit www.ebls.org or call (510) 233-2385.

Ocean-loving couples can listen to the romantic sound of waves crashing from their beachfront room at the Pleasure Point Inn in Santa Cruz. The romantic four-suite inn overlooks Monterey Bay and one of California's most legendary surf spots. Active newlyweds can experience surfing, kayaking, biking and jogging along the beach, all easily accessible from their suite's doorstep. For more information on the Pleasure Point Inn, visit www.pleasurepointinn.com or call (877) 557-2567 or (831) 479-9290.

Central Valley

The California Delta offers endless vacation possibilities, thanks to its vast network of rivers, tributaries and channels. Originally used by the miners and settlers who came to California in search of gold, the Delta remains much the same as it did during the gold rush. Couples can enjoy water skiing, house-boating and fishing for a vacation outdoors. For more information on the California Delta, visit www.californiadelta.org or call (209) 367-9840.

At the gateway to the Sequoia National Park in historic Visalia lies the Ben Maddox House Bed & Breakfast. Built in 1876, the Ben Maddox House offers a taste of history only five blocks from downtown Main Street, where specialty shops and fine dining flourish. Newlyweds can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast either at private tables in the dining room or on the outdoor deck. For more information on the Ben Maddox House, visit www.benmaddoxhouse.com or call (800) 401-9800 or (559) 739-0721.

Gold Country

Tucked away in the Sierra Foothills above Sacramento, historic Nevada City offers a dozen romantic bed & breakfast inns that cater to honeymooners of all types. The self-proclaimed "Wedding Capital of California," Nevada City has long been a destination for wedding ceremonies and honeymoons. Interesting shops, antiques, historic sites, and culinary delights will provide matrimonial memories for years to come. For more information on Nevada City, visit www.nevadacitychamber.com or call (888) 655-6569 or (530) 265-2692.

Located within the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the Coloma Country Inn Bed & Breakfast. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, the Coloma Country Inn provides the perfect setting for a romantic getaway for two. Built in 1852, this charming country farmhouse is located on five private acres in the middle of the 300-acre state park. Each of the five rooms is individually decorated, featuring turn-of-the-century antiques, handmade quilts and fresh flowers. For more information on the Coloma Country Inn Bed & Breakfast, visit www.colomacountryinn.com or call (530) 622-6919.

High Sierra

Lovebirds will enjoy a relaxing vacation at Mammoth Lakes, one of California's premier mountain resorts. Mammoth Lakes caters to the needs of couples seeking an adventurous honeymoon, as well as those looking for luxury. Activities include mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing and high altitude golf. Newlyweds will delight in a spectacular High Sierra backdrop of blue skies, crystal lakes and two million acres of pristine wilderness. For more information on Mammoth Lakes, visit www.visitmammoth.com or call (888) 466-2666 or (760) 934-2712.

Located in Crowley Lake, the Rainbow Tarns Bed & Breakfast sits at 7,000 feet atop the glorious Eastern Sierra Nevada. Couples can enjoy hiking through pine trees and listening to the soothing sounds of gentle breezes and flowing water leading to enchanting ponds. Gourmet meals accompanied by magnificent topography are available at the Restaurant at Convict Lake, and Mono Inn at Mono Lake Restaurant. For more information on the Rainbow Tarns Bed & Breakfast, visit www.rainbowtarns.com or call (888) 588-6269 or (760) 935-4556.

Central Coast

Without leaving California, blissfully-wedded couples can experience an African honeymoon at the Vision Quest Ranch in Monterey County. Guests enjoy the luxury of an African tent-style bungalow in an exclusive adults-only facility. Spend the day with lions, bears and elephants, and the evening with room service and solitude under the stars. For more information on the Safari Bed & Breakfast, visit www.wildthingsinc.com or call (800) 228-7382 or (831) 455-1901.

Renowned as a honeymoon destination for decades, the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo boasts 108 rooms, each with a unique theme. The Madonna Inn suits both ultra-romantic couples and those with a sense of humor. With themed rooms such as Oriental Fantasy, Caveman and Fabulous Fifties, newlyweds will find themselves in a whimsical fantasyland. For more information on the Madonna Inn, visit www.madonnainn.com or call (800) 543-9666 or (805) 543-3000.

Los Angeles

Couples looking for an "ogre-the-top" honeymoon will want to experience the world's only luxury Shrek Honeymoon Suite, introduced by Universal Studios Hollywood and the Sheraton Universal. The suite features a complete living room area, breakfast nook and king-size bed. Deluxe amenities include champagne or green punch in green flutes, gingerbread cookies and warm mud baths. Located in Hollywood, newlyweds will feel as if they have stepped directly into the movie. For more information on the Shrek Honeymoon Suite, visit www.universalstudios.com or call (818) 622-5985.

A romantic honeymoon at The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa in Pasadena is a wonderful way for a couple to start their life together. Upon check-in as husband and wife, The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa promises the most unforgettable honeymoon for newlyweds who deserve to be pampered. Couples can enjoy relaxing in The Ritz-Carlton spa and pool, or spend some quiet time strolling around Old Pasadena. For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa, visit www.ritzcarlton.com or call (626) 563-3900.

Panoramic views and personal service are hallmark features of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, where warm furnishings lull you into total relaxation. Recently renovated Santa Monica Beach Hotel allows couples to be seaside, sun-soaked and star-struck in one fabulous location, with a variety of luxurious accommodations to ensure newlyweds feel at home. Come out of the nuptial cocoon and indulge your senses with the sights and sounds of Third Street Promenade. The Promenade boasts a growing number of intriguing shops and on weekends comes alive, as crowds are entertained by dozens of clowns, musicians, magicians, comedians, escape artists, mimes, one-man-bands, and other street performers. For more information on the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, visit www.loewshotels.com or call (310) 458-6700.

Orange County

Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort & Spa in Dana Point is situated on a picturesque bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and serves as the perfect romantic getaway. Couples can stroll along the gorgeous sandy beaches, take beautiful sunset sails or surf the rugged coastline, all within walking distance of the resort. For indoor relaxation, the new Spa at Laguna Cliffs offers signature holistic treatments embracing cultures from around the globe. For more information on the Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort & Spa, visit www.lagunacliffs.com or call (949) 661-5000.

Recently awarded Connoisseur's Choice 2004 in Resorts & Great Hotels, The Balboa Bay Club & Resort is secluded in the heart of Newport Beach on the California "Riviera" halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The spectacular bay-front resort offers panoramic views, and boasts the distinction of being the only luxury waterfront resort in Newport Beach. Guest rooms offer alfresco patios with chaise lounges and feature resort, bluff, courtyard, bay shore or bay front views. For more information on the Balboa Bay Club & Resort, visit www.balboabayclub.com or call (888) 445-7153 or (949) 645-5000.

San Diego

The romantic L'Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa in Del Mar offers activities that range from sublime to adventurous. This 120-room, seaside resort is located just 20 minutes north of San Diego along the breathtaking Pacific Ocean. Couples can enjoy hot air ballooning, safari trips and romantic dinners served on a private terrace. For more information on L'Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa, visit www.destinationhotels.com or call (858) 793-6413.

Couples who enjoy hitting the links can tee-up for a golf honeymoon unlike any other in the Thorsen Suite at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. Overlooking the world-famous 18th green, the Thorsen Suite offers sweeping views of the California coastline and more than 800 square feet of living space. Accommodations include a living room and sleeping porch, each complete with their own fireplace. For more information on the Thorsen Suite at the Torrey Pines Golf Course, visit www.evanshotels.com or call (858) 777-6712.

Desert

The Andalusian Court is a secluded resort set in the upscale Tennis Club district of Palm Springs. The Court is setting new standards in boutique-style vacationing, and boasts seven casitas - furnishings and décor have been tastefully selected and are complimentary to this charming Spanish Revival inn. The spacious 700-square-foot villas offer individual climate control, and separate living and sleeping areas featuring Travertine marble floors, wrought iron beds and wood-burning fireplaces. For more information on the Andalusian Court, visit www.andalusiancourt.com or call (619) 283-1700.

The La Quinta Resort & Club is set amidst a spectacular citrus grove patch at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in the Coachella Valley. The resort, with its original 20 casitas, was the site of the Coachella Valley's first golf course. Couples can indulge in unparalleled spa and culinary activities throughout the day, and retreat to private Hideaway Casitas in the evening. A king size bed, fireplace and private enclosed yard with sunken hot tub, make this the perfect romantic destination for the recently wed. For more information on the La Quinta Resort & Club, visit www.laquintaresort.com or call (800) 598-3828 or (760) 564-4111.

Inland Empire

Castlewood Theme Cottages at Big Bear Lake offers 11 'couples only' cottages, each unique in theme, furnishings, artwork and ambiance. Couples can act-out their honeymoon experience through costumes provided in each cottage, transforming themselves into ancient world leaders, or princes and princesses. Just a short walk from Big Bear Village, the cottages are charming, private and romantic. For more information on the Castlewood Theme Cottages, visit www.castlewoodcottages.com or call (909) 866-6190.

Lake Arrowhead is one of the most private destinations for a honeymoon in Southern California. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Lake Arrowhead is crowned the "Jewel of Southern California." Known for its elegant bed and breakfasts, rustic cabins and full-service resort hotel, honeymooners can choose to be as active or reclusive as they want. Surrounded by beautiful dense forests, this upscale resort destination exudes romance. For more information on Lake Arrowhead, visit www.lakearrowhead.net or call (909) 337-3715.

To plan your romantic California honeymoon vacation, visit www.visitcalifornia.com or call (800) 862-2543 or (916) 444-4429 to order a FREE California vacation packet.

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Travel and tourism expenditures total $78.2 billion annually in California, support jobs for nearly 900,000 Californians and generate $3.2 billion in state tax revenues. The California Travel & Tourism Commission is a non-profit organization, with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with our states travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information regarding the CTTC, please visit www.visitcalifornia.com.