Ok, things are norrowing down. Have decided to stay our first night in Santa Monica at the Fairmont before moving on to Santa Barbara. Looking for that special first night restuarant, something romantic. Bottle of wine out door terrace(seafood, steak, Italian, French) any suggestions...

A block or so east of the Miramar (locals know that hotel as the Miramar, not the Fairmont) is Michael's-- one of the very first restaurants to serve "California cuisine":

http://www.michaelssantamonica.com/about.html

Still one of the best places in town.

I. Cugini is right on Ocean, about three blocks south from the Miramar, and has an outdoor patio with ocean views. Fine Italian entrées, superb breads. I've been going there ever since it opened and it's still great.

If you want great views, there are places like the Lobster, Boa (steakhouse-- food definitely secondary to the views and the Scene) and One Pico. For great food, not-so-great views: Ocean Ave. Seafood, Capo, Mélisse (this one at Wilshire and 11th). This last eatery has a patio with a retractable roof-- if you feel like excellent (but very expensive) French food under the stars, this is your place.

I. Cugini gets my vote. I like eating outdoors there even if its chilly as they have gas heaters when needed.

thank you so much. I have literally planned my entire vacation around your advice. As it stands right now the first night is in Santa Monica (miramar)and leaning towards Cugini's. Moving up to Santa Barbara (can't decide between Harbour view inn or Montecito - still need help on that one) Took your advice and booked "Inn at Laguna" in Laguna Beach. (Still need help in La Jolla for a place to stay) Have booked in at Ranco Banardo for the 30th. Need your help for my last two nights in San Diego. I have read so many of your reviews it feels like I know you people. Some of you should be writing for travel mag's. Please keep the advice coming as I am booking what you suggest...

amwosu, I like the poster's advice ("Some of you should be writing for travel mags"). Except translate CA into AZ. How about a second career, writing for AZ Monthly magazine (or whatever the equivalent is in AZ)? Get paid to go all around and doing research and writing quippy pieces about what is hip, fun, and alternatively what is a "goner, byebye baby"...

Peter - I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation of I Cugini restaurant...just notice that it is two words, the first one being "I" pronounced like "E" - otherwise directory assistance might not find it for you.

For La Jolla - I'd have to recommend the Lodge at Torrey Pines for a very special place to stay. Not cheap!

In Laguna Beach - recommend the Las Brisas restaurant for brunch if you happen to be there for Sunday or Saturday - not sure about weekdays.

Depending on what you're looking for in La Jolla, you could check on the La Valencia if you want a classic old-time hotel with history (and reportedly some glitches that may go with this). The Grande Colonial appears to be pretty romantic, too, and is right next door to the La Valencia. Across the street is the Hotel Parisi, a boutique place with modern design that would not offer views, though. All of these places are right in the thick of things in the center of town.

The aforementioned Lodge at Torrey Pines is certainly a great option, too, is plush and rustic and right by the Torrey Pines Golf Course. It is a bit out of town, though.

Also a bit out of town, next to UCSD there is the La Estancia La Jolla Resort, an adobe style new resort that looked fairly nice to me when I was visiting the area about three weeks ago.

However, given that you'll be staying in Rancho Bernardo anyway when in the S.D. area, you might want to consider throwing in some beach time. For that there is no better place than the Hotel Del on Coronado Island. Neither of the mentioned properties here in La Jolla is in a location that would offer direct beach access.

San Diego is easily drivable and the drive from Coronado to La Jolla for a nice dinner would be scenic and would likely not last longer than 30 minutes.

I would agree with hsv that the Hotel Del would be a nice option. The hotel is beautifully decorated for the holidays with a huge Christmas tree in the lobby. They have many holiday events and looks like they are running special room packages during this time. In fact two of my friends that I sing with at church are part of a quartet that are performing at the lighting of the tree. I believe that is Nov 30th. Even if you don't stay at the Hotel Del I would definitely plan a visit to Coronado. Walking around the hotel and shops really puts you in the holiday spirit.