Best of the California Coast

Winner, IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a well-traveled native, there is no better way to explore and experience California's 1,100 miles of coast than with this book by your side. It will immediately become your closest friend and most valuable traveling companion. Open these pages for lively and easy-to-understand descriptions of California's diverse natural and cultural history, plus firsthand insider information about local, regional, state, and national parks, great museums, historic ships, and more! Whether you are looking for a short hike, a bird-watching adventure, encounters with elephant seals, a camping trip, or an extended vacation along California's 1,100-mile coastline, this reference will quickly lead you to the best of the best. From towering redwoods and migrating gray whales to world-class museums, fascinating historic sites and great surfing beaches, there is something here for everyone in the family. The book features: an overview of California's tumultuous history, from Native Americans and Spanish missionaries to Russian trappers and the early Americans; a look at the state's fascinating natural history, from earthquakes and tsunamis to ancient forests and migrating birds; detailed descriptions of more than 300 primary destinations and 500 short descriptions of more special places to explore; more than 300 photographs and drawings; and contact and website information for hundreds of parks, museums, and more.