Colourful cable cars, sunny beaches, seaside havens, and thundering waterfalls: Buckle up for the best of the Golden State with Moon California Road Trip. Inside you'll find: *Flexible Itineraries: Drive the entire "Best of the West" loop, mix and match destinations for shorter road trips, or follow strategic itineraries for spending time in San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, and smaller towns along the Pacific Coast Highway *Eat, Sleep, Stop and Explore: Experience California and the Southwest your way with lists of the best hikes, views, restaurants, and more. Conquer Half Dome, stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge, venture into the depths of the Grand Canyon, or snap a picture on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Step back in time at Alcatraz, tour the opulent rooms of Hearst Castle, or marvel at the jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Satisfy your cravings with an authentic Mission burrito, be dazzled by an over-the-top Las Vegas show, or enjoy a technicolor sunset from a rooftop bar in Los Angeles *Maps and Driving Tools: Over 40 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route *Local Insight: Surfer and adventurer Stuart Thornton shares his passion for the state's best secluded beaches, quirky pit stops, and mountaintop vistas *Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for international visitors, LGBTQ+ travellers, seniors, and road trippers with kids *Helpful resources on Covid-19 and travelling in California With Moon California Road Trip's practical tips, detailed itineraries, and local expertise, you're ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon Los Angeles, Moon Grand Canyon or Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon.

Inside you'll find: - Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and a three-day road trip from Big Sur to Cambria - Top sights and unique experiences: Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales in the wild. Stroll along soft sand beaches or browse artisan galleries and boutiques in Carmel's idyllic downtown. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and pull over to soak up the breathtaking ocean view, or wander the halls of the opulent Hearst Castle. Catch happy hour at a historic brewery, or dine on fresh seafood as the sun sets over the bay - Outdoor adventures: Explore the stunning coastline on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, dive into a kelp forest, or rent a surfboard and catch a wave. - Honest advice from Monterey local Stuart Thornton on when to go, how to get around, where to eat, and where to stay, from budget motels to historic inns - Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout - Handy tools including tips for seniors, visitors with disabilities, and traveling with kids - Helpful resources on COVID-19 and traveling to Monterey and Carmel - Background on the culture, history, weather, and wildlife - Full coverage of Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Salinas Experience the best of Monterey & Carmel with Moon's practical tips and local insight. Hitting the road? Check out Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. Looking for more outdoor adventures? Try Moon Northern California Hiking. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell-and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

Explore iconic San Francisco, stroll along foggy coastal cliffs, or climb the peaks of the Sierra Nevada: Answer the call of the open road with Moon Northern California Road Trips. -Pick Your Road Trip: Find flexible getaways throughout NorCal, like three-day routes through Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Monterey and Big Sur, and more, or combine them for an epic 21-day driving tour - Eat, Sleep, Stop and Explore: With lists of the best places for hikes, wine-tasting, water sports, and more, you can take on the steep streets of San Francisco, sample wine at its source in Sonoma, and pitch a tent in the pines of Yosemite. Spot whales in Bodega Bay, hike through towering redwoods or up to the peak of Mount Lassen, and raft down the Sacramento River - Maps and Driving Tools: Easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, detailed directions, and full-color photos throughout - Local Expertise: Northern Californians Stuart Thornton and Kayla Anderson share their tips on where to stop and what to see - How to Plan Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas and how to avoid traffic, plus tips for driving in different road and weather conditions and suggestions for LGBTQ travelers, seniors, travelers of color, and road-trippers with kids - Coverage of San Francisco, Wine Country, the Sonoma and Mendocino Coasts, the North Coast and Redwoods, Shasta and Lassen, Lake Tahoe, the Eastern Sierra Lakes, Yosemite National Park, Monterey and Big Sur, and Ashland, Oregon With flexible itineraries for weekend getaways and practical tips for driving the full loop, Moon Northern California Road Trips gets you ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Looking to explore more of America on wheels? Try Moon Southern California Road Trip

From foggy cliffs and towering redwoods, to warm sands and legendary surf, explore the best of the golden coast with Moon Coastal California. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries for every budget and travel style, including adventurous getaways, family vacations, romantic weekends, and a two-week trip covering the whole coastHow to plan a Pacific Coast road trip, with detailed mileage, driving times, and side trips to timeless California hits like wine countryThe top beaches for surfing, wildlife viewing, solitude, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and moreUnique activities and can't-miss highlights: Catch a wave in a classic surf town, explore sea caves by kayak, or hike winding coastal trails, set up camp, and watch the sun set over the Pacific. Feast on local Dungeness crab, sample stouts at a coastal microbrewery, or find the best fish tacos this side of Baja. Spot wild elk, soaring condors, and migrating gray whales. Soak up Hollywood's glitz and glamour or the laid-back charms of Santa Barbara. Admire world-class galleries in San Francisco, or check out the thrill rides on the Santa Cruz Beach BoardwalkFull-color photos and detailed maps throughoutExpert advice from California local Stuart Thornton on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around by car, train, and public transportationHandy tips for international visitors, seniors, LGBTQ+ travelers, and travelers with disabilitiesBackground information on California's landscape, plants and animals, history, and cultureFull coverage of San Francisco and the Bay Area, the North Coast, Monterey Bay, Big Sur and the Central Coast, Santa Barbara and Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange County, and San DiegoWith Moon Coastal California's myriad activities, local insight, and expert know-how, you can plan your trip your way.