Review

The Hidden guidebook series hot-peppers its pages with little arrows that point to a multitude of off-the-tourist-track sites.

Product Description

No other guide offers coverage of this fabled shoreline as comprehensively as Hidden Coast of California, focusing on the many miles of unspoiled beach-long famous stretches to dozens of hidden pockets along the way. Award-winning author Ray Riegert introduces travelers to the unique personalities of three of America’s favorite oceanside cities. He leads travelers to bohemian coffeehouses near the shops and theaters of San Francisco’s Union Square, traces the roots of the movie industry at famous film sites around Los Angeles and brings the entire family to San Diego’s world-famous zoo and animal theme parks. Along the way the author suggests a visit to small fishing towns and international shipping ports, Victorian neighborhoods, and oceanfront mansions. He details how to best enjoy the state’s popular coastal retreats — including sunbathing in Santa Barbara, beachcombing in Mendocino and relaxing in a bed-and-breakfast inn near Monterey. The ultimate beach lover’s travel guide, Hidden Coast of California covers 175 beaches: 123 surfing beaches, 48 camping beaches, and even 21 nude beaches. A virtual bed-and-breakfast guide, this book recommends over 150 small hotels, guest cottages, and bed-and-breakfast inns. Perfectly suited for out-of-state visitors, this guide also offers locals countless suggestions for weekend getaways.

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Product Description

With so many famous places and hyped attractions, it’s all too easy to get caught running (well, driving, actually) all over Southern California from one spot to the next. This guide tells how to get off the freeway and explore the boulevards and side streets of Los Angeles and San Diego as well the coast roads and inland desert highways. Hidden Southern California combines traditional attractions, including seven historic missions and eight theme parks, with outdoor adventures, including 123 beaches and parks, 270 hiking trails, and 105 surfing spots. It provides selective recommendations for lodging in the city, along the coast, and even in desert and mountain parks, including 15 beach cottages, 77 coastal inns and 13,193 campsites at 350 campgrounds. The author offers opinionated reviews of a wide variety of local restaurants. The guide also contains special features on Los Angeles’ historic Mexican public markets, Hollywood film making in action, the ultimate side trip south of the border, and old-time Hollywood, including 15 historic theaters and a driving tour of old mansions.