Beaches and Parks in Southern California (Experience the California Coast) (Paperback)

~ California Coastal Commission (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is the volume to toss in the back of your Volkswagen bus with the folding chair, the Mexican blanket, the Frisbee and your lucky old abalone shell. . . . It will answer all your questions about fat innkeeper worms, the romantic impulses of Richard Henry Dana Jr., and why you can run faster than you swim."--Los Angeles Times "books To Go"

"Anyone planning a drive down the California coast should take one, or all, of these books along."--Portland Oregonian

"An ideal guide for the getaway season."--Chico Enterprise-record

Product Description

Stretching from Malibu to the Mexican border, Southern California's coast is justifiably famous, yet, as this essential guide reveals, it offers more to see and do than even its greatest fans may realize. Easy-to-use, up-to-date, and comprehensive, Beaches and Parks in Southern California is the perfect companion for all visitors--sightseers, hikers, swimmers, surfers, campers, birders, boaters, and anglers--who want to explore this magnificent shoreline. In addition to well-known beaches of soft, golden sand, it describes rocky shores and tide pools, hidden pocket beaches, historic lighthouses, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and much more.
* More than 450 site listings include beaches, public access ways, parks, campgrounds, nature preserves, world-class aquariums, and museums
* 304 color photographs and 52 color maps show recreational sites, hiking and biking trails, topography, and other features of the region and state
* Easy-to-use charts list key facilities and features, open hours, food and beverage services, wheelchair accessibility, rules about dogs, and other practical information

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (May 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520258525
• ISBN-13: 978-0520258525
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,669 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Guide Book for Exploring the CA Coast, August 2, 2009

By	Rebecca - See all my reviews

This is a great guide! I was born and raised in Southern CA where I spent countless hours at the beaches as a young person and adult. I received this book as a gift and have been thrilled. The book contains detailed and accurate maps of the entire southern California coastline, together with web sites and phone numbers of parks and other area resources. It has given us a chance to go to beaches we would not have otherwise, and lists numerous beach access points we did not even know existed. (It appears to contain a list of every single public access point along this stretch of the coast.) A huge bonus is that the book provides a ton of useful and interesting coastal information that will help me teach my girls about the natural coastal environment as we enjoy the beach. It is packed with information beyond your standard travel guide (and it is accurate!). Additionally, I love all the great coastal pictures. Unlike many travel guides, I plan to keep this one to use for many years to come and will definitely buy the book as gifts for my friends and family.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding California coastal guide book series!, July 26, 2009

By	Dave S. - See all my reviews

These well researched California coastal guide books are outstanding! Published by the California Coastal Commission, these guides are an update of the old California Coastal Access Guide. They contain the most accurate and up-to-date maps and directions for coastal access and beaches, as well as a good amount of natural history. The guides also contain beautiful photos and illustrations. Local attractions with contact phone numbers are also included. The books are compact and rugged and easy to pack around. I would highly recommend these guides to anyone wishing to explore the California coast!Beaches and Parks in Southern California (Experience the California Coast)Experience the California Coast: A Guide to Beaches and Parks in Northern CaliforniaBeaches and Parks from Monterey to Ventura (Experience the California Coast)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All you need!, July 23, 2009

By	Ruby A. Pap "Ruby" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is great. I am taking a road trip to Southern California next month and was able to do all my planning with this book. It includes excellent maps, details on where to access all the beaches, and interesting tid bits on the environment and what to do in each locale. Don't leave home without it!