National Geographic Traveler: California

Californian Greg Critser begins this tour around the Golden State in Los Angeles, pointing out all the must-see sights-including Hollywood and the Sunset Strip-as well as some lesser-known ones (such as the latest venues to spot the stars). Southward, you visit the Orange County beaches-the epitome of the California lifestyle-and a string of affluent seaside towns, including glitzy Laguna Beach and artsy La Jolla.. The beautiful city of San Diego awaits with the world-class museums and zoo at Balboa Park, the fairy-tale Hotel Del, and the beautifully restored old town, with its Mexican flair. Moving north along the coast, you take in Father Serra's missions, the jaw-dropping Big Sur scenery, and moneyed Carmel and historic Monterey. You will discover the best of San Francisco, essentially a city of neighborhoods, each one offering something special-Chinatown, North Beach, the newly revitalized South of Market area. Critser then explains how to get the most our of your visit to Napa Valley, as well as the neighboring Sonoma and Alexander Valleys, just as famous for their wines. From here, you enter the little traveled realm of the redwoods, preserved in such magnificent parks as Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Redwood National Park. Some of the towns you'll fall in love with include funky Mendocino, with its perch on cliffs overlooking the crashing sea, and tiny Guerneville, along the Russian River. Inland, in the Sierra Nevada mountains, old mining towns, ski resorts, and dazzling Lake Tahoe are all waiting to be explored. The book ends with a foray into the desert, anchored by Death Valley. Features include a driving tour of Los Angeles' funky architecture and walking tours of historic San Francisco, as well as cut-away drawings of Alcatraz and the sea-creature-filled tide pools. Extensive background information provides important cultural and historical context to this multi-faceted state.