California is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States, known for its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and endless activities. From the rugged coastlines and majestic mountains, to the bustling cities and picturesque towns, there is something for everyone in California. However, with so much to see and do, planning a trip to California can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best travel books and travel guides for California to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this amazing state.
In this blog, you’ll find a collection of the top California travel guides and books, curated by experts who have explored the state in-depth. These guides offer in-depth information on the best things to see and do, insider tips and tricks, and detailed itineraries to help you navigate the state. Whether you’re looking for the best scenic drives, the best places to spot wildlife, or the quietest spots to take in the views, these guides have got you covered. From the iconic Pacific Coast Highway to the beautiful Yosemite National Park, California is a destination that you won’t want to miss. So, start planning your trip today with the help of the best California travel guides and books.
- All books have been handpicked by us!
- Books with bad reviews are left out.
- This post includes affiliate marketing links on which we can earn a commission.
Lonely Planet’s California 10 is the ultimate guidebook for anyone planning a trip to this diverse and beautiful state. This guidebook is set to be released in August 2023, and it covers all of California’s most popular and lesser-known experiences. From exploring Hollywood Boulevard, hiking in Yosemite National Park, to taking a boat to the infamous Alcatraz, this guidebook has everything you need to plan your perfect trip.
One of the highlights of this guidebook is the Lonely Planet’s Top Picks, which is a visually inspiring collection of the destination’s best experiences and where to have them. Additionally, the guidebook includes itineraries to help you build the ultimate trip based on your personal needs and interests, local insights that give you a richer and more rewarding travel experience, and information on regional dishes and drinks you have to try.
This guidebook also includes a toolkit for solo travelers, LGBTQIA+ travelers, family travelers, and accessible travel. It is full of color maps and images throughout, language essentials, and insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots. It covers all the major regions of California including San Francisco, Marin County & the Bay Area, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country, the North Coast & Redwoods, the Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles, Disneyland & Orange County, San Diego & Around, Palm Springs & the Deserts, the Northern Mountains, Sacramento & the Central Valley, Gold Country, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada. This guidebook is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to California.
Exploring California: A Guide To Over 100 Must-Visit Destinations Traveling to California is unlike any other adventure you crossed off your bucket list. The ultimate dreamland for adventurous spirits whose soul craves deep connection with nature, California is rich in picturesque landscapes that’ll leave you breathless.
But, with so much to see, where are you supposed to start from? With California Bucket List Adventure Guide, you will be able to enjoy and discover every landscape and magical place in the different regions in California without getting lost! Featuring more than 100 must-see destinations in the state, you will be well-equipped to start your adventure!
This guide will help you get informed about the areas or places you want to visit, how to get there, what to look for, and what you may need to bring along. With GPS coordinates included for each adventure in this guide, you’ll never get lost. You’ll also discover the best time to visit certain destinations, weather conditions, average expenses and much more. Grab a copy of this guide, and you’re well set to explore California! Every chapter comes with lesser-known facts about all the amazing 100+ California destinations featured in this blueprint that’ll make you fall in love with this wonderful state even more. So, do you dare break your daily routine and go on an adventure of a lifetime?
Moon gives you the best weekend getaways, hand-picked by the authority on outdoor adventures: Outdoors writer Tom Stienstra reveals his favorite spots, collected over decades of hiking and camping throughout the Golden State. The book includes many recreation highlights.
With this book you can immerse yourself in nature with the top options for hiking, backpacking, fishing, biking, boating, and more. Tom shares his personal recommendations, insider tips, and memories of his adventures in the great outdoors. In the book you can find detailed driving directions, maps for each adventure, and full-color photos throughout.
The book includes in and around the Redwoods, Yosemite, Shasta, Tahoe, Lassen, Sacramento, the Wine Country, the Bay Area, and Monterey and Big Sur
Do you want a more unique experience? Let this book help you find the Golden State’s Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets. Although this book is a bit older, it will make your vacation in California unique and much more memorable.
Fodor’s California is your ultimate guide to exploring the Golden State. From the Pacific Coast Highway to the Mojave Desert, our local experts provide curated recommendations, detailed maps, and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip. With illustrated ultimate experiences, multiple itineraries, and photo-filled “best of” features, you’ll find everything you need to plan your perfect California vacation. Discover the best sights, restaurants, hotels, and activities, and learn about the history and culture of the local people. With up-to-date coverage of destinations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Joshua Tree National Park, Napa and Sonoma, and more, Fodor’s California is your essential companion for exploring this incredible state.
By reading up on history of our travel destinations we can better understand the behaviour of those living in the places that we visit. Every place that we visit has its own unique history. California has a long and rich history. Although the state’s history is too extensive to cover in a single book, this book does a good job in summarizing all of the state’s history in an easy to read accessable book.
In all our overviews of travel guides, we include a travel book that is made for children. This San Francisco for Kids Travel Book is easy to use for children and will be really entertaining for kids making the life of parents much easier, even on longer trips. The book includes: 120 pages, 6×9, cream paper and a beautiful matte-finished cover. The book will help making the trip to California fun, easy and entertaining for you and the kids.
California is a diverse state that offers many different experiences for travelers, from the natural beauty of its national parks to the vibrant culture of its cities. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip; this is where travel guides come in. They provide detailed information on everything from top sights and hidden gems to recommended activities and local experiences, as well as practical advice on how to get around and where to stay.
Road Trips California is a guidebook that provides all this information and more, making it the perfect companion for anyone planning a road trip through the state. With 24 easy-to-follow driving tours, each lasting one to five days, it provides detailed information on the best sights, experiences, and local gems along each route. From the surfer-studded beaches of Big Sur to the towering redwoods of Yosemite National Park, Road Trips California is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. With a laminated pull-out road map, detailed directions and driving tips, and information on the best places to stay, eat and shop, it has everything you need to plan an unforgettable road trip.
