Discover California
California feels less like a single destination than a world unto itself. In one journey, travelers can walk beneath ancient redwoods, trace the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and watch the sun disappear into the Pacific. The state’s landscapes stretch from the granite peaks of Yosemite and the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe to the deserts of Joshua Tree and Death Valley, while its cities offer their own unforgettable mix of creativity, culture, food, and history.
There are countless ways to experience California: tasting wine in Napa and Sonoma, exploring the neighborhoods of Los Angeles and San Francisco, following the coast through Monterey and Santa Barbara, or discovering the quieter towns, bookstores, missions, and roadside landmarks in between. Its sheer size is part of the adventure, but it also rewards a little preparation. The right books and travel guides can help shape the route, reveal the stories behind the scenery, and uncover the places that make California feel far richer than its famous landmarks alone.
Explore California’s Most Iconic Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
The Napa Valley & Sonoma
Southern California
Our Travel Book Recommendations - California
Our Travel Book Recommendations - California
California's Best Trips: 35 Amazing Road Trips
California practically begs to be explored by car. From the dramatic cliffs of Big Sur to the otherworldly deserts of Joshua Tree, the state's highways thread through some of North America's most spectacular scenery—and the Pacific Coast Highway alone justifies the journey. For anyone planning this adventure, Lonely Planet's California road trip guide is indispensable. The stunning photography fuels your wanderlust, expertly crafted itineraries take the guesswork out of planning, and detailed color maps ensure you won't miss hidden gems. Lonely Planet's decades of travel expertise mean you can trust every recommendation, transforming a good road trip into an unforgettable one.
Fodor's Travel: California
Fodor’s California stands out as one of the strongest all-around guides for travelers planning an extended journey through the Golden State. Comprehensive, well researched, and easy to navigate, it brings together essential planning information with recommendations from writers who know the state well. The guide covers California’s remarkable range, from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego to wine country, coastal towns, desert landscapes, and mountain escapes. Its coverage of the state’s national and state parks is especially valuable, with helpful guidance for exploring places such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and the redwood forests of Northern California. Detailed itineraries, hotel and restaurant suggestions, scenic drives, and practical travel advice make it a useful companion for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers. For anyone trying to connect several regions into one memorable California trip, Fodor’s California offers the breadth and structure needed to plan with confidence.
National Geographic Park Profiles: Yosemite
Featuring over 120 stunning color photographs, this National Geographic Park Profile showcases the majestic beauty of Yosemite National Park, a Sierra Nevada jewel that draws over 4 million visitors annually. Author Kenneth Brower explores the park's captivating diversity—from its towering granite cliffs and dramatic waterfalls to its rich array of plants and animals thriving in varied ecosystems. The book chronicles how ancient rivers of ice sculpted Yosemite's iconic valley, creating the breathtaking landscapes that attract rock climbers seeking to conquer its legendary granite faces, backcountry adventurers pursuing solitude in the wilderness, and countless visitors drawn to experience the awe-inspiring views from the valley floor. Brower traces the park's fascinating history through its first century, capturing both the natural wonder and human story of this beloved national treasure.
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Yosemite is more than one of America's most spectacular landscapes—it's the place that helped change how we think about protecting the natural world. Discover the remarkable story behind the valley that inspired a conservation movement, and explore four books that reveal why Yosemite deserves to be read as well as visited.