A poignant masterpiece of wrenching personal expression from the acclaimed author of On the Road “In many ways, particularly in the lyrical immediacy that is his distinctive glory, this is Kerouac’s best book . . . certainly he has never displayed more ‘gentle sweetness.’”—San Francisco Chronicle Jack Kerouac’s alter ego Jack Duluoz, overwhelmed by success and excess, gravitates back and forth between wild binges in San Francisco and an isolated cabin on the California coast where he attempts to renew his spirit and clear his head of madness and alcohol. Only nature seems to restore him to a sense of balance. In the words of Allen Ginsberg, Big Sur “reveals consciousness in all its syntactic elaboration, detailing the luminous emptiness of his own paranoiac confusion.”

This full-color guide includes vibrant photos and easy-to-use maps to help with trip planning. Northern California residents Elizabeth Linhart Veneman and Christopher Arns cover the best that Northern California has to offer, from day hikes in awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley to rest and relaxation at the spas and vineyards of Wine Country. To help travelers plan their trip, Veneman and Arns also offer a number of unique itinerary ideas, such as as "Best Day Trips," "Best Road Trips," and "Best Outdoor Adventures." With expert advice on finding the tastiest food in the Bay Area, exploring the charming Monterey and Carmel, and getting to Gold Country ghost towns, Moon Northern California gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and dramatic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. Inside you'll find: Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and a three-day road trip from Big Sur to Cambria The top sights and unique experiences: Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales in the wild. Stroll along soft sand beaches or browse artisan galleries and boutiques in Carmel's idyllic downtown. Explore the stunning coastline on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, dive into a kelp forest, or rent a surfboard and catch a wave. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and pull over to soak up the breathtaking ocean view, or wander the halls of the opulent Hearst Castle. Catch happy hour at a historic brewery, or enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood as the sun sets over the bay Honest advice from Monterey local Stuart Thornton on when to go, how to get around, where to eat, and where to stay, from budget motels to historic inns Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Handy tools including tips for seniors, visitors with disabilities, and traveling with kids Background on the culture, history, weather, and wildlife Full coverage of Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Salinas With Moon Monterey & Carmel's practical tips and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Driving through? Check out Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. Exploring more of the Golden State? Try Moon Northern California.

"A middle-aged man, Jeremy Chester, having won a car in a raffle, decides to take to the road and head west, his intention being to "talk to people, not to pass them to dialogue." His journey becomes an odyssey as, along the way, he picks up nine passengers of varied types and backgrounds an Italian, a hippie, a black militant, a policeman—and finds the essential humanness in each. Ecology, the military, racism, old age, protest: all are explored and illuminated as we come to understand that the incongruities and anachronisms of contemporary life are more than merely annoying or depressing—they are lethal. Yet the journey goes on, heading for Big Sur and the redeeming state of naturalness which may already have escaped us forever."--