Growing up in Monterey inspired Randall to write this book. His goal is to share the places you won't find on your own - hidden beaches, places to visit and things to do with limited time. When it comes to road trips, this is one of the best in the world. Seriously. Car trips are in his blood. His whole family always loved having the flexibility to stop and take photos or just hop out of the car and breath fresh fragrant air. Regardless of the weather, the combination of beautiful beaches, water, trees, small towns and a slow paced two lane road, make this drive an adventure you'll never forget. Yes, the drive between San Francisco and Monterey and Big Sur is a bit longer, but usually only by 20-30 minutes. Every turn offers unique jaw dropping views you won't see anywhere else, and that's what makes it all worth a few extra minutes.. You won't fully understand, until you do it.

If you like breathtaking scenery from the comfort of your own car, with the luxury of being able to stop and go as you choose, this road trip is for you. It's some of the best coastline in the world according to people who have traveled the world. I concur. Highway 1 spans nearly the entire California Coast, but this section is clearly the best part running from San Francisco to Big Sur and beyond. If you're anywhere near this area, it's a trip you will never regret taking.

Highway One presents a delightful road trip from San Francisco down California Highway 1 to the Morro Bay area of California. After spending a night or two in Baywood Park or Morro Bay the road leads back to Monterey and then inland to San Juan Bautista and a visit to Mission San Juan Bautista. San Juan, as locals call the town, is small and filled with great restaurants, history and maybe a chicken or two wandering the streets. From here the road takes you over the coast mountains and through some of the richest agricultural land in the United States. Everything from lettuce, strawberries to artichokes will be seen growing as you drive to a small beach town called Capitola. Spend a few minutes or an afternoon exploring the beach and the wharf while mingling with the local folks who call Capitola home.The drive continues through the redwoods to Roaring Camp Railroads for a train ride through the trees. After a visit to Big Basin State Park and a ride on Skyline Boulevard back to Highway 1, the road leads to San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. This is a wonderful area to explore. Visit The Golden Gate National Recreation Area for incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fort Cronkite or Hawk Hill for viewing the Red Tail Hawk and others. Take the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco and then travel around the city via streetcars and trolleys.Spend a night or two at a bed & breakfast in Sausalito and discover some incredible restaurants. Take a ride to the top of Mount Tamalpais and see the area with the view of a hawk. Now continue to the coast and visit Bolinas

In addition to tourist attractions such as the Fisherman’s Wharf, this guide presents the authentic Northern California experience. Explorer’s Guide Northern California offers the most up-to-date information on the region, from Big Sur to Yosemite, north to the Oregon Border while, urging travelers to understand the impact of their footprint on the land. With detailed descriptions of lodging options, honest reviews of restaurants, from taco trucks to upscale bistros, cultural attractions, natural wonders, recreation, transportation, history scattered throughout each listing, over 100 photos, and maps, readers will feel like they are getting a tour around this beautiful land from an old friend.

Get inspired and get ready to hit the road with the ultimate guide to America's best road trips! The Open Road: 50 Road Trips in the USA features: Strategic lists and road trip options: Choose from lists of the best coastal drives, cross-country journeys, trips for kids, awe-inspiring views, and more Flexible itineraries: 50 different road trips organized by region gear you up for any adventure, from a weekend getaway to a cross-country trip Can't-miss stops from coast to coast: Leaf-peep along the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for wildflowers on Arizona's Apache Trail, or gaze at the mysterious Marfa Lights blinking over the West Texas desert. Snap selfies with kitschy roadside attractions along Route 66, cross the Continental Divide in Colorado, and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves at your campsite in Big Sur The best local flavors: Eat your way through Vermont's farms, dairies, orchards, and maple houses or indulge in gulf shrimp and fried okra in the South. Sample oysters and craft beers in Oregon or stop for shave ice along the scenic Oahu Coastal Loop Expert advice from seasoned road-tripper Jessica Dunham Comprehensive planning resources: Easy-to-use maps, helpful info on things to do, lodging, and dining for every route, clear directions to each route's starting point,and tips for minimizing your environmental impact along the way Gorgeous, full-color photos and a fold-out map Essential tips for health and safety on the road, navigating weather conditions, strategies for road-tripping with kids and four-legged friends, and playlists and podcasts to soundtrack your adventure Whether you're hugging the coast or driving the Loneliest Road, find your adventure with The Open Road: 50 Road Trips in the USA. For more in-depth information on a specific road trip, check out Moon's bestselling road trip guides. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

This revised and updated comprehensive travel guide examines North America's most sacred sites for spiritually attuned explorers. It includes detailed maps, drawings, and travel directions to important archaeological, geological, and historical destinations from coast to coast.