California: the whole world knows it as the mother lode of scandal and celebrity, mayhem and miracles, a place where nearly anything can happen - and does. Giving the lowdown on the most notorious locations across the state, California Babylon redefines tourism for the 21st century by guiding you to the places you actually want to see, whether you'll admit to it or not. Packed with photographs and with easy-to-follow directions to each site, California Babylon unveils the real-life filming locations; scenes of rock-'n'-roll debauchery; homes and hotspots where the stars lived, dined, made love and died - and where they still do today. With this detailed, up-to-date guide, you can revisit some of the most shocking, puzzling, glamorous and tragic moments the world has ever known. Spend the night in the very hotel rooms where Janis Joplin, John Belushi, or Hawaii's King Kamehameha died. See the site where People's Temple leader Jim Jones whipped hundreds of followers into a frenzy. Visit the orphanage where little Norma Jeane Baker dreamed of stardom. Follow in the footsteps of serial killers. Recreate the camera angles for dozens of your favorite films, from Vertigo to Pee Wee's Big Adventure. With California Babylon's help, you can also see: *infamous crime scenes *the homes of screen legends *graves of the rich and famous *assassination sites *abandoned utopias *restaurants and bars frequented by celebrities Forget the endless malls and beaches! Wouldn't you rather see JFK's secret love-nest, the stage where Michael Jackson's hair burst into flames, or the alley that was the epicenter of prostitution in gold-rush era San Francisco? These are the guilty pleasures you'll actually write home about, and they're what make California the wacky, world-famous, and truly unbelievable place it is today.

Cameron's latest miracle--in paper and thus, an even more extreme bargain than other Above... titles. Includes his photos, one by NASA, and several historic shots selected by the photographer. Excellent color exposures of a very lovely coast. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This comprehensive and authoritative guide to the natural and cultural resources of California's magnificent 1,100-mile coastline is the companion to the best-selling California Coastal Access Guide. Whereas the Access Guide stressed public access to the California coast, the Resource Guide focuses on the rich and varied natural resources of the coast and its diverse habitats, including detailed descriptions of flora and fauna; the Guide also features accounts of the history of the coast, and includes numerous striking and informative drawings, photographs, and maps. Part One consists of sections of statewide interest divided into three categories: the first is coastal geography, which includes descriptions of coastal mountains, rivers, marine terraces, beaches, wetlands, nearshore waters, and the open ocean; the second is living resources, covering the flora and fauna of the coast; and the third is cultural resources, treating history, architecture, recreation, and economy, including such topics as parks and beaches, recreational fishing, amusement parks, lighthouses, offshore oil, tourism, agriculture, and other coastal industries. Part Two is composed of individual sections on each of California's coastal counties, as well as San Francisco Bay, the Farallon Islands, and the Channel Islands. This portion of the book includes 150 maps, lists of species of interest, a summary of each county's history, and site-by-site descriptions of parks, beaches, rivers, wetlands, coastal towns and cities, missions, museums, and other coastal resources; detailed information on the habitats, wildlife, and history of each site are included, as well as its address, and, where applicable, the phone number. Copiously illustrated, accessible, and above all, entertaining, this book is an indispensable reference guide for residents and vacationers as well as a fun book to browse in for anyone interested in California's coast.

The Santa Cruz Mountains, an area covering almost 1,400 square miles from San Francisco southward to the Monterey County line, are a part of the Coast Range of Central California. The Mountains and the adjacent lowlands have a rich vascular flora, and about 1,800 species, subspecies, varieties, forms, and hybrids of ferns, conifers, and flowering plants, distributed among 168 families, have been reported from the region. This comprehensive flora, the first of the area, is designed for use by both the serious beginner and the trained botanist. The flora is illustrated by 250 line drawing and ten photographs. In addition, there is a map of the Santa Cruz Mountains area and a stratigraphic profile of the rock formations. The stratigraphic profile and a section on geology have been contributed by Dr. Earl E. Brabb of the United States Geological Survey. Distributional notes, keys to families, genera, and species, pertinent synonymy, a glossary of technical terms, an index of place names, and common0name and scientific-name indexes form the body of the text. The Introduction contains a description of the geography of the Santa Cruz Mountains and adjacent lowlands, seconds on the geology and climate, a brief discussion and analysis of the vegetation and floristic affinities of the area, and a history of past botanical collecting. A selected list of references has been appended to allow the interested individual to pursue his studies further.

Insight Guides: Inspiring your next adventure San Francisco is one of America's (and indeed the world's) favorite cities. With its stunning natural setting, sweeping views from high in the Hills, cable cars and fog-cloaked Bay, this city incites love at first sight. Be inspired to visit by the brand new Insight Pocket Guide San Francisco, a concise, full-color guide to this tropical paradise that combines lively text with vivid photography to highlight the best that San Francisco has to offer. Inside Insight Pocket Guide San Francisco: Where To Go takes you from Downtown out to the coast. Take in Union Square, Chinatown and the Financial District before heading down to the Bay and then up to the Hills and North Beach for amazing city views. For longer stays, daytrips explore the wine country of Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, quaint harbour towns and tranquil spots such as Muir Woods National Monument. Top 10 Attractions gives a run-down of the best sights to take in on your trip, including the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounds, Fisherman's Wharf and Alamo Square. Perfect Day provides an itinerary for one day in the city. What To Do is a snapshot of ways to spend your spare time, from watersports and cycling to walking trails and shopping, plus nightlife. Essential information on San Francisco's culture, including a brief history of the island. Eating Out covers the island's best cuisine. Curated listings of the best hotels and restaurants. A-Z of all the practical information you'll need. About Insight Guides: Insight Guides has over 40 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps as well as picture-packed eBooks to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture together create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure. 'Insight Guides has spawned many imitators but is still the best of its type.' - Wanderlust Magazine

The Rough Guide to the USA is your authoritative state-by-state guidebook to this vast and fascinating country. From Mardi Gras in New Orleans to New England in the fall, from the Las Vegas Strip to Yellowstone National Park; the introduction provides a lively overview of the 'things not to miss'. The country's history, culture and people are covered in depth throughout the guide, while clear and accurate maps for every region, state and major city provide the information you need to plan your trip. With detailed practical advice, whether you're looking for great places to eat and drink or inspiring accommodation and the most exciting places to party, you'll find the solution. Count on plenty of expert advice on a wide range of activities, from touring Louisiana's Cajun country to experiencing New York City's nightlife, making The Rough Guide to the USA your ultimate travelling companion. Make the most of your trip with The Rough Guide to the USA. Now available in epub format.