"Those of us born and raised along the California coast know and treasure the great beauty, diversity and natural wonder of the most remarkable coastline in the world. This wonderful book gives you a chance to share that great experience of California's beaches and parks so that perhaps you too will understand why we care so much about protecting this unique coastal resource for the future."—Leon E. Panetta, Panetta Institute

Many of California’s most alluring attractions are found along the coast from San Francisco Bay to Monterey Bay: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco’s waterfront, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Point Lobos. This easy-to-use, up-to-date, comprehensive guidebook is the essential companion for visitors—sightseers, hikers, swimmers, surfers, campers, birders, boaters, and anglers—who want to explore California’s fabulous shoreline. The book describes some 350 shoreline destinations, including every known publicly accessible beach along the coast of Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties. It also lists wildlife reserves, marinas, and public parks, and includes descriptions of plants and animals, places where dogs are welcome, nature centers, aquariums, and much more. The guide features: • 53 color maps that show topography, roads, trails, bicycle routes, and other features • 299 color illustrations • Sidebars on shipwrecks, railroads, aviation, and other aspects of California history • Descriptions of geologic formations, wildflowers, tidepools, and beaches • Information on recreational outfitters, whale-watching trips, surf shops, and more

From the majestic redwoods and rocky shores in the north to the palm trees and wide, sandy beaches in the south, the California coast is an area of unsurpassed beauty and diversity. The California Coastal Access Guide is an essential travel handbook for both new and seasoned visitors exploring California's majestic 1,271-mile shoreline. With up-to-date maps and information, it is an invaluable travel guide for all coastal visitorsbeachgoers, hikers, campers, swimmers, divers, surfers, anglers, and boatersdetailing where to go, how to get there, and what facilities and environment to expect.