Packed with maps and information on 87 state and national parks, lakes, beaches, forest, and recreation areas. For quick and easy access, this guide divides Southern California into three regions so you can better plan your vacations, holidays and weekend getaways.

"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

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.

Moon Travel Guides: Your Adventure Starts Here! Park your RV anywhere from Mission Bay near San Diego to Orcas Island near the Canadian border, and you'll sense the wild spirit of the West Coast. Explore with Moon West Coast RV Camping. A Campsite for Everyone: A variety of RV parks and campgrounds from scenic state parks to convenient roadside stopovers, marked with amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, laundry, piped water, showers, and playgrounds, with advice on nearby recreation Ratings and Essentials: All campsites are rated for scenery and key features, such as dog-friendly, kid-friendly, or wheelchair accessible, and highlights like waterfalls, beaches, historic sites, hot springs, wildlife, and wildflowers Maps and Directions: Easy-to-use maps and detailed driving directions for each campground Top RV Parks and Campgrounds: Lists like Best for Families, Best for Fishing, and Best for Hiking help you choose where to go in Washington, Oregon, and California Trusted Advice: Expert outdoorsman Tom Stienstra is always on the move, having travelled more than a million miles across Washington, Oregon, and California for the past 25 years Tips and Tools: Information on equipment, food and cooking, recreation, first aid, and insect protection, as well as background on the climate, landscape, and history of the campsites Whether you're a veteran or taking out the RV for the first time, Moon's comprehensive coverage and trusted advice will have you ready to fill up the gas tank and embark on an adventure. Picked a specific spot on the West Coast? Try Moon California Camping or Moon Oregon Camping. Hoping to cruise down the PCH? Check out Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip!