The Rough Guide to California

This practical travel guide to California features detailed factual travel tips and points-of-interest structured lists of all iconic must-see sights as well as some off-the-beaten-track treasures. Our itinerary suggestions and expert author picks of things to see and do will make it a perfect companion both, ahead of your trip and on the ground. This California guide book is packed full of details on how to get there and around, pre-departure information and top time-saving tips, including a visual list of things not to miss. Our colour-coded maps make California easier to navigate while you’re there. This guide book to California has been fully updated post-COVID-19.

The Rough Guide to California covers: Los Angeles; San Diego; the Deserts; Death Valley; the Sierra; the Central Coast; San Francisco; the Gold Country; Lake Tahoe and Northern California.

Inside this California travel guide you’ll find:

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER 

Experiences selected for every kind of trip to California, from off-the-beaten-track adventures in  Yosemite Valley, to family activities in child-friendly places, like Venice Beach, or chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas, like Salvation Mountain.

PRACTICAL TRAVEL TIPS 

Essential pre-departure information including California entry requirements, getting around, health information, travelling with children, sports and outdoor activities, food and drink, festivals, culture and etiquette, shopping, tips for travellers with disabilities and more.

TIME-SAVING ITINERARIES

Includes carefully planned routes covering the best of California, which give a taste of the richness and diversity of the destination, and have been created for different time frames or types of trip.

DETAILED REGIONAL COVERAGE

Clear structure within each sightseeing chapter of this California travel guide includes regional highlights, brief history, detailed sights and places ordered geographically, recommended restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and major shops or entertainment options.

INSIGHTS INTO GETTING AROUND LIKE A LOCAL

Tips on how to beat the crowds, save time and money and find the best local spots for surfing or climbing the saw-toothed peaks of the Sierra Nevada. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THINGS NOT TO MISS

Rough Guides' rundown of Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Big Sur, San Diego’s best sights and top experiences help to make the most of each trip to California, even in a short time.

HONEST AND INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Written by Rough Guides’ expert authors with a trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, this California guide book will help you find the best places, matching different needs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter of this travel guide to California features fascinating insights into California, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary.

FABULOUS FULL COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY

Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Yosemite National Park and the spectacular Bixby Creek Bridge.

COLOUR-CODED MAPPING

Practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys for quick orientation in  San Francisco, Napa and many more locations in California, reduce the need to go online.

USER-FRIENDLY LAYOUT 

With helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time.