Explorer's Guide Big Sur, Monterey Bay & Gold Coast Wine Country: A Great Destination

by Buz Bezore and Christina Waters

Book Overview

The Central Coast is internationally recognized as one of the natural treasures of the West, offering craggy cliffs, ancient redwoods, and endless beaches to explore. This book, written by fourth- and fifth-generation Californians, takes travelers to some of the most sought-after destinations, including shops, inns, restaurants, and wineries known only to the locals until now. With a down-to-earth appreciation for their own stomping grounds, the authors...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581570740
• ISBN13: 9781581570748
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Countryman Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A great destination indeed

Most people, when they think of California, probably think of Los Angeles, San Francisco, perhaps San Diego. But the bulk of the state remains more or less unspoiled wilderness, farmland, and charming small towns, and this guide takes you through what may be one of the most accessible examples of that fact. (There are currently 20 more volumes in the Great Destinations series, which you can see at http://www.countrymanpress.com.) The so-called "Central Coast" stretches from Santa Cruz (now almost a bedroom community for the Frisco Bay area) down through Santa Barbara (unfortunately the book doesn't include much information on the latter) and is notable for its scenery, wineries, history, quirky shopping opportunities, and delicious eats. The authors live and work in the region and their expertise is obvious. They begin with a look at the history, fauna and flora, and general geography and character of this 300-mile stretch, then devote separate chapters to the principal divisions of the southward drive--Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, San Luis Obispo and the Santa Ynez Valley--plus one on the wineries that have recently come into prominence there. Each chapter includes a local map, lodging suggestions (mainly small inns and B & B's), idiosyncratic places to dine (with prices ranging from "inexpensive," up to $15, to "very expensive," $50 or more), bakeries, coffeehouses, farmers' markets, and purveyors of frozen desserts, a long section on culture (architecture, cinema, gardens, historic places, walking tours, kid stuff, museums, music, nightlife, and stage), another almost as long on recreation (beaches, bicycling, bird-watching, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, surfing, tennis), shopping (everything from books to fashion), and seasonal events arranged month-by-month. There are phone numbers for everything that has one, and many websites listed too. A closing chapter provides general information on things like banks, hospitals, and the general trends of the weather, plus a bibliography of suggested reading. There don't seem to be a great many guides that focus on this oddly out-of-the-way (considering that it lies smack-dab between the state's two most famous cities) region, but if you want to find a place in California where you can enjoy a laid-back, relaxing stay, this is the book to get to plan your trip.