Fodor's Southern California 2013: with Central Coast, Yosemite, Los Angeles, and San Diego

by Fodor's Travel Publications Inc.

Beautiful beaches, perfect weather, movie-star glamour...there are so many reasons to visit Southern California that deciding where to go and what to do can be a bit overwhelming. Fodor's Southern California 2013 takes the guesswork out of choosing the perfect SoCal experiences—from picking the perfect Santa Barbara bistro to finding the best studio tour in Hollywood.  This guide is filled with awe-inspiring photography, in-depth cultural features, and advice and tips from our team of local writers, making it as indispensable as a tube of SPF 30.

Competitive   The only annually updated guidebook to Southern California.

Illustrated Special "Fodor's Features" throughout the guide illuminate the most distinctive aspects of Southern California. Features on San Diego's Balboa Park, Hollywood, California's missions, and PCH driving give travelers an unparalleled sense of Southern California.

Indispensable Trip Planning  Each chapter opens with an orientation spread that includes a map, short descriptions of each region, and the “Top Reasons to Go.”  Tips on surfing, traveling with kids, avoiding traffic, and more assist a wide range of travelers.

Discerning   Fodor’s Southern California offers savvy advice and recommendations from local writers to help travelers make the most of their time. Fodor’s Choice designates our best picks, from hotels to nightlife. “Word of Mouth” quotes from fellow travelers provide valuable insights.

TripAdvisor   Our experts’ hotel selections are reinforced by the latest customer feedback from TripAdvisor. Travelers can book their California stay with confidence, as only the best properties make the cut.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

580 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Fodor's Travel Publications is a United States-based producer of English-language travel guides and online tourism information. It was founded by Hungarian Eugene Fodor in 1936.
Fodor’s was acquired by Random House in 1986 and sold to Internet Brands in 2016.

Reviews

[Todd Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides full details on travel from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to Sequoia National Park down to San Diego and west to Joshua Tree National Park.

The book is filled with maps, recommendations, restaurant and hotel reviews along with shopping advice nightlife, performing arts, and other activities.

Find occasional photos to gain a sense of place.

The book includes itineraries such as driving along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Learn also the history and culture of the area.

I will return to this book and look for the different sections when I visit Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert in the future.

The authors do a good job of providing detailed information on all the places to check out in Southern California.

[Harold Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific guide for our roadtrip from LA up the PCH to Salvang, La Purisima Mission, San Luis Obispo, Hearst Castle, Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas, Bakersfield for Tule Elk, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Manzanar, Death Valley National Park, Mojave Desert/Kelso Dunes, Calico, Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs Tramway to Mount San Jacinto SP, and back to LA.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the chapter about LA online and it gives a good overview for the big spots to visit. Since the book covers all of southern CA though, you might want a specific LA book for more details and off the beaten path attractions.

[Dan]

What can I say people? This summer I don't have money or time to travel, so I'm reading guidebooks. I know. I'm a dork.