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California Coastal Access Guide
The California coast, from the majestic redwoods and rocky shores in the north to the palm trees and wide, sandy beaches in the south, is an area of unsurpassed beauty and diversity. This revised and expanded sixth edition of the California Coastal Access Guide is an essential handbook for both new and seasoned visitors exploring California's majestic 1,100-mile shoreline. With up-to-date maps and information, it is a valuable guide for all beachgoers--hikers, campers, swimmers, divers, wheelchair users, joggers, and boaters--detailing where to go, how to get there, and what facilities and environment to expect.
The Guide contains:
o information on more than 890 public access coastal areas
o Clear descriptions of campgrounds, trails, recreation areas, transportation, and parking
o Addresses, phone numbers, websites, transit information, and hours of use
o Information on wheelchair-accessible facilities
o Easy-to-read charts listing facilities and topographical features
o 125 updated maps providing directions and driving distances
o 15 full-color county maps
o More than 300 illustrations
o Also contained in this handbook is extensive information on environmental issues, updated to account for changing ecological conditions and conservation strategies. Feature articles cover a broad range of topics, including natural history, marine and coastal wildlife, environmental issues, and sports and recreation.
Over thirty years ago California voters approved an initiative that led to the creation of the California Coastal Commission. Later, the California Coastal Act of 1976 established the Commission as a permanent state agency with a mission to protect, maintain, and enhance the quality of the coastal environment. One of the Commission's principal goals is to maintain public access and public recreational opportunities along the coast in a way consistent with environmental preservation. The California Coastal Access Guide, which was created with these objectives in mind, will prove indispensable to anyone with a desire to explore the magnificent diversity of California's beaches.
The Guide contains:
o information on more than 890 public access coastal areas
o Clear descriptions of campgrounds, trails, recreation areas, transportation, and parking
o Addresses, phone numbers, websites, transit information, and hours of use
o Information on wheelchair-accessible facilities
o Easy-to-read charts listing facilities and topographical features
o 125 updated maps providing directions and driving distances
o 15 full-color county maps
o More than 300 illustrations
o Also contained in this handbook is extensive information on environmental issues, updated to account for changing ecological conditions and conservation strategies. Feature articles cover a broad range of topics, including natural history, marine and coastal wildlife, environmental issues, and sports and recreation.
Over thirty years ago California voters approved an initiative that led to the creation of the California Coastal Commission. Later, the California Coastal Act of 1976 established the Commission as a permanent state agency with a mission to protect, maintain, and enhance the quality of the coastal environment. One of the Commission's principal goals is to maintain public access and public recreational opportunities along the coast in a way consistent with environmental preservation. The California Coastal Access Guide, which was created with these objectives in mind, will prove indispensable to anyone with a desire to explore the magnificent diversity of California's beaches.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 2, 2015
The coast of California state is 1271 miles long, and along that shoreline are thousands of areas where the public can access the ocean. Between public beaches, national parks, state parks, and more, there are many ways people can enjoy the coast. Whether you’re a California resident or just a visitor to the Golden State, the California Coastal Access Guide is an invaluable resource to help you get the most out of the natural beauty of California’s shoreline. The brand new, freshly updated seventh edition describes more than 1150 access points. There is an extensive section for each of the 15 counties that cover the coast. Each section includes detailed maps, beautiful pictures, and descriptions of access points, hours of operation, what to do there, and phone numbers (where applicable) to obtain more information. Also included are a handful of feature articles addressing specific topics, like camping, waterfront recreation, and amusement parks with views of the ocean. There is an unbelievable amount of useful information packed into this book!
Review originally posted on San Diego Book Review.
Review originally posted on San Diego Book Review.
May 19, 2015
This comprehensive guide is organized by county and provides detailed information to the many unique features of each county. If you are planning a driving trip of Highways 1 and 101, this is the guide you need. If you just want to learn more about the California coastline, you will find everything from history to geology to hiking trails and hostels in this wonderful book. And then you will definitely want to visit many of the special places described!
January 14, 2009
California is an enlightened state that guarantees open access to its coastline, and this guide catalogs pretty much every single public access point, along with historical and ecological side notes. My favorite parts are the tables describing the types of terrain at each spot, b/c I am always looking for rocky areas with tidepools.
December 16, 2015
A bit out of date, but still very useful for getting a bead on where the beaches are and how to get to them.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews