Fodor's California 2014

California is one of America's most popular vacation destinations, and for good reason--the state is so diverse that it draws every type of traveler. Fodor's full-color 2014 California guide covers all corners of the state, from the northern coast to wine country to Los Angeles to the Mojave Desert.

Expanded Coverage: New hotels and restaurants are covered around the state, from San Francisco to Los Angeles to the Southern Sierra. A revised "Great Itineraries" section makes planning a trip to this large state easier than ever.

Illustrated Features: Road trippers will want to check out the Highway 1 anchor, which gives an oversight of the famed coastal route, plus additional regional breakdowns covering such segments as Santa Monica to Big Sur, Carmel to San Francisco, and San Francisco to Fort Bragg. Other features detail popular attractions, like San Diego's Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo and San Francisco's Cable Cars and Chinatown neighborhood. A must-have for wine buffs is the "Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma" anchor, which suggests a great itinerary, teaches the proper wine tasting technique, and describes how grapes are made. Meanwhile, the "Top Attractions" feature points out California's top draws, while a spotlight on Los Angeles studios gives insider tips on touring Tinseltown.

Indispensable Trip Planning Tools: More than 90 colorful maps guide travelers around the state, plus a pull-out map provides an overview in addition to San Francisco and Los Angeles detail maps. "Top Attractions" and "Top Experiences" help you choose activities based on your interests, while "Best Bets" for dining and lodging in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco help you find your next great meal or hotel. Use the handy Tahoe ski resort chart to pick the best slope for you, or check out the dedicated National Parks chapters for planning tips and highlights.

Discerning Recommendations: Fodor's 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.