Stuart Thornton fell in love with the California coast while working at the Big Sur Ranger Station after college. At work, he provided visitors with all sorts of information about the region, from the best places to camp to the best meal in the area. On his days off, he took his own advice and regularly sought out the best spots for hiking, backpacking, surfing, and snorkeling along that striking coastal region.
Stuart later moved to nearby Monterey to become a staff writer for the Monterey County Weekly. He now works as a freelance writer for a range of publications, from National Geographic Education to Relix Magazine.
While researching and writing this book, Stuart rode the revered waves of Rincon, ducked aggressive nesting gulls during a trip to Anacapa Island, experienced Ojai’s pink moment at sunset, and learned about biodynamic winemaking.
He spends his time off searching for the next great secluded beach, quirky coastal attraction, or uncrowded wave.
