A poignant masterpiece of wrenching personal expression from the acclaimed author of On the Road “In many ways, particularly in the lyrical immediacy that is his distinctive glory, this is Kerouac’s best book . . . certainly he has never displayed more ‘gentle sweetness.’”—San Francisco Chronicle Jack Kerouac’s alter ego Jack Duluoz, overwhelmed by success and excess, gravitates back and forth between wild binges in San Francisco and an isolated cabin on the California coast where he attempts to renew his spirit and clear his head of madness and alcohol. Only nature seems to restore him to a sense of balance. In the words of Allen Ginsberg, Big Sur “reveals consciousness in all its syntactic elaboration, detailing the luminous emptiness of his own paranoiac confusion.”

This full-color guide includes vibrant photos and easy-to-use maps to help with trip planning. Northern California residents Elizabeth Linhart Veneman and Christopher Arns cover the best that Northern California has to offer, from day hikes in awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley to rest and relaxation at the spas and vineyards of Wine Country. To help travelers plan their trip, Veneman and Arns also offer a number of unique itinerary ideas, such as as "Best Day Trips," "Best Road Trips," and "Best Outdoor Adventures." With expert advice on finding the tastiest food in the Bay Area, exploring the charming Monterey and Carmel, and getting to Gold Country ghost towns, Moon Northern California gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and dramatic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. Inside you'll find: Flexible, strategic itineraries including long weekends in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, and a three-day road trip from Big Sur to Cambria The top sights and unique experiences: Visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium or take a whale-watching tour to catch a glimpse of sea otters, harbor seals, and migrating whales in the wild. Stroll along soft sand beaches or browse artisan galleries and boutiques in Carmel's idyllic downtown. Explore the stunning coastline on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, dive into a kelp forest, or rent a surfboard and catch a wave. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur and pull over to soak up the breathtaking ocean view, or wander the halls of the opulent Hearst Castle. Catch happy hour at a historic brewery, or enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood as the sun sets over the bay Honest advice from Monterey local Stuart Thornton on when to go, how to get around, where to eat, and where to stay, from budget motels to historic inns Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Handy tools including tips for seniors, visitors with disabilities, and traveling with kids Background on the culture, history, weather, and wildlife Full coverage of Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Salinas With Moon Monterey & Carmel's practical tips and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Driving through? Check out Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip. Exploring more of the Golden State? Try Moon Northern California.

"A middle-aged man, Jeremy Chester, having won a car in a raffle, decides to take to the road and head west, his intention being to "talk to people, not to pass them to dialogue." His journey becomes an odyssey as, along the way, he picks up nine passengers of varied types and backgrounds an Italian, a hippie, a black militant, a policeman—and finds the essential humanness in each. Ecology, the military, racism, old age, protest: all are explored and illuminated as we come to understand that the incongruities and anachronisms of contemporary life are more than merely annoying or depressing—they are lethal. Yet the journey goes on, heading for Big Sur and the redeeming state of naturalness which may already have escaped us forever."--

From foggy cliffs and towering redwoods to warm sands and legendary surf, explore the best of the golden coast with Moon Coastal California. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries including six days in Central California, five days on the North Coast, and multiple road trip itineraries that can be combined into an epic two-week Pacific Coast road trip Strategic advice for families, adventure seekers, romantic getaways, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, and more The top beaches for surfing, wildlife viewing, solitude, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and more Unique experiences and can't-miss highlights: Soak up the solitude and rugged beauty of the North Coast beaches, or opt for sun and sand in San Diego. Explore the world-class museums and plunging city streets of San Francisco, sip your way through Napa and Sonoma, or gaze at skyscraping redwoods in Muir Woods. Catch a wave in a classic surf town, explore sea caves by kayak, or hike winding cliffside trails. Feast on local Dungeness crab, sample stouts at a coastal microbrewery, or find the best tacos in Los Angeles Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Expert advice from Monterey local and surfer Stuart Thornton on where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around Background information on California's landscape, plants and animals, history, and culture Handy tips for international visitors, seniors, families with kids, LGBTQ+ travelers, and travelers with disabilities With Moon Coastal California's local insight and practical know-how, you can plan your trip your way. Hitting the road? Try Moon California Road Trip. Headed to the national parks? Check out Moon Death Valley National Park or Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon.

Colorful cable cars, sunny beaches, seaside havens, and thundering waterfalls: Buckle up for the best of the Golden State with Moon California Road Trip. Inside you'll find: Flexible Itineraries: Drive the entire "Best of the West" loop, mix and match destinations for shorter road trips, or follow strategic itineraries for spending time in San Francisco, Yosemite, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, and smaller towns along the Pacific Coast Highway Eat, Sleep, Stop and Explore: Experience California and the Southwest your way with lists of the best hikes, views, restaurants, and more. Conquer Half Dome, stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge, venture into the depths of the Grand Canyon, or snap a picture on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Step back in time at Alcatraz, tour the opulent rooms of Hearst Castle, or marvel at the jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Satisfy your cravings with an authentic Mission burrito, be dazzled by an over-the-top Las Vegas show, or enjoy a technicolor sunset from a rooftop bar in Los Angeles Maps and Driving Tools: Over 40 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route Local Insight: Surfer and adventurer Stuart Thornton shares his passion for the state's best secluded beaches, quirky pit stops, and mountaintop vistas Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for international visitors, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, and road trippers with kids Helpful resources on Covid-19 and traveling in California With Moon California Road Trip's practical tips, detailed itineraries, and local expertise, you're ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon Los Angeles, Moon Grand Canyon or Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

The essential insider's guide to exploring the Central Coast's wineries, restaurants, recreation, culture, and accommodations. 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 write as enthusiastic guides, eager to share what they know and love about the region. Rich in detail, covering everything from the autumnal monarch butterfly migration to opera festivals, the best honky-tonk blues joints to fine dining steeped in tradition and elegance, this book homes in on an eclectic selection of what makes this strip of coastline one of the most desired destinations in the world.