Book cover for Lonely Planet California: Plan the Trip of a Lifetime Detailed Itineraries & Maps Insider Tips Covers San Francisco, Marin County & Bay Area, Napa and More by Alexis Averbuck, Alison Bing, Celeste Brash, Esther Carlstone, Suzie Dundas, Ashley Harrell, Anita Isalska, Amelia Mularz, Helena Smith, Julie Tremaine, Ryan Ver Berkmoes and Wendy Yanagihara

Lonely Planet California

Plan the Trip of a Lifetime Detailed Itineraries & Maps Insider Tips Covers San Francisco, Marin County & Bay Area, Napa and More

2026 Released
800 Pages
13-19 Hours
Ebook Unavailable
Audiobook Unavailable
Hardback Unavailable
Lonely PlanetISBN 9781838697044
Dive headfirst into California and discover everything you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime.

California rewards curiosity - find big-shouldered mountains alongside unspoiled beaches and restaurants serving boundary-pushing flavors near pioneering vineyards. Our on-the-ground experts have sipped wine in Napa Valley, searched for golden eagles at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and zipped between historic towns on Hwy 49. Just think of us as your friend on the inside. If it's in this guide, it's worth your time!

Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet's California travel guide. Our classic guidebook format contains the most comprehensive level of information for planning your trip, including:

  • Easy-to-use design so you can navigate California effortlessly
  • Exciting itineraries help you create your perfect adventure with suggestions for extended journeys, day trips, walking tours and activity-led excursions
  • Expert local recommendations on eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, festivals, when to go and more
  • Inspiring photography and detailed maps including a pull-out map of California
  • Get fresh takes on must-visit sights from the Golden Gate Bridge and the Lost Coast Trail to Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Essential information toolkit containing tips on arriving, transport, local etiquette, LGBTQ+ travel advice, useful words and phrases, using money, accessibility and responsible travel
  • Connect with Californian culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history and traditions
  • Covers: San Francisco, Marin County & Bay Area, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country, North Coast & Redwoods, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Los Angeles, Disneyland & Orange County, San Diego & Around, Palm Springs & the Deserts, Northern Mountains, Sacramento & the Central Valley, Gold Country, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada

Create a trip that's uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary part of the world with Lonely Planet's California.

Esther Carlstone

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Suzie Dundas

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Amelia Mularz

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Julie Tremaine

Julie Tremaine is an author and award-winning travel and theme park journalist who has written about Disney parks and fandom for outlets like CNN Travel, Travel + Leisure, Food and Wine, Delish,Fine Dining Lovers, Glamour, Vinepair, Fodor’s Travel, and more. She’s also the theme parks editor for SFGATE, California’s most-read news site, covering California theme park trends, news, and history. 

In addition to her theme park writing, Julie is the author of four cookbooks, including Seinfeld: The Official Cookbook and Disney Villains: Devilishly Delicious Recipes, and has collaborated on many others. If you see someone working on a laptop at Three Broomsticks at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Golden Horseshoe at Disneyland, Calico Saloon at Knott’s Berry Farm, or Les Vins de France at EPCOT, it’s probably her. Follow her travels on Instagram @julietremaine.

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