Frommer's California Guidebook 2009 Reviewed
Travel Guide Covers Wine Country, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Beyond
Feb 26, 2009
In fact it's 788 pages that make up the hefty volume that is the Frommer's California Guide for 2009. On top of this there are 46 maps, another pull-out map of California, a full-color section up front, several Best of California suggestions, and expert advice from four knowledgeable California guides.
As a travel planning tool, the Frommer's guides are generally excellent. The hotel and restaurant listings are comprehensive, and in recommending where to stay in places like Los Angeles and San Diego the authors cover chains like Days Inn, Best Western, and cheap motels as well as high-end luxury hotels like the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and the Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows.
The Best of California
The "Best of" suggestions at the front of the guide include not only the obvious subjects like Best Restaurants, Best Beaches, Best Golf Courses, and Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts, but also highlight the other side of California life that visitors (especially those who have never visited) sometimes forget: the Best of Small-Town California, the Best Architectural Landmarks, the Best Museums, and the Best of Performing Arts and Special Events.
California's National Parks
Nor is California all about the coast. The United States' third biggest state (after Texas and Alaska) contains some of the most stunning American scenery outside of the Grand Canyon. It's a plus point of the guide that as well as lengthy descriptions and, of course, all the practical visitor information for National Parks such as Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, and the Redwood National Park, all these places have helpful maps provided, too.
California Wine Country
No visit to California is complete without at least a quick visit to Wine Country, and the Frommer's Guide includes 36 pages on Napa Valley, the Sonoma Valley, and Northern Sonoma, too. Again there are maps, showing some of the best vineyards to visit, and there's helpful advice on shipping wine home and on different Napa Valley Wine Tours, including hot-air ballooning.
The Best Family Vacation Experiences
Many visitors come to California purely for the theme parks and the family fun activities, and the Frommer's Guide doesn't neglect these either. The Disneyland Resort and Disney's California Adventure get full coverage, as do other popular family days out like Knott's Berry Farm, the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park and SeaWorld San Diego.
It's an impossible task to fit all of California into just under 800 pages, but the Frommer's authors have done their best and it's a highly recommended companion whether you're plannng your next, or your very first, California vacation.
Practical Information
The Frommer's California Guide 2009 costs $21.99 in the USA, $23.99 in Canada, and £14.99 in the UK. Some information from the guide is also available online at the Frommer's website.
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