Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Ok, I was raised in Los Angeles area, and I secretly wanted to know what I missed out on since I left for Alaska. Boy, after going through this book, I see I missed so much, better think about returning soon. This book is well laid out with it's new Top 25 Experiences, itineraries that work for short or long time frames, maps that zero in on what to see in a truly large area. The Understanding SoCal is written for anyone, for me who is an X, or someone going for a first visit, well written!
Lonely Planet puts out guides for regular people, meaning I think anyone can get into a guide, learn with they want, and get busy enjoying. And since I got the soft bound version, it's a size that really fits under your arm to be carried, yet, not too big, or I could have opted for digital chapters for my iPhone or iPad device, those work well too. I like maps that keep me where I'm going. I use a rental car gps, but I still want to know on a bigger scale the area, what sights I'm after, and this book was perfect, for they could go to areas - like Palm Springs & the Deserts, Santa Barbara, and give detailed suggestions, San Diego's Balboa Park - home to museums, parks, and nearby places to stay or eat, well done. The book shows what's FREE, what's a Top Choice, the map of that area was right on. I just went there a few months ago, and boy, I wish I'd had this book with me! The Survival Guide aspect, really helps get you into the proper head space, meaning understanding the locals, their mind set.
Because architecture and culture are gaining in popularity in the area, I went through the author's suggested ideas as Must See's, and again, right on the money. So interested in Post Modernism @ the 1997 Getty Center created by Meier or the Getty Villa, a recreation of an Italian villa in Malibu, it talks about it. The coverage of festivals, there are so many, from the awesome Festival of the Swallows or also known as Fiesta de la Golondrinas with website link included. This is a thinking person's guide, when I anticipated a question, it was answered most of the time. I think you'll use this book, not just put it on a shelf, and want to share it with friends also traveling to Southern California.
Want to visit Disneyland, the guide is thorough in it's multi-page planner with many insights that will save the visitor time and money, and cranky kids. Since the authors know it's a popular site, they created a special trip planner. Helpful information for your cell phone, websites of local interest, or even where to spot a celebrity is there. Amazing breadth of information for the reader. Take Santa Monica, maps, suggested places to go the best beaches, eat, walk, bike, bike rentals, stay by area and price, rated by real people, excellent. I can't wait to try so many new places since our last visit, that's what I am attempting to convey, the book really sets the stage for a well planned trip, Lonely Planet pays for the places it reviews, no freebies, no pay for a review stuff, and you get good quality advice you can count on. Thanks!
Get the book, or digital chapters directly from Lonely Planet, great value.
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Lonely Planet Los Angeles San Diego & Southern California (Regional Travel Guide)'Perhaps LA is best defined by those simple life-affirming moments. A cracked-ice, jazz-age cocktail on Beverly Boulevard, a hike high into the Hollywood Hills sagebrush, a swirling pod of dolphins off Point Dume'" - Adam Skolnick, Lonely Planet WriterOur PromiseYou can trust our travel information because Lonely Planet authors visit the places we write about, each and every edition. We never accept freebies for positive coverage, and you can rely on us to tell it like we see it.Inside This Book'3 local authors16 weeks of research47 maps44 stunning beachesInspirational photosClear, easy-to-use mapsIn-depth backgroundEasy-to-read layoutComprehensive planning toolsDisneyland trip planner
Click here for more information about Lonely Planet Los Angeles San Diego & Southern California (Regional Travel Guide)
