Best Monterey California Travel Books of 2025

Knitting California: 26 Easy-to-Follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by the Golden State is a delightful book for knitting enthusiasts who love California. The book features 26 beanie patterns inspired by the beauty of California's natural treasures and landmarks. From the glamour of Hollywood to the majesty of the Coastal Redwoods, these charming beanies depict the state's unique and diverse landscapes. The book offers clear charts, easy-to-read keys, and thorough instructions for beginner and experienced knitters alike. The stunning photographs of California's landscapes, landmarks, flora, and fauna make this book a perfect gift for anyone who loves knitting and California.

Scenic Driving California's Pacific Coast is a must-have guidebook for anyone planning a road trip along the 1,100-mile stretch of Highway 1. The book is filled with stunning photographs and detailed information about charming seaside communities, making it easy to find the best places to eat, stay, shop, and play. Whether you're looking for a short day-trip or an extended tour of the entire coastline, this guidebook has got you covered. Author Stewart M. Green has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of California's Pacific Coast and presenting it in a way that is both informative and visually appealing.

Moon Monterey & Carmel: With Santa Cruz & Big Sur (Travel Guide) is an excellent guidebook for those who wish to explore these charming seaside towns in California. It offers strategic itineraries, outdoor adventures, and honest advice from a local. The book covers the top sights and unique experiences in Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Cambria, San Simeon, Morro Bay, and Salinas. The guidebook is filled with full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, making it easy to navigate. Overall, this guidebook is a practical and insightful tool for anyone planning a trip to the area.

Designer Nathan Turner takes readers on a journey up and down Highway 1 in his book, I Love California. The book features simple recipes, tips for entertaining, and never-before-seen interiors captured in lavish photographs. Turner's signature recipes for California comfort food, like his family's Cioppino, Marinated Tri-tip Steak, and Mexican Chocolate Cake, are also included. The book is more than just a design book and will appeal to all readers who wish to visit California's sun-dappled coast. Overall, I Love California is a must-have for anyone who loves easy glam California living and wants to create this dreamy California lifestyle anywhere.

Moon Northern California Road Trips is a comprehensive travel guide that offers a variety of flexible getaways throughout Northern California. The book includes detailed information on the best places to eat, sleep, stop, and explore, as well as easy-to-use maps and driving tools. Written by Northern Californians Stuart Thornton and Kayla Anderson, the book provides expert advice on where to go and what to see. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone planning a road trip in Northern California and is highly recommended for its practical tips and local expertise.

Packed with over-the-top, eye-catching dishes, "Picture Perfect Cooking" is a cookbook that will take your food presentation to the next level. So Yummy, the most viral food brand on social media, shares their real-life food styling and culinary pro tips to help you achieve heart-eye emoji plating that will get you all the likes. With step-by-step instructions and interactive special features, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook and wants to make their food look as good as it tastes.

Coastal Trails of Northern California: Including Best Dog Friendly Beaches is a comprehensive hiking guide to the best coastal trails in Northern California. The book includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, color photos, and history of the trails. Moreover, the book is unique in that it includes dog-friendly beaches, making it an excellent guide for dog owners who love to explore the outdoors. The authors, Linda and David Mullally, have been sharing their hiking adventures for over 30 years and have coauthored five hiking guides. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the beautiful coastal trails of Northern California.

Day Hikes Around Monterey and Carmel is a comprehensive guidebook that includes 128 hikes ranging from one hour to all day. The book covers a wide range of hiking levels and offers a great selection of shoreline excursions, beaches, residential paths, wilderness hikes, cool canyons, and panoramic overlooks. The book also highlights various attractions like lighthouses, historic sites, long-spanning bridges, and sweeping coastal views. The author’s description of the hiking routes is detailed, informative, and engaging, making it an excellent choice for hikers of all levels. Overall, Day Hikes Around Monterey and Carmel is a must-have guidebook for anyone looking to explore the beautiful and scenic coastal stretch of the Pacific Ocean in Central California.

The book "Hiking Waterfalls in Northern California: A Guide to the Region's Best Waterfall Hikes" by Tracy Salcedo is an excellent resource for hikers of all ages who are looking to explore the natural beauty of northern California. The book includes a comprehensive guide to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the region, ranging from the redwood forests in the northwest to Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada. Each waterfall can be reached through a day hike, making them accessible to all. The book is well-written and informative, with clear directions and helpful tips. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves hiking and wants to experience the natural beauty of northern California.

If you're a nature enthusiast in California, you'll want to get your hands on California Wildlife. This handy folding pocket guide features 140 common and familiar mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, butterflies, and other insects, making it an invaluable companion for educators, learners, and naturalists. The laminated guide includes an ecoregion map showing over 20 wildlife-viewing hotspots, making it easy to connect with the land. Zoologist Jim Kavanagh has created an excellent introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena in California.