Northern California Off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Unique Places

I just returned from my sixth trip to San Francisco/Bay area. I'd seen most of the usual things and so when I saw this book right before I left I thought it might help me find some new things to see and do. Did it ever! I found places in the City that I had totally missed before but when I traveled north, through Sonoma Valley, and back along the coast this book was worth it's weight in gold. Without it I would have missed some marvelous beaches and total gems of state parks. When I go back this will definitely be one of the first items I pack. This is a definite must have for anyone who is: on a return trip; on a budget; looking for a bit more adventure than the average tourist - any or all of the above. Great as this guide is, it is not without a few shortcomings. Hotels and restaurants are listed with addresses and phone numbers but no other information so the traveler has no idea about quality or cost. The other problem is that the maps are not very detailed at all. They are useful for setting out a general plan but not enough to actually navigate by. Use this in conjuction with another, more detailed guide and/or internet or local 'freebie' guides and you'll be fine.