Debbie K. Hardin - Southern California: an explorers guide

Welcome to the first edition of the most comprehensive guide to Southern California. The geography in Southern California is vast, and thus to fit it all in, Ive been discriminating in coverage, but at the same time touched on a broad spectrum of lodging, dining, and attraction options. My opinions are informed from my experiences of living and vacationing in Southern California for more than 35 years. All entries are chosen on the basis of personal experience and are not paid advertising.

I hope that the organization of the book makes it easy to read and use. The layout has been kept simple; the following pointers will help you get started.

WHATS WHERE

In the beginning of the book, Ive included an alphabetical listing of special highlights and important information, arranged for quick reference. Youll find advice on everything from the best sites for birding to finding upscale yurt camping along the Central Coast.

LODGING

Please dont hold us or the respective innkeepers responsible for the rates listed as of press time. Changes are inevitable and vary widely from season to season.

RESTAURANTS

Throughout the book, note the distinction between Dining Out and Eating Out. Restaurants listed under Eating Out are generally inexpensive and more casual; reservations are often recommended for restaurants in Dining Out.

A NOTE ON PRICES

The accommodations and restaurants in this book represent a wide variety of price points. I use dollar-sign categories based on a range of prices. This range is based on the nightly weekend room rate for standard rooms within hotels and per unit for cottages or other rental units. For meals, the range reflects the typical price of a dinner entre, not including appetizer, dessert, drinks, tax, or tip.

Lodgings

Restaurants

KEY TO SYMBOLS

The star icon appears next to accommodations, restaurants, bars, and sights that are must-sees.

The special value icon appears next to accommodations, restaurants, and activities that combine exceptional quality with moderate prices.

The dog-paw icon appears next to accommodations where pets are welcome.

The crayon icon appears next to accommodations, restaurants, and activities of special appeal to children and families.

The martini glass icon appears next to restaurants and entertainment venues with good bars.

The wedding-ring icon appears next to accommodations, restaurants, and gardens that are especially attractive for weddings and civil unions.

The triangle icon appears next to accommodations, restaurants, and bars that cater to gay clientele.

The leaf icon appears next to accommodations, restaurants, and bars that are especially ecofriendly.

I n writing this book, I relied on friends and family to share insider secrets and their own favorites throughout Southern California. For their generosity in providing suggestions I thank Bruce Block, Karen Carriere, Matt Cynaumon, Megan Cynaumon, Cate DaPron, Alyson Earnest, Linda Frandsen, Ron Frandsen, Eleanor Garner, Pat Gonzalez, Sharon Griggs, Donna Johnson, Emilee Legg, Kevin Legg, Larry Legg, Debi Leonard, Julie Leposky, Andrew Preimesberger, Becky Preimesberger, Joe Preimesberger, Jon Preimesberger, Juliane Preimesberger, Mel Preimesberger, David Pugh, Stacey Richards, Margie Rogers, Frank Safranek, Carol Simpson, Christina Simpson, Cindy Simpson, and Caty Van Housen. In addition, a number of public relations and marketing folks throughout the area made life a little bit easier for me by providing information, photographs, and answering questions in a pinch. These include Margaret Adamic, Erica Avila, Lauren Burdon, Kate Buska, Marguarite Clark, Carol Martinez, Kim Okeson, Wendy Schnee, Christina Simmons, and Janet Zaldua. Finally, I am grateful to the ace staff at Countryman Press for helping me bring this book to fruition: Kermit Hummel, editorial director; Kim Grant, acquisitions editor; Lisa Sacks, managing editor; Doug Yeager, production editor; Justine Rathbun, copy editor; and Tom Haushalter, promotions and marketing manager.

T hanks for buying this book; I hope it will serve you well. It contains more information than youll ever be able to use, because the scope of Southern California is vast, and visitors can easily spend a month and barely have time to see the expanse of attractions in one city. With that in mind, a couple of sample itineraries follow. Know in advance that because of the geographical sprawl between some of these destinations, youll have to be efficient with your time: get an early start and keep a steady pace. Keep in mind the travel time between locations, which can vary greatly, depending on traffic.

IF YOU HAVE THREE DAYS

Start by spending a day in San Diego checking out the beaches in La Jolla, the renowned San Diego Zoo, and the popular Gaslamp Quarter downtown. Move on to Los Angeles for two days, concentrating first on Hollywood and Beverly Hills (check out a studio tour, visit the expansive Hollywood and Highland Center, or attend a live television taping; dine at a restaurant headed by a celebrity chef like Wolfgang Puck or Gordon Ramsey; shop on Rodeo Drive), and then Malibu, to spend the morning at the Getty Center and the afternoon at Zuma Beach.