Probably a strange question but can anyone recommend a good/detailed road map which covers California please in case our rental car doesn't have gps?

Are you a member of AAA?

They have very good road maps. Better yet the online triptik has info on gas stations, restaurants, motels/hotels, etc.

For Metro Areas, Thomas Maps can't be beat-
http://www.thomasguidebooks.com/

We have a state-wide Thomas guide that is really great.

All our other maps are from AAA.

And for the record, I don't think it is a strange question. I would never go without a map, even with gps in the car. Maps give a broader perspective and are very helpful if you want more than point A to point B.

Times certainly have changed as more and more people consider a good road map as a backup to GPS. I however, am not one of them.

AAA maps are excellent. So are Rand McNally maps.

DMJapril, if you can't get one in advance, you can get the Thomas maps at any of the big bookstores here (Borders or Barnes & Noble).

Thanks for your help guys - will probably do as dmlove suggests and pick a map up in San Francisco.

Most large grocery stores have pretty good maps at the check out counters. There is usually a full CA state map and then several local area maps and most large metro areas.

If you aren't an AAA member, it is worth joining for the incredible collection of maps they have for California and for hotel and motel discounts.

Just as important as a road map would be a list of radio stations that give regular traffic reports (every 10-15 minutes)!

Good point about the radio stations -- you can get "traffic and weather" on AM 740 probably all the way from Monterey to SFO (on the 8s - :08, :18, :28, etc.)

they have them at most gas stations too. i like rand mcnally (sp?).