I am in the VERY preliminary stages of planning an August 2006 trip to California. Nothing is set in stone yet and I am reading ALL previous threads dealing with Ca.

We are looking to cover San Diego to San Francisco (I lived in SF for 5 years and am familiar with No. Ca. AND how far it is from So. CA.) with stops and stays along the way including possibly Laguna Beach, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, San Simeon area and then in the Bay area wherever-- my sister is in Marin.

Before I make any further plans, I would like to figure out where I could insert some hiking. I am a decent hiker and like a bit of an aerobic climb. Obviously beautiful or unique views are the goal, Any suggestions that would not take me too far off the course we are planning to drive?

Point Lobos State Reserve near Carmel has some hiking and breathtaking views!!

Point Reyes.

-Bill

There are hundreds of places. I'd get a book on California hiking and go from there.

Big Basin state park is one of my favorites.

Thanks. I plan on getting a book (I love buying vacation books) but I wanted to hear some favorites that I should further investigate.

POint Lobos and Big Basin seem to be along the general route I am hoping to take so I will check into them.

Bill--I love Point Reyes but we are not heading that far north on this trip. Mill Valley will be the northern most point.

I guess I am most interested in hearing about hikes in the L. A. to Santa Barbara area. If anyone has a favorite...I have bookmarked a couple of sites and will be getting a book soon but want to hear the Fodorite take on things.

Thanks.

One of the best views of the coast I think can be found at Julia Pfieffer Burns SP. A short walk takes you to a beautiful waterfall that falls right into the ocean.

I also liked the hikes around Point Lobos. They are short, but diverse and scenic.

Eeva,

In your first post you don't mention anything about Big Sur. In your research and planning I would seriously look into doing some exploring in this area on your trip. Karens mentions one hike and there are many more. Check out Andrew Molera State Park which is a bit north of Big Sur.

I live in Palo Alto in the Bay Area and one of our local treasures are the series of open space preserves in the mountains above us that stretch from Saratoga in the south to the Woodside area in the north. They offer great hiking opportunities in some amazing locations.

http://www.openspace.org/default.asp

Have fun planning.

-Bill

I've posted in various threads about California hiking - click on my name to see all the threads.

These books are excellent and I highly recommend them:

"Robert Stone's Day Hikes in..."
(there are a series of books on Central Coast, LA area, SF area, Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley etc.). Recommended hikes are usually excellent, and with good maps.

Foghorn Press: California Hiking
This book covers the whole state - I don't agree with some of their ratings but it is a great overview and has lots of good ideas.

IMHO some of the best California hiking (some of the best hiking anywhere) is not along the coast but in the Sierra Nevadas.

Montana D'Oro State Park in Morro Bay area comes to mind though for your planned trip.

If you have specific questions I'll be happy to answer. Have a great trip!