The California coast, from the majestic redwoods & rocky shores in the north to the palm trees & wide, sandy beaches in the south, is an area of unsurpassed beauty & diversity. This revised & expanded sixth edition of the California Coastal Access Guide is an essential handbook for both new & seasoned visitors exploring California's majestic 1, 100-mile shoreline. With up-to-date maps & information, it is a valuable guide for all beach goers
- hikers, campers, swimmers, divers, wheelchair users, joggers, & boaters
- detailing where to go, how to get there, & what facilities & environment to expect. The Guide contains: information on more than 890 public access coastal areas; clear descriptions of campgrounds, trails, recreation areas, transportation, & parking; addresses, phone numbers, websites, transit information, & hours of use; information on wheelchair-accessible facilities; easy-to-read charts listing facilities & topographical features; 125 updated maps providing directions & driving distances; 15 full-color county maps; &, more than 300 illustrations. Also contained in this handbook is extensive information on environmental issues, updated to account for changing ecological conditions & conservation strategies. Feature articles cover a broad range of topics, including natural history, marine & coastal wildlife, environmental issues, & sports & recreation. Over thirty years ago California voters approved an initiative that led to the creation of the California Coastal Commission. Later, the California Coastal Act of 1976 established the Commission as a permanent state agency with a mission to protect, maintain, & enhance the quality of the coastal environment. One of the Commission's principal goals is to maintain public access & public recreational opportunities along the coast in a way consistent with environmental preservation. The California Coastal Access Guide, which was created with these objectives in mind, will prove indispensable to anyone with a desire to explore the magnificent diversity of California's beaches.