Order your FREE California Official Visitor's Guide or view a digital version.

Discover the wonders of the Golden State—glorious beaches and mountains, lush wine country, abundant farmlands, dramatic deserts, dynamic cities, and fun places to play.

welcome to amazing california!

You have chosen to visit one of the most diverse, exciting, and beautiful destinations in the world. Maria and I are proud to serve the 36 million people of California, and we hope you will be a frequent traveler to our Golden State.

To help guide you on your journey, we are pleased to present you with this copy of our beautiful California Official State Visitor’s Guide™, a resource for planning every facet of your trip. We think you’ll find it not only useful during your stay, but a great way to plan for future California vacations.

So get started! We hope your trip is everything you want it to be, and that when you leave, you’ll be saying “I’ll be back.”

Read the Digital Edition: California Official Visitor's Guide 2009

12 discover
High Sierra lakes, dramatic desert vistas in Anza-Borrego, perfect campgrounds along the North Coast—the irresistible allure of California’s natural wonders.
14 Backroad Surprises Outside bigcity hubs, chefs are making magic with farm-fresh ingredients
16 North Coast Camping Grab your tent and escape to the world’s tallest trees
18 Desert Solitude Fall in love again in Anza-Borrego’s stunning wilderness
20 Twelve Perfect Lakes Dive into the state’s best watering holes
24 Majestic Mammoth Letting loose in this Sierra winter playground

28 enjoy
Feel warm spa waters overlooking vineyards, savor cutting-edge cuisine, indulge in chic Laguna Beach boutiques, relax in luxurious lodgings in Monterey. Why wait?
32 Orange County Indulgence Explore the vibrant scene around the region’s trendy beach towns
34 Monterey Unveiled New attractions, classic history, and an incomparably beautiful bay
36 Hit the Farm Trails Best ways to celebrate the Central Valley bounty
38 Green SF From the new science museum to city initiatives, appreciate San Francisco’s true eco-heart

42 play
Take a spin with The Simpsons, catch the music vibe in L.A., see Yosemite in a new way, dance in the SoCal waves: It’s all possible in the Golden State.
44 Yosemite Hits It Big Get your family stoked for the ultimate adventure
46 Surfin’ San Diego Splash and surf with true California girls
50 Winning Scores Pitcher Barry Zito shares his favorite L.A. music haunts
52 Theme Park Surprises Classic winners, new thrills around the state

California Travel Basics 10 How to Use This Guide 10 California Welcome CentersSM 54 Statewide Resources 55 Travel Information Guide Receive more information from our advertisers 200 Official State Map Your road map to California 224 City Index

Visit California Travel & Tourism Commission Website

California Vacation, Travel, Tourism, Visit California.

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