It’s that time of year many of us are thinking about summer travel plans and considering what is around the corner for fun during break. While trips to other U.S. cities and abroad always have their appeal, there are also countless reasons to remain local and discover Southern California’s traveled and less traveled coastlines, hiking trails of magnificent beauty or L.A. sights aside from nature. The Library has many resources for planning day trips as well as full-fledged vacations in Southern California. Below is a list of places and/or activities with corresponding Library call numbers. Several titles are suggested within each category but each section in the Library will have more books on the topic than are listed here for starters. Links to other online information are also included.
- Beaches and Family Fun – second floor, stack 19, call number area F867.
Beaches and Parks in Southern California by Steve Scholl – This guidebook provides details about experiencing Southern California beaches county by county.
Santa Monica Beach by Ernest Marquez – A pictorial book, it showcases historic images of this well known and loved beach.
Kidding Around Los Angeles by Judy Cash. In this title, the author describes the sights and events in Los Angeles that are interesting to young people. Cash includes details about beaches, museums, parks and sporting and cultural events.
More information about local beaches can be found at the Department of Beaches and Harbors.
- Biking – second floor, stack 26, call number area GV1045.
Mountain Biking in Southern California by Mark A. Ross and Brad L. Fine. Specifics about the many biking trails in the southern part of our state are included in this guidebook.
Mountain Biking the San Gabriel Mountains’ Best Trails, with Angeles National Forest and Mt. Pinos by Mike Troy. As the title suggests, this book describes interesting and noteworthy biking trails in our local mountains.
- Deserts and Mountains – second floor, stack 19, call number area F867.
California Desert Byway: Backcountry Drives for the Whole Family by Tony Huegel. This title provides information for planning family outings to Southern California Desert destinations.
California-Nevada Roads Less Traveled by Don W. Martin. This guidebook provides informaton on visiting California desert sites, north and south, that are less crowded.
More information about California deserts can be found at Californiadesert.gov.
- Hiking – second floor, stack 25, call number area GV199.
Hiking Southern California by Ron Adkison. Southern California’s greatest hiking adventures are described in this guidebook.
101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad. This title explores hiking trails within our local mountains, seashores and deserts.
You may also want to take a look at the California Department of Parks and Recreation Hiking information for Southern California.
