150 Nature Hot Spots in California

An illustrated guide to California's most popular and iconic nature getaways.

150 Nature Hot Spots in California showcases the legendary diversity and beauty of California's landscape and wildlife -- famous deserts, iconic badlands, lush forests and beautiful beaches. The book is organized by region. Each entry includes at-a-glance information on activities, addresses and contact information; a feature on the location's characteristics, history and best hiking paths; and photography illustrating the geography and prominent wildlife and flora of the region.

The destinations and sites include:

Waterfalls and giant sequoias of Yosemite National Park

The cinder cone of Amboy Crater

Below-sea-level salt flats of Death Valley National Park

Elephant seals at A-o Nuevo State Park

The palm oasis at Coachella Valley Preserve

Tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument

The wind-sculpted badlands of Alabama Hills

Hydrothermal features of Lassen Volcanic National Park

Tule elk and whales at Point Reyes National Seashore.

California is one of America's most popular travel destinations. According to Visit California, the state is the No. 1 tourism destination in the U.S. Of the 268 million tourists that visited in 2016, roughly 75 percent were Californians, 18 percent were from other states and 7 percent were from outside the country.

This guidebook will appeal to all travelers: families, hikers, campers, photographers and other nature enthusiasts; those who'd want to spend a week in the wilderness; and those who simply want to take a day trip.