A guide to exploring the natural beauty and historic sites of the Pacific coast via a selection of lesser-known scenic routes throughout California. From sprawling beaches to dramatic cliffs, the landscapes carved out by the mighty Pacific Ocean have been a destination for adventure and discovery since the earliest Spanish explorers arrived in the 1600s. While here and there the coastal wilderness has given way to California’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, the backroads and mountain lanes afford countless opportunities to experience the quiet of nature or explore the history of centuries-old communities. Visit sleepy fishing villages and historic landmarks of the Old West; hike through lush wilderness and fish in clear mountain streams; or catch some waves at one of the many pristine beaches along California’s glorious coastline. With glorious color photography and detailed descriptions, maps, and directions, Backroads of the California Coast offers two dozen fascinating and scenic journeys through some of the nation’s most glorious landscapes.