Synopses & Reviews
Travel writer Stuart Thornton introduces you to the best of Santa Barbara and California's Central Coast, from Santa Barbara's stunning Spanish architecture to Ventura's treasure-filled thrift shops. A longtime resident of the Central Coast, Thornton has plenty of unique trip strategies to offer, as well as helpful tips on the best beaches, cheap eats, campgrounds, and more. Complete with inside information on enjoying the California Avocado Festival, sipping wine at the 16 wine tasting rooms on the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail, and catching some rays on Pismo Beach, Moon Santa Barbara and the Central Coast gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
About the Author
Stuart Thornton first fell in love with the California coast when he got a job at the Big Sur Ranger Station. At work, he provided visitors with all sorts of information about the region, from the best places to camp to the best meals in the area. On his days off, he took his own advice and regularly sought out the best local spots for hiking, backpacking, surfing, and snorkeling.
Thornton later moved to nearby Monterey to become a staff writer for the Monterey County Weekly, and he now works as a freelance writer for a range of publications from National Geographic Education to Relix Magazine. He has traveled the length and breadth of the coastline. He paddled through the glowing green sea caves of the Channel Islands, took in the wealth of artwork at Los Angeles Getty Center, kayaked Elkhorn Slough in Monterey Bay, and finally surfed the renowned surf break Trestles near San Clemente. When not searching for the next great secluded beach, uncrowded wave, or quirky coastal attraction, he lives in Marina, CA.