California is big place. I mean, really big. From the snow-capped mountains, dry desserts, dense redwood forests, and dynamic farmlands to the quickly proliferating wine regions and endless miles of coastline, it's enough to keep any traveler (and one particular travel writer) busy for a lifetime. So, for the best travel tips, I find that guide books specializing on a particular part of this enormous state are more informative than ones attempting to cover the entire she-bang in one book.

Lately, I'm into Open Road's Best of Southern California (Simon & Schuster, 2007) by O.C. native, Elizabeth Borsting. She really dishes on what's worth doing---and what's overrated. "We're talking only the best here, regardless of price range. If it's great, I put it in the book," she says. What I dig the most is not only her insider knowledge of authentic "Cali" things to do (like having a beach bonfire at Huntington Beach or getting a Date Shake at historic Ruby's Shake Shack along the Pacific Coast Highway), but that she suggests the best itineraries based on how much time you have. One day, one weekend, one week? No problemo. She even adds alternative plans, in case you don't like something she suggests. It's authoritative, easy to use, and includes color photos and maps. Available at www.simonsays.com

I'd love to hear about your Southern Cali travel tips, too. Thumbs up or down: What did you think of shopping on Abbott Kinney Blvd in Venice Beach? Is In-N-Out Burger a California icon? Dude, which beaches are hot (and which ones are SO not)?