Fodor's newest travel series is designed for travelers who want to travel well and spend less.  With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take travelers away from the crowds and close to the culture -- without having to spend a fortune.Fodor's upCLOSE California is smart, fun, and informative. It gives you quirky, never-obvious facts about major sights, as well as the lowdown on the minor ones. It's in-the-know about what's going on. It reveals the essence of the Golden State and helps you get the most California for your travel dollar. In short, it's the best of all possible travel companions.All the places to go, from Hollywood to the redwoodsThe coast, the mountains, the cities, the lakes, the desertHearst Castle, Universal Studios, the Wine Country, and Yosemite Seaside walks in Monterey, panning for gold in the Sierra foothills Roughing it in Death Valley, lazing away the day in Santa BarbaraTell-all reviews of small hotels, cozy B&BsWhere to stay that's charming (and doesn't cost an arm and a leg) Big Sur on a budget, Carmel for a song, San Francisco with class Country B&Bs, city hostels, ocean-view motels, and woodsy cabins Campgrounds in the wilds, civilized sites with all the amenitiesThe buzz on restaurants, nightlife, and the artsThe best of California cuisine, in town and on the road Nightclubs, wine bars, cybercafés, and discos Music everywhere, from the Hollywood Bowl to the California State FairPractical info, great mapsAirfare deals and how to get around Tips on traveling smart and losing the crowds Clear, easy-to-read maps