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Pacific Coasting: A Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip, from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest
Roll down the windows, turn up the radio, and take a drive up the world’s most magical coastline.
It’s a beautiful and practical travel guide. An illustrated keepsake. An inspiration to get out and visit. And a celebration of the wild, lush, larger-than-life 2,000 miles that run along the edge of the West Coast through California, Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island, where you’ll find everything from stunning vistas and alluring beaches to botanical gardens, nature trails, antiques stores, charming villages, and a handful of great cities along the way.
Created by artist and inveterate road-tripper Danielle Kroll, Pacific Coasting covers all the not-to-be-missed stops, while including maps, packing lists and playlists (yes, what to listen to as you’re driving up to Hearst Castle), and specific guides like Tide Pool Etiquette and Oregon Lighthouses. The result is the offbeat adventure of a lifetime, filled with something new to discover every hour of every day.
It’s a beautiful and practical travel guide. An illustrated keepsake. An inspiration to get out and visit. And a celebration of the wild, lush, larger-than-life 2,000 miles that run along the edge of the West Coast through California, Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island, where you’ll find everything from stunning vistas and alluring beaches to botanical gardens, nature trails, antiques stores, charming villages, and a handful of great cities along the way.
Created by artist and inveterate road-tripper Danielle Kroll, Pacific Coasting covers all the not-to-be-missed stops, while including maps, packing lists and playlists (yes, what to listen to as you’re driving up to Hearst Castle), and specific guides like Tide Pool Etiquette and Oregon Lighthouses. The result is the offbeat adventure of a lifetime, filled with something new to discover every hour of every day.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 16, 2021
41 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 30, 2024
The secret that many tourists travelling to California don’t know is that they need to get away from the tourist centers. If they can rent a car, follow the outline in this book and traverse the state, seeing all the lovingly illustrated road spots along the way. And if the traveller has the time for more, the book takes the reader all the way through to British Columbia in Canada, finishing the Pacific Route.
First, I immediately enjoyed the Personal Packing List at the beginning of the book. Having travelled the Golden State via train and automobile, I know that one can bring much more in a car, such as the all-important beach blanket. Of course, don’t fill up the car too much because you will need room to bring back all the goodies you find in all the out-of-the-way places you will visit. The author starts at “the bottom” (as we call San Diego) and slowly meanders toward “the top” (as we call Mendocino). Since the purpose of the book is showing the coastal side of the state, the route stays along Route 101 and California 1. As anyone who has ever travelled these highways/freeways knows, it is a joy to just get in a car and drive, stopping at roadside fruit stands or visiting California missions and botanical parks.
My favorite part of the state is the Middle Kingdom, in between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Here, otters munch on abalone, fog can cover innocent driving lanes in minutes, and the road through Big Sur can be terrifying. There are watercolor illustrations of Palm Trees, Missions, and Redwoods to keep one looking for more, along with suggestions for local town visits to wake up with an espresso or snack. Once past California, the beaches of Oregon become prominent with the book showing some hidden spots. Up through Washington, it’s ferry time to Victoria Island where one of my all-time favorite tea shops is always ready with scones and a good brew. My word, just reading this made me want to set up a journey just to enjoy the ride again.
Each chapter is broken into the main sections of the journey, such as San Diego – San Luis Obispo and begins with an easy map showing the total mileage for that trip and the sights to visit. So, if you want to visit the Pacific Coast and only have so much time, you could use the book to plan it all out, perhaps returning another time to finish yet another section. Personally, I have used three weeks just to roam around California, because it’s a very elongated state. I enjoy moving from one spot to another, settling down for the evening in whatever town I happen to be near or in when 4 PM hits. If you like a more scheduled routine, go ahead and book inns and hotels and motels in advance, but I think that’s cheating.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed reading this book if only for Danielle Kroll’s illustrations. It’s just one of those books that make the perfect travelling companion.
Book Season = Year Round (well, maybe give winter a wider berth)
First, I immediately enjoyed the Personal Packing List at the beginning of the book. Having travelled the Golden State via train and automobile, I know that one can bring much more in a car, such as the all-important beach blanket. Of course, don’t fill up the car too much because you will need room to bring back all the goodies you find in all the out-of-the-way places you will visit. The author starts at “the bottom” (as we call San Diego) and slowly meanders toward “the top” (as we call Mendocino). Since the purpose of the book is showing the coastal side of the state, the route stays along Route 101 and California 1. As anyone who has ever travelled these highways/freeways knows, it is a joy to just get in a car and drive, stopping at roadside fruit stands or visiting California missions and botanical parks.
My favorite part of the state is the Middle Kingdom, in between Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Here, otters munch on abalone, fog can cover innocent driving lanes in minutes, and the road through Big Sur can be terrifying. There are watercolor illustrations of Palm Trees, Missions, and Redwoods to keep one looking for more, along with suggestions for local town visits to wake up with an espresso or snack. Once past California, the beaches of Oregon become prominent with the book showing some hidden spots. Up through Washington, it’s ferry time to Victoria Island where one of my all-time favorite tea shops is always ready with scones and a good brew. My word, just reading this made me want to set up a journey just to enjoy the ride again.
Each chapter is broken into the main sections of the journey, such as San Diego – San Luis Obispo and begins with an easy map showing the total mileage for that trip and the sights to visit. So, if you want to visit the Pacific Coast and only have so much time, you could use the book to plan it all out, perhaps returning another time to finish yet another section. Personally, I have used three weeks just to roam around California, because it’s a very elongated state. I enjoy moving from one spot to another, settling down for the evening in whatever town I happen to be near or in when 4 PM hits. If you like a more scheduled routine, go ahead and book inns and hotels and motels in advance, but I think that’s cheating.
Needless to say, I really enjoyed reading this book if only for Danielle Kroll’s illustrations. It’s just one of those books that make the perfect travelling companion.
Book Season = Year Round (well, maybe give winter a wider berth)
February 28, 2020
Beautifully illustrated guide to traveling the Pacific Coast, from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest. Broken down into separate destinations in each state, it covers interesting places to visit at each location. Along with things to look for at each (agates, whales, wildflowers, etc). I have visited many of the places the author mentions, but will now have to go back and look again, just to find all her suggestions.
This book is definitely going onto my trip planning bookshelf. And a copy for the glove box of my vehicle, too!
Very enjoyable!
This book is definitely going onto my trip planning bookshelf. And a copy for the glove box of my vehicle, too!
Very enjoyable!
March 24, 2021
Sometime I lament that I never go anywhere or do anything. So I bought this book to change that. With Covid, maybe trips near home might be a good idea. I call the Pacific Northwest home. Reading this book, I realized, I do go places! I’ve Pacific Coasted from Mid-California to mid-Oregon. So long and boring, I wouldn’t recommend again. But found gems like Eureka, CA and Florence, OR. Then I Pacific Coasted Tillamook, Oregon up through Astoria and found I loved the Northern Oregon Coast. So much so I did this trip twice and want to do it again with my friend, an Oregon Coast virgin this summer.
And what I like most about this book, is that Pacific Coasting doesn’t end at the upper Pacific Coast tip of Washington State. It instead loops inward around the Olympic National Forest, meanders around through Puget Sound and ends in Seattle. It even offers a side trip to Vancouver Island, Canada!
And I have done the road trip from Victoria and up though the interior Coast of Vancouver Island. This book recommends Victoria to the outer Coast of Vancouver Island. I have wanted to try this!
I have also done the loop around the Olympic National Forest. So maybe I bought this book not as an effort to do something... but to do it again!
The book is full of art that makes it an enjoyable book to wander through. But recommendations of what to do in Seattle are only two pages, so not a comprehensive resource for road tripping, but makes you excited about discovering possibilities and offers ideas to research further.
My daughter saw me reading the illustrated book and said “Oh, I like books like that.” It’s a great visual treat.
And remember folks... West Coast, Best Coast!
And what I like most about this book, is that Pacific Coasting doesn’t end at the upper Pacific Coast tip of Washington State. It instead loops inward around the Olympic National Forest, meanders around through Puget Sound and ends in Seattle. It even offers a side trip to Vancouver Island, Canada!
And I have done the road trip from Victoria and up though the interior Coast of Vancouver Island. This book recommends Victoria to the outer Coast of Vancouver Island. I have wanted to try this!
I have also done the loop around the Olympic National Forest. So maybe I bought this book not as an effort to do something... but to do it again!
The book is full of art that makes it an enjoyable book to wander through. But recommendations of what to do in Seattle are only two pages, so not a comprehensive resource for road tripping, but makes you excited about discovering possibilities and offers ideas to research further.
My daughter saw me reading the illustrated book and said “Oh, I like books like that.” It’s a great visual treat.
And remember folks... West Coast, Best Coast!
December 28, 2020
Pacific Coasting is just amazing! It is informative, helpful, entertaining, and downright GORGEOUS. Subtitled “A Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip, from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest,” it covers the entire Pacific Coast of the Continental U.S., with clearly defined sections for the various regions in each of the three states. It includes interesting places to visit, things to look at (whales, agates, trees, wildflowers), it is completely spectacular.
I plan to buy a copy for myself, as well as for a few special friends who will appreciate it both as an information resource and a piece of art. Seriously, it is wonderful! Five stars. Thanks to Artisan Books and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for this honest review.
I plan to buy a copy for myself, as well as for a few special friends who will appreciate it both as an information resource and a piece of art. Seriously, it is wonderful! Five stars. Thanks to Artisan Books and NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for this honest review.
July 16, 2023
I so want to do this road trip!! I love reading books like this during the summer, and it made me appreciate my home state so much more because of all the beautiful sites we have. The author does short little write-ups on each destination and her art work is so stunning. This is definitely a book to add to my library.
July 30, 2021
My brother got me this book for my birthday and I adore it! Jamie and I are exploring the coast of CA for our honeymoon so this was a perfect guide
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June 22, 2021Northern California.
January 3, 2024
I loved everything about this book. The pictures were beautiful and I couldn’t get enough of them. I’ve explored a huge portion of the pacific coast and it was so fun to see places I have been and some of the hidden treasures I have come to love. It also showed me new things of places I want to go to. I can’t recommend this book enough. Especially if you are a pacific coast lover and roadtrip goer like me!
January 19, 2025
Beautiful illustrations. A great overview of highlights and places to stop and explore along the Pacific Coast Highway from beginning to end.
October 14, 2023
The illustrations in this are gorgeous.
April 3, 2024
Beautifully illustrated!
This book is a perfect companion to the ultimate roadtrip. The author did a great job highlighting so many lovely places along the pacific coast.
This book is a perfect companion to the ultimate roadtrip. The author did a great job highlighting so many lovely places along the pacific coast.
July 22, 2021
Beautiful illustrations, thoughtful writing, easy to digest. What's more to want in a travel book?
September 29, 2020
Review to come on my blog at release: Nonstop Reader.
Pacific Coasting is a tutorial, planning, and inspiration guide to driving the Pacific coast of the USA. Due out 16th March 2021 from Workman Publishing on their Artisan imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a really engaging and appealing homage to the All-American road trip with some specific destination suggestions and a wealth of information for dreaming, planning, and execution. The introduction includes some good general info - what the pack, how to plan, and what the Pacific coast has to offer.
The following chapters are arranged more or less from southerly destinations toward the northwest (she explains why in the book). The chapters include lots of fun destinations for day trips, longer trips, or the ultimate marathon road trip from Southern California to Washington. Each of the chapters - So. Cal, No. Cal, Oregon, and Washington contain side info on different destinations and seasonal information.
The text is accompanied by a number of the author's own paintings of areas and landmarks (and whimsical maps) of the area and destinations. This is a beautifully written, illustrated, and inspirational book. I'm sitting in front of my living room window at the end of September and it's rainy, overcast, and grey, and I'm definitely California dreamin' - sunshine, palm trees, picnics, and breezes sound wonderful.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Pacific Coasting is a tutorial, planning, and inspiration guide to driving the Pacific coast of the USA. Due out 16th March 2021 from Workman Publishing on their Artisan imprint, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a really engaging and appealing homage to the All-American road trip with some specific destination suggestions and a wealth of information for dreaming, planning, and execution. The introduction includes some good general info - what the pack, how to plan, and what the Pacific coast has to offer.
The following chapters are arranged more or less from southerly destinations toward the northwest (she explains why in the book). The chapters include lots of fun destinations for day trips, longer trips, or the ultimate marathon road trip from Southern California to Washington. Each of the chapters - So. Cal, No. Cal, Oregon, and Washington contain side info on different destinations and seasonal information.
The text is accompanied by a number of the author's own paintings of areas and landmarks (and whimsical maps) of the area and destinations. This is a beautifully written, illustrated, and inspirational book. I'm sitting in front of my living room window at the end of September and it's rainy, overcast, and grey, and I'm definitely California dreamin' - sunshine, palm trees, picnics, and breezes sound wonderful.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 15, 2021
A big thanks to Netgalley and Artisan Books for this pdf. But in the future, please try to offer something on Netgalley that can be read on a Kindle.
The watercolor cartoon-like illustrations are worth the price of admission or cost of this guidebook featuring the Pacific Coast from Southern California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. They are just superb. Kroll, the artist and author, made lots of good suggestions on where to stop and what to do. She did seem a little partial to hikers and antique lovers as she mentioned lots of places to engage in those activities.
As a travel writer myself who specializes in Washington State, I found some significant misses, but I also learned some things I didn’t know about. I thought Seabrook and Westport both worth a mention. I frequently get to Oregon and definitely would have included the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. But I also give the author kudos for featuring John’s Beachcombing Museum which not many people know about.
With Covid still being the elephant in the room, I think this book should include a disclaimer in the introduction about calling before you go to certain restaurants, hotels and other places that might not have survived the pandemic.
If I was taking this trip, I’d definitely buy this guidebook and will recommend it to other readers. I would even by it for a gift.
The watercolor cartoon-like illustrations are worth the price of admission or cost of this guidebook featuring the Pacific Coast from Southern California to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. They are just superb. Kroll, the artist and author, made lots of good suggestions on where to stop and what to do. She did seem a little partial to hikers and antique lovers as she mentioned lots of places to engage in those activities.
As a travel writer myself who specializes in Washington State, I found some significant misses, but I also learned some things I didn’t know about. I thought Seabrook and Westport both worth a mention. I frequently get to Oregon and definitely would have included the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. But I also give the author kudos for featuring John’s Beachcombing Museum which not many people know about.
With Covid still being the elephant in the room, I think this book should include a disclaimer in the introduction about calling before you go to certain restaurants, hotels and other places that might not have survived the pandemic.
If I was taking this trip, I’d definitely buy this guidebook and will recommend it to other readers. I would even by it for a gift.
August 13, 2023
What a delightful little travel log. Having family up and down the West Coast, I've seen many of these sites 'up close and personal' many times over. Ms. Kroll has captured the ambience of every nook and cranny up and down the coast and has presented them all with a sense of discovery and awe. She presents not only the history of the native peoples, the current citizens of all the little villages and towns along the way but also she tells us about the fauna and flora of the area. She provides vivid word descriptions of sites, native plants and animals, historical buildings, and the grandeur that is the West coast at the same time as she paints whimsical and colorful pictures with her water color paintings. The maps that begin each section of the trip are detailed and accurate. All in all, this book is a treasure. It brought back many memories of childhood road trips as well as more recent visits to sites between Southern California and the Pacific Northwest to share this awesome coast line with our children. Now I want to pack my bags, gather up the grand kids and head out to US Rte. 101 to share the sunset coast with them. This book was an exciting find at my local library but I will be ordering a copy of it for my home library. It's the kind of book one returns to time and again as one reading isn't enough!
June 23, 2023
This is a thoroughly delightful armchair travel book which I plan to read again and again (especially on rainy winter days). The illustrations are beautiful. It has enough details to make you want to learn more about the various spots, but not so many details that it will feel dated in a few years. In the listed itineraries, the author encourages you to take your time and explore, rather than covering as many miles as fast as possible as some travel books do.
Over the years, I have traveled to many of the destinations listed in Washington and Oregon, and a few in California and her descriptions are spot on. I wish I was a camper, like the author, to stop and camp in some of the more remote locations. I also like it that the author includes Vancouver Island, which I have dreamt of seeing again.
Over the years, I have traveled to many of the destinations listed in Washington and Oregon, and a few in California and her descriptions are spot on. I wish I was a camper, like the author, to stop and camp in some of the more remote locations. I also like it that the author includes Vancouver Island, which I have dreamt of seeing again.
April 29, 2020
If I were to name the one road trip route that weaves throughout my life, it would be the one illustrated in Pacific Coasting from Vancouver Island to the Southern most beaches of California. I have driven and been a passenger along these roads my entire life and each stop along the way brings back layered memories and nostalgia. There are quintessential parts along the way that have remained relatively unchanged and others have become unrecognizable with each new passing through. Danielle Kroll’s illustrations, ponderings and instructions are spot on and her special mention of the bookshops along the way are especially poignant as I am one who cannot pass through a place without looking for those places too.
July 28, 2021
This travel guide is filled with stunning watercolours and quick tips. I bought it on a whim for the pretty pictures and was inspired by the journey it took me on.
Planning a road trip is hard and can be overwhelming. This guide suggests great stops and gives tidbits of info about each. I especially enjoyed the extra info about the flora and fauna found along the coast from California to Vancouver Island.
Even though we’ve been down the coast south to Florence, OR it was nice to retrace our steps and learn about new places to stop the next time we go. I really loved the journey through California since I’ve only been inland there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will refer to it repeatedly.
Planning a road trip is hard and can be overwhelming. This guide suggests great stops and gives tidbits of info about each. I especially enjoyed the extra info about the flora and fauna found along the coast from California to Vancouver Island.
Even though we’ve been down the coast south to Florence, OR it was nice to retrace our steps and learn about new places to stop the next time we go. I really loved the journey through California since I’ve only been inland there.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will refer to it repeatedly.
April 29, 2021
Wow this is such a gorgeous book with the most evocative and moving illustrations of the Pacific Coast. Flipping through the pages brings back so many nostalgic feelings for the areas I have already visited, and excitement for the areas I haven’t yet explored. The author, Danielle Kroll, has broken down the coastline into easily digestible and easy to navigate sections of SoCal, NorCal, Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island, with focus on major cities and areas of interest within each section. Sprinkled throughout are guides on plants, tide pools, playlists, and more! If you want a to feel inspired and motivated to plan an epic trip, this is the perfect book to read and daydream over.
January 3, 2023
Great anthology of coastal attractions and beautiful illustrations. A really relaxing and easy read. There is even bookstore recommendations for the book lovers!
My only critique is that the author clearly cares about indigenous people, is aware that the Pacific Coast is Native land, and briefly mentions oppressive nature of missions. However, they still had an entire page (plus a few mentions throughout) dedicated to missions. But this is my personal belief. Obviously, I do not have to go visit the missions (and I won’t). I just found it ironic and contradictory.
My only critique is that the author clearly cares about indigenous people, is aware that the Pacific Coast is Native land, and briefly mentions oppressive nature of missions. However, they still had an entire page (plus a few mentions throughout) dedicated to missions. But this is my personal belief. Obviously, I do not have to go visit the missions (and I won’t). I just found it ironic and contradictory.
March 9, 2023
I love this book! I read this whole book on a Saturday. It's so fun, easy and pleasurable to read as a whole or in sections. We drive from Seattle to Arizona through California every year, so this had a lot of information on places we have been, which was fun to relive, as well as places we haven't seen, even in our home state. It's a great resource to keep for anyone who lives along the West Coast to do day trips in your area or longer road trips. The illustrations make it even better, and the descriptions are just right--good information but not too much. Would make a great gift, too.
September 3, 2023
I LOVE this book. Just looking at the cover makes me happy. The artwork is so beautiful. The Pacific Coast brings so much joy to my life. Reading through Oregon and Washington just brought so many smiles to my face - and it gave me new places to visit that I’ve missed! I also want to drive the California stretch, if I ever get the chance. Same for Vancouver Island! I know I’ll be reading this one over and over again - even if just to look at the illustrations!
May 24, 2022
I loved every bit of this book. The illustrations are so cute, quirky, and worth admiring. The information for each stop along the coast was enough to get to know the area, but little enough to find your own hidden gems. Will definitely be picking this up anytime I plan a trip to the coast.
February 23, 2025
This book would not be very good as a guidebook, but if you're seeking some really vague ideas of what to do on a road trip along the Pacific Coast, great. But there were a lot of fantastic places missing. Pretty book, but not very useful.
July 4, 2021
This is a charming book. Read it even if you aren't planning to travel.
September 30, 2021
The layout is beautiful with the amazing drawings. It's fun to imagine for future getaways.
February 10, 2022
Delightful and informative!
Would love to make this trip!!
Holding hope this talented author/artist will
reward us with another trip soon!!
Would love to make this trip!!
Holding hope this talented author/artist will
reward us with another trip soon!!
February 13, 2022
This book was beautiful, I loved all the illustrations. Would make a perfect gift for someone.
March 8, 2022
I loved this book. It was a friend’s recommendation and the best. It will be a road companion when I make this trip in 3 parts and not all at once.
April 3, 2022
A perfect mix of history, helpful tips, nature facts, and gorgeous illustrations!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews