A surf-side guide to Central California

Draw a line from Monterey to Ventura and list everything you think you might see along the coast. Did you overlook Limekiln State Park? Or the broad-footed mole? Members of the California Coastal Commission wrote the agency’s second guide in its “Experience the California Coast” series — “Beaches and Parks From Monterey to Ventura” — chronicling points of interest plus critters and flora that dwell there. It includes 310 beaches, parks, campgrounds, preserves and other sites. There are even occasional color plates by artist Tom Killion (such as his illustration of the Santa Ynez Mountains, above). $24.95; order at www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/10749.html. The commission has already published a Northern California guide; two more, including one on L.A., are planned.