Moon Handbooks
For more than 30 years, Moon Handbooks have appealed to an eclectic group of travelers, from backpacking students to solo adventurers to families on vacation (and a budget). With expert writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon Handbooks ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience—and a few new stories to tell.
Moon Handbooks
Moon Charlotte
Freelance writer and green living advocate Jodi Helmer offers her firsthand experience as a Charlotte local, covering the best of the city—including artsy NoDa, the industrial South End, and the vibrant center of nightlife in Uptown. She also spotlights neighboring NASCAR Country—particularly Mooresville, Concord, and Kannapolis—the cities NASCAR fans flock to for race shop tours and a chance to glimpse their favorite drivers. Helmer provides a variety of unique travel strategies, including The Best of Charlotte, Fun and Free: Charlotte on a Budget, and Family-Friendly Charlotte. Complete with expert tips on the best bars, museums, and shopping areas, Moon Charlotte gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Chesapeake Bay
Seasoned travel writer Joanne Miller provides expert advice on exploring the Chesapeake Bay, from re-visiting the past at Colonial Williamsburg to soaking up the sun at Virginia Beach. Joanne includes unique trip ideas for a wide range of travelers, such as History on the Bay and Exploring the Eastern Shore.
Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Chesapeake Bay has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many regional, area, and city-centered maps. Offering endless options, from a day of family fun at Busch Gardens Williamsburg to a boat trip through the waterways of the upper Necks, Moon Chesapeake gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Chiapas
Spouses and writing partners, Liza Prado and Gary Chandler cover the best of Chiapas—from the ruins of Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas, one of Mexico’s most charming colonial cities. Prado and Chandler include unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, such as Eco-tour of Chiapas and Colonial Towns and Missions. Including expert advice on the best plaza cafés, rugged forest hikes, and where to experience Mayan arts and culture, Moon Chiapas gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Chile
Seasoned author and South America expert Wayne Bernhardson covers the best of Chile’s rich history and culture, from skiing in the boroughs of Santiago to wine-tasting in the country's heartland. To help travelers plan for their trip, Bernhardson includes insightful and fun suggested itineraries, such as Adventure in the Andes; The Best of Santiago, Valparaíso, and Wine Country; and Wildlife Encounters. With information on climbing volcanoes in the Sur Chico, following the path of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, and exploring the remote corners of the Atacama desert, Moon Chile gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Cleveland
Award-winning journalist and Cleveland native Douglas Trattner uncovers every nook and cranny of his favorite city, sharing his love of this often overlooked mecca, from the 20,000 acres of Cleveland's Metroparks, to the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Douglas provides unique trip strategies including the Three-Day Best of Cleveland, Foodie Fun in Ohio City, and Take the Kids: Baseball, Hot Dogs and Foul Tips. Moon Cleveland is packed with insider's information on dining, transportation and accommodations. Complete with details on hot-air ballooning over Amish Country, angling for Walleye on Lake Erie, and zipping through town on a segway, Moon Cleveland gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Coastal California
Travel writer and native Californian Liz Hamill Scott covers the best of Coastal California, from hiking through redwoods in Big Sur to lounging on the famous beaches of Malibu. Scott is the perfect tour guide, offering unique trip ideas for a wide variety of travelers including Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip and a complete tour of California’s best beaches. Including expert advice on Touring the Hearst Castle, visiting the Channel Islands, and enjoying the nightlife of LA and San Francisco, Moon Coastal California gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Coastal Carolinas
Moon South Carolina author Jim Morekis covers the best of the North and South Carolina coasts, including Beaufort, Wilmington, the Cape Fear Region, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and the Lowcountry. Morekis offers his inside knowledge on the best beaches, golfing, historic parks, and seaside dining from the Down East to the Grand Strand. Whether you’re looking for a coastal weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Moon Coastal Carolinas caters to a range of travel budgets. With unique travel strategies such as Maritime Legacy and The Green Coast: An Environmental Tour, Moon Coastal Carolinas gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Coastal Maine
Award-winning writer and Maine native Hilary Nangle offers her unique perspective on this famed stretch of New England coastline, from the gourmet restaurants of Portland to the idyllic island community of Monhegan. Nangle suggests itineraries for great trips, such as Icons of the Maine Coast and Lighthouses, Lobster, and L.L. Bean. With detailed information on finding deals at outlet stores and eating in the open-air lobster wharves of Penobscot Bay, Moon Coastal Maine gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Coastal Oregon
Outdoor enthusiasts W. C. McRae and Judy Jewell share their extensive knowledge of coastal Oregon, from the best places to grab a seaside snack to the most scenic hikes along the Coastal Trail. McRae and Jewell also outline a variety of suggested travel strategies, including Riding the Pacific Waves, Foraging the Coast, and Coastal Road Trip—a 10-day itinerary for a tour of the entire coast. With endless options for inn-hopping and surfing along the state's southern beaches, Moon Coastal Oregon gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Colorado
Steve Knopper shares his insider knowledge of Colorado, covering sights and activities ranging from skiing at one of the state's twenty-five resorts to catching a show at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre, widely considered the best outdoor concert arena in the United States. Knopper also offers unique trip strategies for a variety of travelers, including History Buff's Two-Week Tour and 5 Days in the Rockies. Including information on ice-fishing on Grand Lake, grabbing a buffalo burger and a beer at My Brother’s Bar in Denver, and mountain biking the ski trails in Steamboat Springs, Moon Colorado gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Costa Rica
Award-winning travel writer Christopher P. Baker shows travelers the way to the best of Costa Rica—whether it's surfing the beaches of Golfo Dulce, hiking in Corcovado National Park, or dining in the upscale Escazu barrio in San Jose. Along with his in-depth coverage, Baker includes unique trip ideas, including The 21-Day Best of Costa Rica, The Offbeat Experience, and Seven Days for Active Vacationers. Complete with details on the best beaches for surfing and a variety of opportunities to get outdoors, Moon Costa Rica gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Croatia and Slovenia
Travel writer and Croatian local Shann Fountain Culo shares her love of the locale from the wooden village houses, folk festivals, and wineries of Croatia to the rafting, skiing, and cave-exploring opportunities that abound in Slovenia. Shann includes unique itineraries such as the 14-Day Best of Croatia and Slovenia, A Culinary Tour of Istria and Dalmatia, and Sailing the Croatian Islands. Moon Croatia & Slovenia is packed with information on the best dining, transportation, and accommodations. Complete with expert advice on when to explore the city sans-tourists, participate in the grape harvest season or ski in the Julian Alps, Moon Croatia & Slovenia gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Cuba
Award-winning travel writer Christopher P. Baker highlights Cuba's best lesser-known local hotspots, including Finca Manacas (the birthplace of Fidel), Parque Lennon, and Rumba de Salvador's Alley. He also offers fun and creative travel suggestions, such as A Week in Havana, 10 Best Scenic Drives, and Cars, Cigars, and Cabarets. With in-depth information on Havana and complete coverage of the island—tip to tip—Moon Cuba gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
This travel guide contains up-to-date information on US law and travel to Cuba, immigration and customs, and advice on getting there and getting around.
Moon Cusco & Machu Picchu
Former Peru residents Ross Wehner and Renée del Gaudio cover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the city of Cusco, and Peru's most popular destination, Machu Picchu. The husband-and-wife team offer their seasoned advice on can't-miss attractions, and offer unique trip ideas such as The Seven-Day Best of Cusco & Machu Picchu. Complete with tips on shopping in Pisac, hiking Huayna Picchu, and exploring the legendary Lost City of the Incas, Moon Cusco & Machu Picchu gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Dallas and Fort Worth
Fort Worth native Jonanna Widner covers the best of the Dallas & Fort Worth area, including the South Lamar District, Lakewood, Frisco, the Metroplex, and Arlington. Widner provides a variety of unique travel strategies, including Eat Like a Texan, Drink Like a Texan, and DFW: History Buff’s Dream. Including expert advice on the ritziest Park Cities shopping, the historical sights of Central Dallas, and where to dine on the best southern cooking in Uptown, Moon Dallas & Fort Worth gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Denver
Journalist Mindy Sink has lived in Denver for more than 15 years, and she shares her insider’s perspective on the Mile High City with interested travelers. Mindy covers the must-see sights, such as the Colorado State Capitol Building and Confluence Park, and local secrets like the Dikeou Collection, an international contemporary art collection on display to the public in an downtown office building. She also includes unique trip strategies for a variety of travelers, such as “Fun and Cheap in Denver” and a “Beat Generation Tour.” With detailed information on restaurants and nightclubs in LoDo and nearby outdoor recreation like kayaking and bouldering, Moon Denver gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Dominican Republic
Holding dual Dominican and U.S. citizenship, Ana Chavier Caamaño offers her best insider's tips along with a tourist perspective in Moon Dominican Republic. Caamaño covers the best of the Dominican Republic, including coverage of Cabarete, Las Galeras, Sosua, the Taino ruins, and Santo Domingo. Caamaño also offers intriguing sidebars about Dominicanisms, cockfights, the curse of Columbus, and the green flash”. With unique and diverse travel strategies such as The Seven-Day Beach Tour and The Historical Tour, Moon Dominican Republic gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands
Seasoned traveler and journalist Ben Westwood leads adventurers to off-the-beaten-path experiences in Ecuador, from riding a train up the steep switchbacks of the famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil’s Nose) to diving off of the Galápagos Islands, where the waters are abundant with ocean life. Westwood also includes several trip strategies—such as the Culture and History Tour and the Outdoor Adventure Tour—which cater to the diverse interests of travelers. Complete with information on exploring the colonial architecture of Quito's Old Town and climbing volcanoes in Sangay National Park, Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Fiji
South Pacific expert and veteran travel writer David Stanley knows the best way to experience Fiji, from making the most of one of the world’s premiere diving spots to getting away from it all in lesser-known villages. David provides great trip ideas for a variety of travelers, such as Best of Fiji, Island-Hopper Special, and The Life Aquatic. Packed with information on swimming the reefs, taking day-long boat cruises, and sampling Fijian specialties, Moon Fiji gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Florida
Native Floridian and travel writer Jason Ferguson covers the best of the Sunshine State, from perusing Pensacola and the Panhandle to mingling with Mickey in Walt Disney World and going the distance in Daytona Beach. Ferguson includes unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, such as The Old Florida Tour and The Rockets and Racecars Tour. With expert advice on exploring the tropical climate of Miami, the Florida Keys, the lush Everglades, and the Tampa Bay area, Moon Florida gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Florida Beaches
The acclaimed authors of six travel books, Parke Puterbaugh and Alan Bisbort, spent years combing every beach and coastal community along Florida's 1,800-mile coastline to bring you Moon Florida Beaches. Visit nearly 400 beaches and easily plan your days with details on recreation, fees, hours, facilities, and directions. Enjoy extensive yet witty info on sunset watching, seashell collecting, spring break parties, and where to spot manatees or find the best key lime pie. Choose from a selection of five-star resorts, affordable hotels and motels, or secluded beach campgrounds. Savor the best local seafood and regional cuisine at a variety of budgets. Spend your evenings unwinding at the hippest nightclubs and tiki bars. Parke and Alan give you the tools you need to make your own choices. Create your own unique travel experience with lists of the best beaches, can't-miss sights, accommodations, and restaurants.
Moon Florida Gulf Coast
Long-time Florida resident Joshua Kinser covers the best of the Gulf Coast, from the mangroves of Everglades National Park to the glass skyscrapers and lazy canals of Tampa. Kinser has plenty of fun, interesting trip strategies to offer, including Best Beaches, Camping on the Coast, and RV the GC. Complete with details on snorkeling and diving the Nature Coast's Caverns, wandering through the historical sites of Apalachicola and Tallahassee, and fishing along miles of coast and parkland, Moon Florida Gulf Coast gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Florida Keys
World traveler Laura Martone shares the best ways to experience the Florida Keys, from diving the fascinating underwater coral reefs and shipwrecks of Key Largo to hiking and camping in the less touristy Middle Keys. Martone offers unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, including A Weekend in Key West, Sun and Sand Galore, and Art and Architecture. Complete with information on taking trolley tours, swimming with dolphins, and attending festivals like the Lighted Boat Parade, Moon Florida Keys gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Four Corners
Arizona resident Kathleen Bryant shares her knowledge of the Four Corners region, from the alien rock formations of Arches National Park to the lightning-swept mesas of Canyonlands. Bryant offers her expert advice on how to make the most of the area's many amazing sights, historical landmarks, and outdoor activities, as well as one-of-a-kind trip strategies—including Soak Up the Scenery and Historic Treasures—for travelers of all interests and budgets. With tips for mountain biking on Slickrock Trail near Moab, driving through breathtaking Monument Valley, and rafting down the Colorado River, Moon Four Corners gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Galápagos Islands
Sea lions and iguanas sunbathe side by side, penguins and turtles swim together offshore, and giant tortoises wander freely. The Galápagos is both a glimpse of life before human civilization and a reminder of its fragile beauty.
This is the trip of a lifetime. It will leave you with a new sense of wonder — and some great stories to share. Expert traveler Ben Westwood tells you everything you need to know to make this trip possible in Moon Galápagos Islands:
• How to get there, how long it will take, and where to stop along the way — including information on Quito and Guayaquil
• How to choose the best means of transportation, including cruises, diving tips, and land tours
• Background on the diverse wildlife of the Galápagos — including how and where to see each animal
Moon Georgia
Seasoned traveler Kap Stann offers an insider’s view of Georgia from eating at the best roadside rib joints to hiking the Peach State’s rugged stretch of Appalachian Trail. Kap is a perfect tour guide, providing trip ideas like a Classic Savannah Weekend, the Old Atlantic Coast Highway, and the Barbecue Landmark Trail.
Moon Glacier National Park
Writer, editor, and avid outdoorswoman Becky Lomax offers an insider’s perspective on Glacier National Park, where she once worked shredding lettuce in the kitchen so she could hike the park's nearly 300 miles of park trails during her free time. From hiking through multi-color meadows filled with wildflowers to observing the Sperry Glacier, a victim of global warming that will vanish in less than two decades, Lomax knows the best ways to enjoy the park’s one million acres of wilderness. She also includes unique trip strategies for travelers with specific interests and restrictions, including a Wildlife-Watching tour and a whirlwind One Day in Glacier tour. Whether it’s biking up Going-to-the-Sun Road or watching a grizzly forage in huckleberries, Moon Glacier National Park gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Grand Canyon
Local Arizonan Kathleen Bryant shares the many ways to experience the wonders of the Grand Canyon, from river rafting in the inner canyon to walking on air on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Bryant includes a range of diverting trip strategies, including A Wild Week in the Grand Outdoors and A Romantic Weekend for Two. Including expert advice on camping along the remote North Rim and visiting the Hualapai and Havasupai Reservations, Moon Grand Canyon gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Guadalajara
Award-winning author and Mexico expert Bruce Whipperman knows how to best explore Guadalajara, from finding lovely handicrafts (artesanías) in Tlaquepaque to kayaking at sunset on Lake Chapala. Bruce also provides great travel strategies, including Highlights of the Great Outdoors and Art, Culture, History, and Archaeology.
Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Guadalajara has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many regional, area, and city-centered maps. With guidance on dining in the famed Minerva-Chapultepec district, catching a “Mexican Hat Dance,” and examining archaeological sites at El Iztepete, Moon Guadalajara gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Guatemala
Part-time Guatemala resident Al Argueta provides travelers with an insider's view of Guatemala's best, from idyllic surf spots to popular volcanoes. Argueta offers in-depth coverage of Lake Atitlan and La Antigua, as well as Guatemala City's diverse selection of museums. With expert advice on where to eat, sleep, relax, and explore, Moon Guatemala gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.