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 Mumbai and Goa
Author and Mumbai resident Janhavi Acharekar shares her firsthand experience on the best of Mumbai and Goa, from Goa's capital city, Panaji, to the Northern and Southern Goa Coasts. Acharekar provides unique itineraries for a variety of travelers, including Mumbai Art & Heritage, Mumbai Weekends, and Goa Beach-Hopping. Including expert advice on exploring Portuguese heritage and architecture, viewing historical museums and cathedrals, and enjoying regional Indian cuisine, Moon Mumbai & Goa gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Napa & Sonoma
San Francisco resident Philip Goldsmith knows the best way to experience Napa and Sonoma, from buying fresh produce at Rutherford Gardens to enjoying a hot-air balloon ride over southern Sonoma. In Moon Napa & Sonoma, Goldsmith offers recommendations on the region's must-see attractions and activities, including swirling and sniffing lessons at Goosecross Cellars and a relaxing mud bath for two at the Lincoln Avenue Spa. Whether you're there for some serious wine-tasting or just a little R&R, Moon Napa & Sonoma gives you the tools you need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Nashville and Memphis
Journalist and Tennessee native Susanna Henighan Potter covers the best of Nashville and Memphis, from sampling Southern home-style cooking to exploring Graceland. Henighan includes unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, such as Birthplace of the Blues and a Culinary Crusade. Including expert advice on road-tripping through the Tennessee Delta, getting a taste of plantation life at Belle Meade, and club-hopping on Beale street, Moon Nashville & Memphis gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Nevada
Journalist Scott Smith brings detailed knowledge of his adopted home state to the table in Moon Nevada, with information on everything from Vegas' neon-studded attractions to the Native American petroglyphs of the Great Basin. Smith spotlights a great list of original travel strategies, including On the Treasure Trail, Nevada Outdoors, and Nevada's Past, and gives comprehensive coverage of recreation activities in Tahoe and serene nature retreats located just outside the hubbub of Sin City. From Reno's Bucket of Blood Saloon to Humboldt Valley's sprawling Black Rock Desert, Moon Nevada gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon New England
Massachusetts residents Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall know the best way to experience New England—from fishing in Gloucester to visiting the shores of Acadia National Park. Blanding and Hall include unique trip ideas, such as History and Literature Tour, Experiencing Small Town New England, and South Coast Diversion. From strolls along the streets of New Bedford to a performance by the Boston Ballet, Moon New England gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon New Jersey
Often misunderstood by outsiders, New Jersey has been coming back into the nation’s eye over the past few years. A native of the Garden State, Laura Kiniry guides travelers from the revitalized Newark, which boasts the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, to the colonial tea-burning town of Greenwich. In between is college hub of New Brunswick, which offers everything from fine dining to college pubs, the Thomas Alva Edison Memorial Museum, and Atlantic City’s famous casinos and boardwalk. Laura also offers unique trip strategies that allow visitors to explore their specific interests, such as an “Eight-Day Pop Culture Tour” and “Recreational New Jersey.” From canoeing in The Pinelands to screaming on the roller coasters at Six Flags Great Adventure, Moon New Jersey gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon New Mexico
New Mexico native Zora O’Neill gives you her insider's perspective on New Mexico, from museum-hopping in Santa Fe to visiting organic farms. Zora includes a variety of unique trip ideas, including Nuclear New Mexico and 14-Day Grand Tour. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon New Mexico has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Complete with details on Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, and more, Moon New Mexico gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon New Orleans
New Orleans native Laura Martone offers an insider's take on the Big Easy, from shopping on Magazine Street to listening to old-time jazz in Faubourg Marigny. Martone also includes a handful of fun trip itinerary ideas, including A Romantic Weekend, Mardi Gras, and Haunted New Orleans. With information on taking carriage rides through the French Quarter, visiting the Art District's museums, and bicycling in City Park, Moon New Orleans gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon New York State
Traveler and author Sascha Zuger covers the best of New York State, from iconic metropolis New York City to rural, natural regions such as Madison County and the Finger Lakes. Zuger provides a variety of unique travel strategies for any kind of traveler, such as The Best of New York State, Three Weekend Getaways, and Culture Outside New York City. Including expert advice on dining and entertainment in all five boroughs of New York City as well as richly historical sights in central New York, Moon New York State gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon New Zealand
Andrew Hempstead knows the best way to experience New Zealand, from kayaking through the Bay of Island to skiing in the Southern Alps. In this information-packed guide, Hempstead provides a variety of trip ideas to help travelers organize their itineraries, including Maori Culture and History and Tramping Through New Zealand. Complete with details on enjoying the land with children, fine-dining in Auckland, and rafting near Queenstown, Moon New Zealand gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Nicaragua
Nicaragua expert Amber Dobrzensky teaches travelers how to best experience the wonders of this Central American destination, from hanging out on the Pacific beaches of San Juan del Sur and shopping for crafts in Masaya to partaking in the ever-evolving nightlife of Managua. Dobrzensky also offers detailed itinerary ideas, such as The 21-Day Best of Nicaragua, Hiking the Ring of Fire, and The Great Green North. Including experienced, firsthand advice on renting surf gear, studying Spanish, and strolling down the old colonial streets of Granada and Leòn, Moon Nicaragua gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon North Carolina
Folklorist and oral historian Sarah Bryan offers her unique perspective on North Carolina, from beach-combing and bird-watching on the Outer Banks to exploring Appalachian culture along scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Sarah is the perfect tour guide to the Tar Heel State—using her background in regional folklore, she provides unique trip itineraries, including Folklife in North Carolina and North Carolina Oddities. From hiking to the “balds”—wildflower-dotted, ridge-top areas in the Smoky Mountains—to sampling delicious southern cooking from Mama Dip's kitchen in Chapel Hill, Moon North Carolina gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Northern California
Northern California residents Heather C. Liston and Elizabeth Linhart Money cover the best that Northern California has to offer, from day hikes in awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley to rest and relaxation at the spas and vineyards of Wine Country. To help travelers plan their trip, Money and Liston also offer a number of unique itinerary ideas, such as as Winter Wonderland, Culinary Culture, and Driving the Coast—a 10-day tour down Northern California's winding, scenic coastline. With expert advice on finding the tastiest food in the Bay Area, exploring the Big Sur coast, and getting to Gold Country ghost towns—and now with expanded coverage of the many outdoor recreation opportunities available in the region—Moon Northern California gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Nova Scotia
Outdoorsman Andrew Hempstead offers an inside glimpse of the best of Nova Scotia, from taking a tour of Alexander Keith's Brewery to witnessing the world's highest tides at the funnel-shaped Bay of Fundy. In addition to tips on where to stay, eat, and recreate, Hempstead also suggests itineraries—such as Coastal Cruising, Artists and Artisans, and Family Road Trip—to help travelers make the most of their trip. Complete with details on hiking through national parks, joining in the fun at a ceilidh, and getting up close and personal with the world's rarest whales, Moon Nova Scotia gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon O'ahu
Hawaii expert and veteran travel writer, Robert Nilsen, provides a fresh look at one of America’s most beloved vacation spots. Robert knows the best way to experience O'ahu from golfing the island’s beautifully manicured greens to hiking Diamond Head and surfing Kailua Beach. Robert includes unique trip ideas like 7-Days in O'ahu and Golf Lover’s O’ahu. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon O'ahu 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. Complete with details on the best beaches and extensive coverage of the north shore, Moon O'ahu gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Oaxaca
Seasoned travel writer Bruce Whipperman covers the best of Oaxaca, from bargaining at the Mercado Juárez to exploring the Castillo de Moctezuma Aztec pyramid. Whipperman offers up unique trip strategies, including Best Beaches and Local Festivals & Native Markets, as well as experienced advice on where to go and what to see. Complete with information on visiting craft villages near Ocotlán and enjoying the vistas and fresh seafood of Puerto ángel, Moon Oaxaca gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Olympic Peninsula
Author and Washington native Jeff Burlingame knows the best ways to enjoy the Olympic Peninsula, from strolling through the subalpine meadows and temperate rain forests of Olympic National Park to soaking and swimming at Sol Duc Hot Springs. Burlingame offers unique strategies so travelers can organize their trips around specific time restrictions and interests, such as A Long Weekend, Seven Days of Highlights, and—for Stephenie Meyer fans—Three Days of Twilight. With details on touring small towns, exploring the coast, and getting lost in nature, Moon Olympic Peninsula gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Ontario
Professional travel writer Carolyn B. Heller shares the best ways to experience all that Ontario has to offer, from scuba diving shipwrecks in the Great Lakes to dining on contemporary fare at Toronto's hottest restaurants. Heller leads readers to the highlights of this fascinating region with trip ideas such as Food and Wine Touring, Active Adventures, and History and Culture—providing different approaches for different kinds of travelers. Complete with tips on enjoying more than just the falls on the Niagara peninsula, hopping a ferry to Pelee Island for wine-tasting and relaxation, and ice skating on the world's longest skating rink in Ottawa, Moon Ontario gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Oregon
Outdoors enthusiasts and Portland residents Judy Jewell and W. C. McRae offer unique insight into Oregon's many offerings, from its lush forests and deep river canyons to its award-winning wines and friendly cities. Jewell and McRae include unique trip strategies that connect with travelers’ specific interests, such Natural History Road Trip, Eastern Oregon Ramble, and The Wine Route—a seven-day tour of the state's numerous wineries. With information on browsing through the Sisters Farmers' Market, attending Ashland's famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and kite-boarding near Hood River, Moon Oregon gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Pacific Mexico
Mexico enthusiast and veteran travel writer, Bruce Whipperman, knows the best way to experience Pacific Mexico from exploring the Nayarit and Jalisco coasts to discovering Oaxaca City and Valley. Bruce includes unique trip ideas like One Day in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco (walking tours ideal for cruise travelers) and 28-Day Best of Pacific Mexico.
Moon Panama
Writer and Panama native William Friar offers unique tips for visiting this up-and-coming destination, from lounging in the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro to hiking the highlands of Boquete and exploring Panama City. Friar uses his local knowledge to craft unique trip strategies, such as The 14-day Outdoor Adventure and Six Days for History Buffs. Complete with details for navigating jungle trails, finding cheap taxis and underground bars, and planning a river expedition, Moon Panama gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Patagonia
Veteran travel writer Wayne Bernhardson covers the best sights and adventures that Patagonia has to offer, from viewing the jagged peaks of Cuernos del Paine and hiking on Argentina's Moreno Glacier to visiting Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Bernhardson also offers various trip strategies, including The Andean Lakes Loop and The Natural History Tour. Including details on exploring the penguin-dotted Falkland Islands, staying in guest ranches in the Patagonian outback, and whale watching at the World Heritage Site of Península Valdés, Moon Patagonia gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania resident and voracious traveler Anna Dubrovsky covers the best of the Keystone State, including Philadelphia, Amish country, the Pocono Mountains, Hershey, and Presque Isle. She offers a variety of unique travel strategies—from kid-pleasing getaways to rail fan meccas—and details the most popular sights, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Fallingwater. Complete with expert tips on places to dine, sleep, and shop, Moon Pennsylvania gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Peru
Former Peru residents Ross Wehner and Renée Del Gaudio offer an insider's view of Peru, from exploring the churches and artisan neighborhoods of Cusco to avoiding the crowds at Machu Picchu and picnicking on the wilderness beach of Reserva Nacional Paracas. The husband-and-wife team also include unique trip ideas like Getting off the Gringo Trail, Archaeological Treasures, and 10 Days in Peru. Complete with details on trekking the Inca Trail, exploring the Amazon, and surfing in Lima, Moon Peru gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Philadelphia
Journalist and Philadelphia native Karrie Gavin guides travelers around her hometown, from exploring Wissahickon Park to sampling the city's renowned cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and hoagies. Gavin also includes one-of-a-kind trip ideas such as the Two-Day Best of Philadelphia and Philly’s Culinary Classics. With advice on the visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, enjoying recreational opportunities on the Schuylkill River, and navigating Philly’s nightlife, Moon Philadelphia gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona
Longtime Phoenix journalist and Arizona Monthly co-founder Jeff Ficker has nearly a decade of experience covering Phoenix as a writer and editor. In Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona, he covers the hot spots of the Valley of the Sun, including Phoenix's sandstone peaks, the red rocks and vortexes of Sedona, and the best golf courses and shopping Scottsdale has to offer. Discover the rich culture of the Native American tribes who first settled the Valley, venture north to the leafy respite of Oak Creek Canyon, marvel at larger-than-life cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden, or explore fossils at the Mesa Southwest Museum. Packed with information on the best dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Phoenix, Scottsdale & Sedona caters to a range of travel budgets.
Moon Pittsburgh
Long-time Pennsylvania resident Dan Eldridge provides a quirky look at Pittsburgh, from visiting the Andy Warhol Museum to grabbing a beer at a hipster bar in South Side. Dan includes unique trip ideas like Go Where the Locals Go, Fun and Cheap, and Out with the Parents. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Pittsburgh has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Complete with details on the best insider spots in the city and how to make the most of two days in Pittsburgh, Moon Pittsburgh gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Portland
Longtime resident Oregonian Hollyanna McCollom covers the best of the Portland area—including the Cultural District, the Alphabet District, and Alberta Street. McCollom provides a variety of travel strategies, such as The Best of Portland, Pint-sized P-Town, and Rainy Day Portland. McCollom covers the most popular sights: Ankeny Square, Skidmore Fountain, Union Station, and the Alberta Art Walk. Complete with expert tips on the best dining, as well as the best bars and nightclubs, Moon Portland gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Prague & Budapest
Journalist Tom Dirlis offers a one-of-a-kind view of these two remarkable European destinations, from where to go for the best view of the immense Prague Castle to visiting the picturesque artist colony of Szentendre. Dirlis provides unique trip ideas for a variety of travelers, such as The Royal Treatment, a castle and garden tour, and For Wine Lover’s Only, which offers a taste of the Eastern European wine country. Complete with details on exploring the famous borough of Mala Strana, letting off some steam in Budapest’s thermal baths, and witnessing the macabre architecture of the Sedlec Ossuary, Moon Prague & Budapest gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
Moon Puerto Rico
Travel journalist Suzanne Van Atten covers the best of Puerto Rico—from its spectacular beaches and classic golf courses to its rich Spanish culture. Van Atten also includes creative travel ideas for a variety of travelers, including Thrillseekers Tour, Romantic Getaway, and Family Fun. With expert advice on exploring the El Yunque rainforest and the underground caves at Cavernas del Rio Camuy, Moon Puerto Rico 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.