Visit California, the official travel resource for the Golden State, will release its all new 2012 California Official State Visitor’s Guide in January. Packed with everything travelers need to plan an unforgettable California getaway, including insightful articles, inspiring trip ideas, eye-popping photography, helpful maps and easy-to-use travel planners, the guide is distributed free to readers around the world.

“Our Visitor’s Guide includes trip ideas, planning maps and stunning photography that will inspire any type of traveler to make California their next vacation destination,” said Caroline Beteta, Visit California president and CEO. “Plus, this year’s edition will feature California Dreamers sharing their inside scoops on where to go and what to do while visiting the Golden State.”

The lavish 204-page guide features long-time Californian Rob Lowe on the cover and opens with an introduction by the actor in which he shares his favorite California travel memories. Debuting in this new edition, readers will find offerings like California Dreamers, a selection of travel ideas from California legends such as surfing legend Jack O’Neill, food-truck entrepreneur Roy Choi and top climber Beth Rodden. Also new for 2012 are fun local tips and getaway ideas culled from the suggestions of Visit California’s Facebook fans.

The 2012 California Official State Visitor’s Guide also includes 12 feature articles penned by award-winning writers and illustrated by stellar photography. Packed with innovative travel ideas, these stories highlight natural wonders ranging from the California deserts and giant redwoods, to rugged north coast and majestic mountain playgrounds. Also featured are off-the-beaten track road trips through the state’s river towns, urban finds like California’s microbrew revolution and iconic experiences ranging from theme park holidays to only-in-California cultural and historical fare.

Other highlights of the 2012 California Official State Visitor’s Guide include a large-format tear-out Official State Map dotted with urban must-sees and destinations as diverse as movie locations, shopping hotspots and new theme park attractions. Also included are must-see events, 32 regional trip ideas covering all corners of the state and an easy-to-use statewide travel planner, with hundreds of helpful resources, fun destinations, and details on lodging.

Visit California, formerly known as the California Travel & Tourism Commission (CTTC), is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to Visit California, travel and tourism expenditures total $95.1 billion annually in California (18 percent of which is international), support jobs for 873,000 Californians and generate $6.1 billion in state and local tax revenues.