The Best Wildsam Guides for Every Travel Style
For the traveler who’d rather collect stories than souvenirs, Wildsam Field Guides are a perfect starting point. Each pocket-sized book brings together local voices and unique ways to experience a destination that make the trip richer and more rooted. From road trips and outdoor adventures to trips focused on flavors and cultural experiences, find recommended Wildsam reads for every kind of traveler.
In that same spirit, this year’s gift guide pairs a selection of Wildsam favorites with inspired finds that capture the essence of each destination. Think road-trip-ready gear, regional goods, and thoughtfully crafted pieces that reflect the same spirit as the places these guides celebrate.
CLASSIC ROAD TRIPS
Route 66
Set out on the ultimate American road trip with Wildsam Route 66, which follows the historic highway across eight states and 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Inside, a chorus of local voices — neon preservationists, curio shop owners, and muffler man experts — celebrate the enduring magic of the Mother Road. Through their recommendations, unearth quirky roadside attractions, pie pit stops, historic filling stations, desert dune climbs, and more.
Partner Spotlight: Make Scents
Keep the spirit of adventure alive with a nostalgic 1971 Bronco air freshener hanging on your rear view mirror and the bold scent of pine wafting through the car. Or throw a shaka and breathe in the familiar scent of surf wax, as you make your way toward the West Coast.
Texas
Head deep into the Lone Star State with Wildsam Texas, a guide to big skies, barbecue, and the unmistakable rhythm of Texas life. From Marfa’s desert art to Hill Country’s hidden springs, this field guide uncovers the heartbeat of Texan culture through the people who define it: songwriters, pitmasters, painters, storytellers, and more. Hand-picked itineraries wind from the Rio Grande to the Panhandle, inviting travelers to stop at roadside dance halls and linger at small-town cafés worth the detour. Woven with discerning recommendations and offbeat insights, the book offers a stunning glimpse into authentic Texas experiences and culture.
Partner Spotlight: Turtlebox
Built for life on the road and outdoors, the portable Turtlebox Ranger speaker delivers bold sound and 12+ hours of battery life.
Partner Spotlight: Texas State Parks
Help make a Texas road trip even better with a gift card to purchase a Texas State Parks Pass. Valid for one year, the pass offers unlimited entry to 88 state parks for the passholder and their guests, as well as discounts on camping and more.
Pacific Northwest
Misty coastlines meet creative energy and deep-rooted tradition in Wildsam Pacific Northwest. With stories written by prize-winning writers, past and present, this field guide ventures through Oregon and Washington to explore upstart breweries, pocket beaches, small towns, and more. Hear from record producers, music legends, orca experts, and rockhounds as they share their take on life in America’s Far Corner alongside detailed road trip itineraries that lead travelers to explore the region through lumberjack lore, shipwreck history, and other distinctly local lenses.
Partner Spotlight: Luno
Designed for comfort and durability, the adventure-ready bundle transforms any campsite or car setup into a cozy retreat in minutes. The pairing includes Luno's best-selling AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress with the supportive Packable Pillow.
New England
Discover the storied coastlines and timeless towns of New England, where maritime legends blend with colonial charm. From Massachusetts to Maine, Wildsam New England features interviews with characters who embody the quintessential spirit of the region. Boat captains, lighthouse keepers, poets, and orchestra conductors all weigh in on itineraries that take travelers to weathered lobster shacks, local bookshops, and unique towns along the country’s northeastern seaboard.
Wild Places
Lake Michigan Coast
Explore the Lake Michigan shoreline where sparkling cities meet quiet woods and cherished holiday destinations. Cozy lakeside towns, bustling urban hubs, and hidden natural landscapes reveal the Upper Midwest at its most inviting. Along the route, local voices — from fish fry hosts to tavern regulars and sporting enthusiasts — share stories that make the region unforgettable. Curated itineraries, insider tips, and historical insights guide travelers to both tranquil lake days and lively nights on the town. Whether planning a trip or giving a thoughtful gift, Wildsam Lake Michigan Coast captures the warmth, tradition, and creativity that define life along one of America’s great lakes.
Partner Spotlight: Faherty
The must-have tote is made for days at the shore. The roomy size holds all your essentials: a good read, towel, sunscreen and plenty of snacks. But it's the hand-crocheted raffia and artful colorblocking that epitomize happy, carefree lake days.
Wild Alaska
Travel to the Last Frontier, where wild nature, Native art and culture, fishing destinations, far-flung towns, epic backcountry and storied road trips await. Inside Wildsam Wild Alaska, a team of local writers and experts share their perspective on how to truly experience their home state. With delightful history and culture woven into the tale, this book helps any traveler plot an Alaskan adventure. Follow multiple concise itineraries to national parks. Or set out on an iconic Alaskan road trip. At the recommendation of quick-but-deep guides to the state’s biggest cities and most charismatic small towns, you’ll discover everything from classic taverns and surprising Thai spots to high-intensity traditional sports to serene wilderness landscapes.
Partner Spotlight: XTRATUF
Made in partnership with the Salmon Sisters, this boot pairs XTRATUF's legacy waterproof boot with original art designs, inspired by nautical tradition, and made for a community of fishermen, adventurers, and ocean enthusiasts.
Big Trees of California
Towering giants await in Wildsam Big Trees of California, where redwoods and sequoias create landscapes that inspire awe and wonder. Journey from Redwoods National Park to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon, as well as the state’s network of hidden redwood parks, discovering both wilderness and charming small towns along the way. Stories from activists, scientists, innkeepers, and post office workers illuminate the ecology, culture, and history of these iconic forests. Thoughtful itineraries, curated recommendations, and archival insights guide visitors through forest trails, scenic byways, and unforgettable natural moments. A perfect gift for adventurers or armchair explorers, this guide reveals the grandeur and enduring magic of California’s tallest trees.
Partner Spotlight: Wilderdog
For everyday walks or epic outdoor adventures in Northern California and beyond, the Wilderdog harness has you covered. With no detail left behind, this gear might be the most versatile harness your dog has ever owned.
The Moon
From the glow of a full moon to the drama of an eclipse, Wildsam The Moon uncovers the celestial body that has captivated humanity for centuries. Readers can explore the Moon through the eyes of Apollo astronauts, planetary geologists, and NASA guidance officers, alongside poets, mythmakers, and curious dreamers. Archival treasures bring together folklore, mythology, and even conspiracy theories, while practical tips offer the best ways to observe lunar phenomena. Blending science, culture, and imagination, this guide is an invitation to witness, understand, and marvel at Earth’s companion — perfect for stargazers and gift-givers alike.
Partner Spotlight: Muir Way
Based on a 1966 NASA map of the moon, this 3D rendition features raised relief details of the moon's terrain and many craters.
Food-Centric Travel
Gulf Coast
Wildsam Gulf Coast explores the salty, sun-drenched towns that define this stretch of America’s southern coastline. From hidden beaches and dive bars to family-run seafood shacks, this guide celebrates the people, places, and flavors that make the Gulf distinctive. Local voices — fishing guides, historians, photographers, and even mermaid performers — reveal the culture, recipes, and traditions behind the region’s culinary bounty. With detailed itineraries and insider recommendations, Wildsam Gulf Coast is both a road map and a feast for the senses, ideal for travelers seeking food, adventure, and authentic coastal life.
Partner Spotlight: Duck Camp
This five-panel hat with an adjustable snapback features one of the Gulf's most famous ocean dwellers and dockside delicacies.
Kentucky Bourbon Country
Raise a glass with Wildsam Kentucky Bourbon Country, a guide to rolling horse farms, historic distilleries, and the artisans shaping the Bluegrass State. From small-town streets to bourbon trails, interviews with distillers, chefs, and local musicians give life to the stories behind the bottles. Thoughtful itineraries lead travelers through charming towns, iconic bars, and scenic farms, while insider tips highlight where to taste, sip, and savor regional flavors. This guide transforms a road trip into a full-sensory journey into Kentucky’s spirit and heritage.
Napa & Sonoma
Step into the vineyards, kitchens, and small towns of Wildsam Napa & Sonoma, where the story of wine unfolds alongside local art, history, and community life. From intimate winery tours to family-run cafés, this guide blends curated itineraries with the voices of vintners, farmers, artists, and historians. Explore the nuances of terroir, commune culture, and seasonal bounty, while following routes that highlight the region’s culinary and cultural treasures. Wildsam Napa & Sonoma is a gift-ready guide for anyone looking to pair travel with taste and tradition in California wine country.
Partner Spotlight: Wonder Valley
This cold-pressed California extra-virgin olive oil boasts a smooth, verdant flavor that is well-suited to all kinds of cooking demands, but just as delicious simply mopped up by a crusty loaf of bread.
The Hamptons & North Fork
Wildsam Hamptons & North Fork invites readers to savor the East End like a local, from secret beaches to seaside shacks serving the freshest seafood. Artists, farmers, and surfers reveal the rhythms of life along the coast, while curated itineraries take you through charming villages, hidden trails, and morning markets. Along the way, discover intimate spots for breakfast, winemaker studios, and the quieter corners where the Hamptons’ creative and agricultural communities thrive. This guide is as much a culinary journey as a coastal escape — perfect for those who want to taste, explore, and celebrate the East End’s unique culture.
Partner Spotlight: Jackfir
A certified-clean men's skincare brand, Jackfir offers trustworthy and effective personal care solutions informed by the abundance of the great outdoors. The kit features the brand's three core products: daily facial cleanser, shave dream, and daily facial moisturizer.
Culture Deep Dives
New Orleans
Wildsam New Orleans dives into the city’s heart — a place where sound, flavor, and spirit are inseparable. From late-night brass bands and neighborhood bars to hidden courtyards and storied kitchens, this guide captures the rhythms that make the Crescent City timeless. Local voices — Mardi Gras Indians, musicians, preservationists, and culture bearers — share their stories, revealing how tradition and improvisation coexist at every turn. With illustrated maps, insider recommendations, and a touch of the city’s mischievous charm, Wildsam New Orleans invites readers to wander deeper, savor slower, and feel the pulse of one of America’s most original cities.
Santa Fe
In Wildsam Santa Fe, ancient traditions and bold creativity intertwine beneath New Mexico’s endless sky. This guide invites readers into a city where adobe walls hold centuries of story, breakfast burritos fuel mountain hikes, and art spills from studio doors into sunlit courtyards. Local voices — from Indigenous cultural stewards to designers, hydrologists, and perfumers — share their insights on what gives Santa Fe its rare energy. Alongside illustrated maps and curated recommendations, you’ll find thoughtful ways to explore the city’s foodways, galleries, and healing spaces. More than a guide, Wildsam Santa Fe is an invitation to understand how history, landscape, and imagination converge in the high desert.
Partner Spotlight: Modern Sprout
Bring a piece of the desert home with a terracotta grow kit. Choose from three plants, each with a unique planter shape featuring a water-tight glazed interior and a hydroponic setup that delivers nutrients directly to the roots.
Northern Michigan
Wildsam Northern Michigan celebrates a region defined by clear waters, creative spirit, and small-town warmth. Between the dunes of Sleeping Bear and the harbors of the Great Lakes, this guide captures lake life in all its forms — from vineyard tastings and farmers markets to winding hikes through pine forests. Local voices, including tribal leaders, musicians, and lifelong water advocates, share insight into what makes this corner of the Midwest so singular. Follow thoughtfully crafted routes through orchard country and shoreline villages, discovering the rhythms of summer afternoons and the quiet beauty of northern seasons. For travelers seeking a slower pace and a deeper sense of place, Wildsam Northern Michigan opens the door to Michigan at its most timeless.
Partner Spotlight: Variously
Handmade with zero waste, these 100-page journals are the perfect sustainable gifts for creatives — whether they enjoy journaling, taking notes, sketching, or other personalized self-expression.
Western Carolina
Between misty ridgelines and art-filled mountain towns, Wildsam Western Carolina explores a region defined by craft, creativity, and enduring connection to the land. Anchored in Asheville and its highland surroundings, the guide charts road trips through forested peaks, riverside trails, and small towns where makers, musicians, and chefs shape a culture all their own. Local insight meets detailed itineraries — from national forest drives to historic craft centers and renowned breweries — offering a true sense of the Carolina spirit. Equal parts inspiration and exploration, Wildsam Western Carolina opens a window into the layered stories of the Southern Appalachians.
Partner Spotlight: East Fork
Crafted in Asheville, North Carolina, the 12 oz. East Fork mug is the perfect size for a morning brew. The Blue Ridge colorway is reminiscent of traveling through the Western Carolina mountains.
