Wednesday, July 8, 2026

William Hoffman Signs Southern California Guidebook at Vroman’s

The Pasadena stop is one part of a wider effort to route travelers toward the region’s overlooked corners

Author William A. Hoffman will discuss and sign copies of his guidebook, “Exploring Southern California: 80 Outings for the Urban Adventurer,” at Vroman’s Bookstore on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The book lays out 80 self-guided excursions across Southern California, each built around itineraries, maps, historical background and nearby attractions. Mascot Books, the book’s publisher, presents each outing in a two-page format and lists the book at $24.95.

Hoffman, a Los Angeles County native with a background in urban planning, has spent years leading in-person walking and van tours under the name “Hoffy Tours,” according to earlier reporting by the Argonaut and Los Angeles Downtown News. Those outlets reported that Hoffman has led tours through Downtown Los Angeles — including stops at Olvera Street, Disney Hall, Bunker Hill, Broadway’s historic theaters, Little Tokyo and Chinatown — as well as through Laguna Beach and the Orange County coast.

According to the Argonaut, Hoffman’s Laguna Beach walking tour runs 90 minutes and costs $99 per person, or $39 for guests ages 13 to 20, and includes a copy of a separate guidebook, “The Best of Laguna Beach: The Insider’s Guide.” A longer Orange County coastal tour, covering Balboa Island, Crystal Cove State Park, Heisler Park and Dana Point, costs $139 per person, or $69 for ages 13 to 20, the Argonaut reported.

The Los Angeles Downtown News reported the Southern California guidebook was released in April, with copies available through Mascot Books and other retailers ahead of in-person events like Wednesday’s signing.

The event is at Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Contact: (626) 449-5320.

No representative from Vroman’s or Hoffman provided a statement for this article.