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USA Road Trip in California: Route 1 to Santa Cruz, San Francisco and Route 101 north on the Redwood Highway

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

The second stretch of our California road trip offered more stunning scenes as we travelled further north along Route 1 to Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Our attractive coastal companion faded, transforming to cities and urban landscapes as we headed out of San Fran east to Sonoma, then back up to Route 101 where deep valleys and the colossal forests of the Redwood Highway awaited us as we passed through Leggett, Redwood Valley and on to Eureka.  There were plenty of prospects for us to discover during these few days from busy beaches, promenades and piers, to numerous road-side diners, a drive-thru tree and the unforgettable iconic Golden Gate Bridge (pictured above).

The beautiful blue and green coastal landscapes provided exceptional observation as we travelled north on Route 1, California.
Looking back to the shore from Santa Cruz Wharf, California.
We found plenty of healthy and vegan food choices while eating at the space themed Saturn Cafe, Santa Cruz.
The sunny Santa Cruz beach, California
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park viewed from Santa Cruz Wharf, California
Ships pass near the shores of Santa Cruz, California as the sun starts to set.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California.
San Francisco, Pier 39, Joe’s Crab Shack and a view across the West Marina at night.
Open Heart Sculpture at the Bay End of Pier 39, San Francisco
A vibrant agricultural view from Route 121 travelling towards Sonoma, California.
The immense Chandelier Tree, a drive-thru tourist spot south of Leggett and the Redwood Highway, California.

Sunlight seeps through the trees, Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
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