How to Drive to San Francisco Via the Northern California Coast Route

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Enter the state of California at the northern end of the California Coast route.

   You'll find yourself at Redwoods National Park.
   
   There, you may view beautiful "original growth" redwood trees, go camping, do some fishing, view educational exhibits at one of 5 visitor's centers, or simply enjoy a picnic.
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   Step 2: Head south on US Highway 101.

   You'll pass the coastal city of Eureka, CA, then start to head inland...towards the very heart of "California Redwood Country." If you stop at the small town of Scotia...about 20 miles (32 km) south of Eureka...you can tour the Pacific Lumber Company sawmill.
   
   Watch wood go from the "whole trunk" stage to the finished product! , You'll pass mile after mile of beautiful, huge California redwoods. , Enjoy displays in the visitor's center.
   
   Camp in developed or primitive sites; aah, the aroma of the trees is a treat! Hike along miles of trails through the trees. , Can you believe that the California redwoods are big enough to hollow out and use as a small house? They are! , (That's further south yet, in Leggett, CA.) The drive through the tree is just plain fun...and the tree itself lives on in good health...despite having a "tunnel" through its base. , As you drive south on Hwy 1, you'll be able to view the Pacific Ocean much of the time as you continue to travel south to San Francisco. , At Fort Ross, you'll see what's left of a fort and trading post established by Russian explorers, traders and military men 2 centuries ago. , You'll find an art colony, a selection of quaint bed and breakfast inns, and opportunities for outdoor sports and exploring. , Check out filming sites made famous in Alfred Hitchcock's tense thriller, "The Birds."
   
   Most of northern California beaches are rocky, so cherish it! ,
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   Step 3: Take the "Avenue of the Giants" scenic drive.

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   Step 4: Visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park (in the middle of the Avenue of the Giants drive)

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   Step 5: where you'll tour lovely old groves directly off the highway.

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   Step 6: Go inside the kitschy "One Log House" (which you'll get to near Piercy

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   Step 7: if you keep on the Avenue of the Giants drive).

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   Step 8: Try to fit your car thru the Chandler Drive-through Tree.

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   Step 9: Take California Highway 1 at Leggett (US Hwy 101 heads to Napa Valley Wine Country at this point).

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    Step 10: Visit a Russian outpost!

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    Step 11: Tour charming Mendocino

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    Step 12: whose buildings hug bluffs overlooking the Pacific.

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    Step 13: Head further south on CA Hwy 1 and you'll reach Bodega Bay.

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    Step 14: Enjoy a swim at the sandy beaches of the Point Reyes National Seashore.

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    Step 15: Take a drive across that stunning marvel of engineering

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    Step 16: the elegant and graceful Golden Gate Bridge

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    Step 17: and there you are -- San Francisco!

Detailed Guide

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