While driving to Big Sur on the PCH, we stopped by the city Santa Cruz. It’s a beautiful town with a long wharf, cute eateries and shops, and very close to the Monterey Bay.  We walked and drove along the West Cliff Drive, which is popular for Natural Bridges State Beach with bridge-shaped rock formation. 

We also spend some time trekking around Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, which as Redwood Grove. The Redwood Grove comprises old-growth “virgin” redwoods, the oldest trees of which are approximately 1,400–1,800 years old and grow to approximately 300 feet tall and over 16 feet in diameter. Referred to by locals as “the loop,” the grove is primarily a self-guided walk, and many places in the park reminds of settings from the Planet of Apes movie, or some settings from STAR WARS movies too.