Central California

Travel Guide

Yosemite Valley which includes a cascade and mountains
Channel Islands National Park
Central California featuring landscape views, general coastal views and a coastal town
Ventura showing dining out, night scenes and outdoor eating
Ventura showing general coastal views and surfing as well as an individual male

Prepare to be awestruck by the national parks, scenic byways and beautiful towns in this region of diverse and wondrous natural scenery.

Choose one of Central California’s spectacular national parks or simply drive down Highway 1 along the coast to sample some of its astonishing scenery. Iconic landscapes, lively oceanfront towns and big wildlife make this one of California’s most enticing regions.

Much of Central California’s history is tied up with the gold rush in the mountains. Visit the ghost town in Bodie State Historic Park to experience what life was like for prospectors in the region.

Set out on the hiking trails through breathtaking Yosemite National Park, famed for its soaring peaks and pine forests. Climb to the top of iconic Half Dome and take photos of the panoramic vistas of this spectacular landscape.

Gaze upwards at the mighty trees of Sequoia National Park. Some of the plants here are more than 3,000 years old. Pinnacles National Park isn’t as famous as some of Central California’s big hitters, yet it promises fields that come alive in spring with colorful wildflowers.

Brave the scorching hot deserts of Death Valley National Park. The second-hottest place on Earth offers curious sights such as the Devil’s Golf Course, a salt pan with jagged saline formations.

Travel down the coast for other scenic sights. Big Sur and Channel Islands National Park are both stunning places to hike, boat and drive. Visit the McWay Falls and tranquil Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur or paddle in a kayak around the dramatic coastline.

Watch for wildlife in Moss Landing, where you can meet a colony of sea otters. Monterey, a stylish town with an acclaimed aquarium, is one of the best places to see whales.

The Central Valley, occupying a large, flat and rural swath down the middle of the state, contains its own charms, including the lively city of Fresno. Stroll through the Forestiere Underground Gardens or cool off from the heat in Island Waterpark.

Fly into San Francisco International Airport then travel south to hit the coast or east to visit the Sierra Nevada mountains. Central California often becomes oppressively hot in summer, especially in places such as Death Valley. Visit in spring or fall for milder temperatures in the plains and deserts.

Where to stay in Central California

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Downtown San Jose

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Santa Cruz which includes views and general coastal views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Westside Santa Cruz
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Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.

Yosemite West
Carmel featuring signage, a city and nightlife

Downtown Monterey

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
Pismo Beach

Downtown Pismo Beach

While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach.

Downtown Pismo Beach
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Eastside Santa Cruz

Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Eastside Santa Cruz
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay

4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
The price is P14,978 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P14,978
P17,717 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,703 reviews)
"Great location for the Motorcar week"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,282 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

The Monterey Hotel
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa

4.5 out of 5
400 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA
The price is P18,876 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P18,876
P21,770 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,341 reviews)
"We had a fabulous family stay The hotel was amazing, we had an upgrade to a sea view room which was stunning, definitely recommend if not booked already. Amazing location and fab area"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Flying Flags Avila Beach

Flying Flags Avila Beach

3 out of 5
6450 Babe Ln, Avila Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Avila Beach. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Avila Beach and Avila Hot Springs ...
9/10 Wonderful! (91 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Flying Flags Avila Beach
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

2 out of 5
31191 Hardin Flat Road, Groveland, CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Groveland. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Yosemite Big Oak ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (579 reviews)
"Overall, we had a good stay. Our cabin was nice, clean and had all the amenities we needed for a few days. The office staff is very nice and helpful. The property itself is in need of a lot of maintenance especially the cabins. There is no cell signal (at least for Verizon) and Wi-Fi is only available ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground

3 out of 5
7075 Ontario Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Avila Hot Springs and Avila Beach are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
Fun family cabins in quiet RV park.
"What a wonderful and unique stay for our family road trip! After many hotel rooms, our cabin at Avila was a fun stay. This is mostly an RV park, but it's quiet and friendly with several cabins to rent. We were a bit confused, thinking we had booked the Hot Springs cabins. But there is a great pool, ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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