Things to do in Central California
Activities, attractions and tours
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Most popular experiences in Central California
Tours & day trips
See all 269 activities
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 93 activities
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 54 activities
Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
Classes & workshops
See all 22 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Theme parks
See all 4 activitiesMonterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo
What to do in Central California
Popular places to visit
Yosemite Valley
From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and El Capitan, you can see some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Yosemite National Park’s central valley.
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
Carmel Beach
Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.
Hearst Castle
You can learn about the local history of San Simeon when you make a stop at a top site like Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Pismo Beach Pier
Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.
Santana Row Shopping Center
During your trip to San Jose, you can enjoy retail therapy at Santana Row Shopping Center. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.
Areas of Central California
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.
Westside Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.
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 San Pedro Square and San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.
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 Pismo Beach
While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo State Beach and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.
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.
