10 TOP Things to Do in Central Coast California (2025 Activity Guide)

Central Coast California which includes surfing, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views, flowers and a sunset

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Most popular experiences in Central Coast California

Tours & day trips

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Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco

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Private & custom tours

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Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Classes & workshops

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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

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What to do in Central Coast California

Popular places to visit

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.

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.

17-Mile Drive

Discover palatial mansions, lush golf courses and a wild stretch of coastline inhabited by sea lions on a road often dubbed one of the world’s most scenic drives.

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.

Carmel Beach

Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.

Cannery Row

Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.

Capitola Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Capitola Beach during your travels in Capitola? While in this quaint area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Fisherman's Wharf

Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.

Pismo Beach Pier

Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.

Areas of Central Coast California

Montecito

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

Santa Barbara Beach

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and 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.

Downtown Santa Barbara

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Santa Barbara. A stop by Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

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