Things to do in Central Coast California
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Most popular activities in Central Coast California
Tours & day trips
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Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight
Food, drink & nightlife
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Paso Robles: Vineyard Rides Wine Adventure
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
Holiday & seasonal tours
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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
What to do in Central Coast California
Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Coast California

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.

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.

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

Hearst Castle
You can learn about the history of San Simeon when you stop by 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.

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.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is just one of the places to see in Simi Valley, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Coast California

Montecito
Celebrity-favored Montecito offers backcountry hiking trails and attractions like Lotusland and El Fureidis. Easily accessible via State Route 192 and the U.S. 101 Freeway, it's well-connected to Santa Barbara County.

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.

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 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 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 Santa Barbara County Courthouse might round out your trip.

Downtown Pismo Beach
While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Central Coast California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
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- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- 17-Mile Drive
- Hearst Castle
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Carmel Beach
- California Polytechnic State University
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Capitola Beach
- Chumash Casino
- Mystery Spot
- Vandenberg Air Force Base
- University of California
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Avila Hot Springs
- Pinnacles National Park
- Moonstone Beach Park
- University of California
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Lovers Point
- Ventura Harbor
- Stearns Wharf
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Upper State Street
- Sensorio
- Ventura County Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Pinnacles National Park
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Hearst Castle
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Hotels near Carmel Beach
- Hotels near California Polytechnic State University
- Hotels near Fisherman's Wharf
- Hotels near Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
- Hotels near Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Hotels near Capitola Beach
- Hotels near Chumash Casino
- Hotels near Mystery Spot
- Hotels near Vandenberg Air Force Base
- Hotels near University of California
- Hotels near Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
- Hotels near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Hotels near Avila Hot Springs
- Hotels near University of California
- Hotels near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Hotels near Lovers Point
- Hotels near Ventura Harbor
- Hotels near Avila Beach
- Hotels near Moonstone Beach
- Hotels near Pfeiffer Beach
- Hotels near Big Basin Redwoods State Park