Things to Do in Central Coast California in 2025

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views and rocky coastline

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views

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

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Most popular activities in Central Coast California

Tours & day trips

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Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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

Adventure & outdoor

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Dune Buggy, UTV or ATV Experience at Pismo Beach

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours

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What to do in Central Coast California

Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Coast California

Monterey Bay Aquarium

4.5/5(1,731 reviews)

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

4.5/5(2,013 reviews)

Enjoy the thrill rides with your kiddos at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as part of your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Hearst Castle

4.5/5(907 reviews)

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.

17-Mile Drive

4.5/5(1,184 reviews)

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

4.5/5(1,988 reviews)

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

Carmel Beach

4.5/5(1,826 reviews)

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

Fisherman's Wharf

4.5/5(2,655 reviews)

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

Air Force One at the Reagan Library.
#lifeatexpedia

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

4.5/5(100 reviews)

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.

Pismo Beach Pier

4.5/5(1,360 reviews)

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Coast California

Montecito

4.5/5(179 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

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.

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.

Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(2,586 area reviews)

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

Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

4.5/5(251 area reviews)

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.