Central California, CA

Travel Guide
Channel Islands National Park
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

🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙 driving through #Yosemite #nationalpark #toottootbeepbeep #ruffiansroadtrip ☀🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃

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
Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 area reviews)

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 St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, 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 watersports

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(2,586 area reviews)

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
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 Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
Carmel featuring autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(186 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Rectangle
41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse

Eastside Santa Cruz

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

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
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is ¥13,283 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥13,283
per night
May 13 - May 14
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,900 reviews)
Great hidden hotel.
"Excellent hotel. Large and spacious rooms. Best hotel we have stayed at in years. Price was outstanding."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Hotel Piccadilly
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
The price is ¥32,882 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥32,882
per night
May 13 - May 14
Book a stay at this spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,948 reviews)
"Central to all amenities in Monterey"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Carmel Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
The price is ¥24,582 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥24,582
per night
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this hotel in Carmel. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,293 reviews)
Overall good, but not when renting electric car.
"The Hotel is beautiful. However, our coffee wasn't refilled by the cleaning crew. We had to leave for Whale tour, therefore we didnt have time to ask for it. Electric vehicle chargers are only outlets and you need to bring your own charging cable. Obviously, when renting a car, you do not have that. ..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Carmel Mission Inn
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.
Fern River Resort
Fern River Resort
3 out of 5
5250 Highway 9, Felton, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Felton. Enjoy free parking, a private beach, and a garden. Popular attractions Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp ...
9/10 Wonderful! (352 reviews)
"Property is quiet and has nice units. However , the Bed wasn’t that comfortable in our unit."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Fern River Resort
Pacific Plaza Resort
Pacific Plaza Resort
3.5 out of 5
444 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Oceano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (783 reviews)
"Enjoyed my stay 10/10"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

Pacific Plaza Resort
Convict Lake Resort
Convict Lake Resort
3 out of 5
2000 Convict Lake Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Stay at this cabin in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Convict ...
9/10 Wonderful! (217 reviews)
"Beautiful location. Very well equipped kitchen. Nice towels and bedding."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024

Convict Lake Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Central California