Things to do in Central California
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Most popular activities in Central California
Tours & day trips
See all 349 activitiesOpens in new tabSan Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 108 activitiesOpens in new tab25+ National Parks Self-Guided Driving Tours Bundle
Adventure & outdoor
See all 72 activitiesOpens in new tabSmall-Group Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas with Sunset & Stargazing
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 61 activitiesOpens in new tabSmall-Group Death Valley Day Tour from Las Vegas with Sunset & Stargazing
Water activities
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabMonterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Discover the most popular places to visit in Central California
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
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.
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.
Stanford University
Enjoy the collegiate vibe around Stanford University, a top university in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Harrah's Laughlin Casino
Why not roll the dice by visiting Harrah's Laughlin Casino where you can enjoy the entertainment at this popular casino in Laughlin? Discover the desert landscapes and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
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.
San Francisco Bay
Explore the great outdoors at San Francisco Bay, a popular spot to commune with nature in San Francisco. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.
Death Valley National Park
See an American desert in this expansive, sweltering U.S. national park. Find birds, wildflowers and snow-capped mountains here as well.
Googleplex
After visiting Googleplex, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Mountain View. 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 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.
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 St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, 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 Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.
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.
Golden Rectangle
If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Downtown San Luis Obispo
If you're spending some time in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Bubblegum Alley and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa are top sights worth seeing.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Central California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
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- Yosemite National Park
- Yosemite Valley
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Death Valley National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- San Jose Convention Center
- Hearst Castle
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Carmel Beach
- San Jose State University
- Winchester Mystery House
- Capitola Beach
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Santa Clara University
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Mystery Spot
- Pinnacles National Park
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Yosemite Visitor Center
- Yosemite Falls
- General Sherman Tree
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- University of California Merced
- Edwards Air Force Base
- Sensorio
- Moonstone Beach Park
- Hotels near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Death Valley National Park
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near San Jose Convention Center
- Hotels near Hearst Castle
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Carmel Beach
- Hotels near California Polytechnic State University
- Hotels near San Jose State University
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near Santa Clara University
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Hotels near Pinnacles National Park
- Hotels near Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Hotels near Yosemite Falls
- Hotels near Black Oak Casino
- Hotels near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve