Things to do in Central California
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Most popular activities in Central California
Tours & day trips
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San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Private & custom tours
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4-Hour Private Tour in Hidden Hot Springs Outside Death Valley
Adventure & outdoor
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Dune Buggy, UTV or ATV Experience at Pismo Beach
Food, drink & nightlife
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Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco
Classes & workshops
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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
What to do in Central California
Discover the most popular places to visit in Central California

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.

Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.

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.

Santana Row Shopping Center
You can browse for souvenirs with a trip to Santana Row Shopping Center, a favorite shopping spot in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

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.

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.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.

San Jose McEnery Convention Center
Learn about the events happening at San Jose McEnery Convention Center during your trip to San Jose. 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

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.

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.

Yosemite West
Just outside Yosemite National Park, this unincorporated community offers resort homes and access to several hiking trails, including Deer Camp Trail and Alder Creek Trail. Explore the historic Henness Ridge fire lookout tower and admire Alder Creek Fall.

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.

Downtown Pismo Beach
While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo Beach Surf Shop.

Eastside Santa Cruz
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.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Central California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Yosemite Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hearst Castle
- Death Valley National Park
- 17-Mile Drive
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- San Jose McEnery Convention Center
- Carmel Beach
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Capitola Beach
- California Polytechnic State University
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Winchester Mystery House
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- CSU San Jose State University
- Santa Clara University
- Yosemite Falls
- General Sherman Tree
- Mystery Spot
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- California State University
- Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall
- Avila Hot Springs
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Sensorio
- Yosemite Big Oak Flat Entrance
- Yosemite Visitor Center
- University of California
- Hotels near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near Hearst Castle
- Hotels near Death Valley National Park
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Hotels near Carmel Beach
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near Capitola Beach
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near California Polytechnic State University
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Hotels near Fisherman's Wharf
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near CSU San Jose State University
- Hotels near Santa Clara University
- Hotels near PayPal Park
- Hotels near Yosemite Falls
- Hotels near General Sherman Tree
- Hotels near Mystery Spot
- Hotels near Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
- Hotels near Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Hotels near California State University