Things to do in Central California
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Most popular activities in Central California
Tours & day trips
See all 266 activities
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 101 activities
Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 62 activities
San Jose: "The Escape Game" Ticket at Valley Fair
Classes & workshops
See all 23 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 7 activities
Mist, Mayhem & Murder: Monterey Ghost Tours
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.

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.

Santana Row Shopping Center
During your trip to San Jose, you can enjoy retail therapy at Santana Row Shopping Center. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

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.

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 SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, 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 Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.

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.

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.

South San Jose
Southern region of San Jose, California, featuring a mix of businesses, green spaces, and parks. Explore trails like Coyote Creek and Guadalupe River, or visit parks such as Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Easily accessible via VTA stations and highways.

Golden Rectangle
If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Central California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Silicon Valley
- Yosemite Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- SAP Center at San Jose
- Death Valley National Park
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- 17-Mile Drive
- Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hearst Castle
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- San Jose McEnery Convention Center
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Winchester Mystery House
- Carmel Beach
- California Polytechnic State University
- Santa Clara University
- CSU San Jose State University
- General Sherman Tree
- Yosemite Falls
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Capitola Beach
- Mystery Spot
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Mono Lake
- California State University
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Avila Hot Springs
- Pinnacles National Park
- Moonstone Beach Park
- University of California
- Yosemite Visitor Center
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Death Valley National Park
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near Silicon Valley
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near Hearst Castle
- Hotels near WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Hotels near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Hotels near Carmel Beach
- Hotels near California Polytechnic State University
- Hotels near Santa Clara University
- Hotels near CSU San Jose State University
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain
- Hotels near Fisherman's Wharf
- Hotels near General Sherman Tree
- Hotels near Yosemite Falls
- Hotels near PayPal Park
- Hotels near Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Hotels near Capitola Beach
- Hotels near Mystery Spot
- Hotels near Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Hotels near Mono Lake
















































