Things to do in Central Coast California
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What to do in Central Coast California
Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Coast California

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Capitola Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Capitola Beach during your travels in Capitola? While in this quaint area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

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

Pismo Beach Pier
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
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
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.

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.

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 Presidio Santa Barbara or Paseo Nuevo Mall might round out your trip.

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.
- Places to visit
- Hotels near popular Central Coast California Attractions
- Nearby cities for things to do
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- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 17-Mile Drive
- Hearst Castle
- Carmel Beach
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- California Polytechnic State University
- Capitola Beach
- Pismo Beach Pier
- Mystery Spot
- Chumash Casino
- Vandenberg Air Force Base
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- University of California
- Avila Hot Springs
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
- Pinnacles National Park
- Moonstone Beach Park
- Lovers Point
- University of California
- Ventura Harbor
- Asilomar State Beach
- Stearns Wharf
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- California State University Monterey Bay
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Sensorio
- Ventura County Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Hearst Castle
- Hotels near Carmel Beach
- Hotels near WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near California Polytechnic State University
- Hotels near Capitola Beach
- Hotels near Fisherman's Wharf
- Hotels near Mystery Spot
- Hotels near Chumash Casino
- Hotels near Vandenberg Air Force Base
- Hotels near Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Hotels near Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Hotels near University of California
- Hotels near Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
- Hotels near Avila Hot Springs
- Hotels near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Hotels near Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
- Hotels near Pinnacles National Park
- Hotels near Lovers Point
- Hotels near University of California
- Hotels near Moonstone Beach
- Hotels near Ventura Harbor
- Hotels near Asilomar State Beach
- Hotels near Pfeiffer Beach