Central Coast California Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Central Coast California

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views and rocky coastline

Yosemite Valley which includes mist or fog

Central Coast California featuring surfing, a sandy beach and general coastal views

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park featuring mountains, general coastal views and a sandy beach

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Most popular experiences in Central Coast California

Tours & day trips

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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Half Day Private Big Sur Driving Tour in California

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Free cancellation available

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Solvang: Ghost Hunting and Dark History Tour

Free cancellation available

What to do in Central Coast California

Popular places to visit

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.

Cannery Row

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

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Hearst Castle

You can learn about the history of San Simeon with a stop at 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.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is one of the more well-known attractions to visit during your trip to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Enjoy the student vibe at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo during your visit to San Luis Obispo. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour 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.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Hike, camp or picnic among the redwood trees, waterfalls and dramatic coastal cliffs that have inspired artists, poets and writers for the past century.

Areas of Central Coast California

Montecito

5/5(4 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.

Santa Barbara Aerial Panorama. Scenic shot of Pier and beach

Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.

urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668

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 Lobero Theater or Presidio Santa Barbara might round out your trip.

This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some.

If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(31 area reviews)

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

Following highway 1 south out of Monterey you get views like this

Downtown Monterey

4/5(31 area reviews)

The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Dennis the Menace Playground or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.