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

Yosemite Valley featuring a cascade and mountains

Central California showing a coastal town, general coastal views and landscape views

Ventura featuring dining out, night scenes and signage

Ventura featuring surfing and general coastal views as well as an individual male

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most popular experiences in Central California

Tours & day trips

See all 278 activities

San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 99 activities

4-Hour Private Hidden Hot Springs Tour near Death Valley

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 93 activities

Dune Buggy, UTV or quad bike Experience at Pismo Beach

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 57 activities

San Jose: "The Escape Game" Ticket at Valley Fair

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 25 activities

Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Free cancellation available

What to do in Central California

Popular places to visit

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 Falls which includes a waterfall and mountains

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.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

When this mountain’s very long ski season ends, great mountain biking begins. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery and fun events year-round.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk during your visit to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

Hearst Castle

You can learn about the local history of San Simeon during your trip to a top site such as Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Cannery Row

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

SanLuisObispo_CaliforniaPolytechnicStateUniversity_6063425_06

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.

Carmel Beach

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

Areas of Central California

Panorama Yosemite National Park im Gegenlicht

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

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

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 San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

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 Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue.

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 Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.