Things to do in Central California

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Yosemite Valley featuring a waterfall and mountains
Channel Islands National Park
Central California showing a coastal town, landscape views and general coastal views
Ventura showing night scenes, signage and outdoor eating
Ventura featuring general coastal views and surfing as well as an individual male

Central California Attractions

Explore the best sights in Central California with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {289 fun activities in Central California fun activities in Central California}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel all your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.


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Most popular activities in Central California

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

See all 103 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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What to do in Central California

Free Things to Do in Central California

A visit to Central California doesn't have to break the bank. You won't even need your wallet if you check out:

Reedly College - Spend time at this historic landmark and experience a part of the cultural heritage of the area.

Rose Ann Vuich Park - Recharge your mind, body and soul by spending some time with Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Central California with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you wander in Central California. Here are some family friendly experiences to do together that promise to make your trip memorable:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Central California? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Central California

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central California

Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(2,586 area reviews)

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.

Westside Santa Cruz
Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

4.5/5(251 area reviews)

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.

Downtown Monterey
Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 area reviews)

This city on San Francisco Bay is not only a technology center, but also filled with cultural and historic attractions.

Downtown San Jose
🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙 driving through #Yosemite #nationalpark #toottootbeepbeep #ruffiansroadtrip ☀🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃

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.

Yosemite West
Pismo Beach

Downtown Pismo Beach

4.5/5(396 area reviews)

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

Downtown Pismo Beach
41.5 feet tall, 350,000 pounds and able to withstand a quarter million pounds of wave energy: Walton Lighthouse

Eastside Santa Cruz

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

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.

Eastside Santa Cruz

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Central California

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Central California on a sunny day?
Soak up the clear weather (and give your legs a stretch too) with one or two of these top activities:


What to do in Central California on a rainy day?
There's no need to splish and splash your way through a damp day when there are excellent indoor activities to enjoy:


What is Central California famous for?
Get set to be busy with all of these noteworthy attractions to cross off your must-do list:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Hearst Castle
  • Winchester Mystery House

What should I not miss in Central California?
You'll want to put these attractions high on your must-see list to make the most of your trip:

  • SAP Center at San Jose
  • Carmel Beach
  • San Jose Convention Center
  • San Jose State University

Are there cheap things to do in Central California?
What can you do in Central California for free?
You'll hardly have time to pull your wallet out of your backpack with so many terrific free things to do:

  • University of California Santa Cruz
  • Fisherman's Wharf
  • Gilroy Premium Outlets
  • California State University Monterey Bay