Things to do in Central California

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Yosemite Valley featuring a waterfall and mountains
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

Central California Attractions

Explore the best sights in Central California with some popular tours & day trips, or try out our list of {40 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.



Central California must see attractions

1. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the emerald green heart of Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the soaring granite walls, including some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, flanking this 8-mile (13-kilometer) canyon.
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Yosemite Valley featuring a waterfall and mountains

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an area of extraordinary natural beauty in the center of California. It has abundant flora and fauna in addition to majestic mountains, giant trees, vast valleys and peaceful lakes. Every year, millions of travelers visit the park, which stretches across 747,956 acres (302,687 hectares). Glaciers formed the fascinating landscape about 1 million years ago.
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Yosemite Falls showing a waterfall and mountains

3. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the continental United States’ largest park. It’s also the hottest, driest and lowest. Despite harsh conditions, the park’s more than 3 million acres (1.3 million hectares) aren’t simply desert plains. Find mountains, canyons, sand dunes, extinct volcanic craters and even palm trees and wildflowers.
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Death Valley which includes tranquil scenes and desert views as well as a small group of people

4. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

The high peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains capture plenty of natural snowfall, giving Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort a very long season, usually starting in November and continuing through June or even July. Enjoy sunshine on average 300 days a year as you ski over 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) of snowy terrain or bike on 80 miles (130 kilometers) of trails. Find plenty of family fun off the mountain too.
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Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort featuring snow boarding and snow

5. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

6. Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in Eastern California is a skier's paradise. Located along the Sierra Nevada Mountains, its prime conditions and varied runs make it a world-class destination for snow sports. When you aren't hitting the slopes, the lively resort offers other diversions year-round.
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Mammoth Mountain

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

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
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Mammoth Village

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mammoth Village and surrounding area, you can visit Village Gondola Station and Eagle Express Ski Lift.

Mammoth Village
🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙 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
Following highway 1 south out of Monterey you get views like this

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 Golden State Theatre or Munras Avenue might round out your trip.

Downtown Monterey
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(2,586 area reviews)

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Westside Santa Cruz
You know, snow was 10 feet deep just 2 miles away. Here it felt like a nice spring day.

Old Mammoth

While Old Mammoth might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eagle Express Ski Lift and Snowcreek Golf Course.

Old Mammoth

 

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

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