Things to do in Central Coast California

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views and rocky coastline
Yosemite Valley featuring mist or fog
Central Coast California
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views, flowers and wildflowers

Central Coast California Attractions

If you're ready to discover the best of Central Coast California, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a local expert show you the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {23 fun activities in Central Coast California fun activities in Central Coast California} are also worth browsing through.



Central Coast California must see attractions

1. 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

2. Cannery Row

Discover the leisure attractions along the historic street of Cannery Row. Once a thriving and rather smelly sardine-canning district, today this strip of coast offers fun for the whole family. Peruse the specialty shops and art galleries, dine in seafood restaurants, take the kids to Monterey Bay Aquarium and enjoy watersports in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
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Cannery Row showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

3. 17-Mile Drive

Gaze at dazzling mansions and barking sea lions along 17-Mile Drive, a privately owned stretch of road that winds between Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach. This exclusive seafront drive hugs the wild, craggy coastline, passing great cypress trees, rocky coves, sandy beaches and undulating golf courses.
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17-Mile Drive featuring general coastal views and rocky coastline

4. Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is a long stretch of soft, white sand in Carmel, a picture-perfect town just 15 minutes’ drive south from Monterey. Steady swells make this a popular destination with surfers, swimmers and kayakers. Rent a kayak and paddle out across the kelp beds. Bring a wetsuit, as the water is often cold except in the heat of summer.
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Carmel Beach which includes a beach and landscape views as well as an individual femail

5. Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular waterfront area that played a major role in the development of Monterey. After serving as a busy port toward the end of the 19th century, it is today a diverse district that draws crowds with its seafood restaurants, lively bars and souvenir shops. Admire the excellent views of the ocean in this old-world harbor.
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Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes shopping

6. Pismo Beach Pier

Pismo Beach Pier is an extended wooden platform that runs from the heart of its eponymous stretch of sand. It offers spectacular views of the undulating terrain that makes up the Pismo Preserve. Breathe in the salty air and feel the spray from the ocean waves as you stand at the end of the pier.
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Pismo Beach Pier featuring a beach

What to do in Central Coast California

Free Things to Do in Central Coast California

They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you visit the following around Central Coast California:

Nipomo Regional Park - Let the kids play or be a big kid again yourself — this place was built for fun.

Bitter Creek Western Railroad - Stroll around this historic attraction and learn a couple of secrets from the past.

Oceano Lagoon - Simply being beside the water will leave you feeling rejuvenated and calm.

Nipomo Swapmeet & Fleamarket - If you're eager to check out some of the more important or interesting places in the community, this is a great place to start.

Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area - Contemplate the stark contrast between the big city and nature's beauty at this awe-inspiring place.

Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve - Grab your rug, throw together a quick snack and find a shady spot to be at one with nature.

Things to Do in Central Coast California with Kids

Central Coast California is an excellent destination for a family vacation. Bring the little ones along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Central Coast 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 Coast California

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Coast California

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Montecito

4.5/5(179 area reviews)

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.

Montecito
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Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(1,188 area reviews)

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.

Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara showing a coastal town

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.

Downtown Santa Barbara
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
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 Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Westside Santa Cruz
Carmel featuring autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(186 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Rectangle

 

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 Coast California

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Central Coast California on a sunny day?
What to do in Central Coast California on a rainy day?
There's no need to splish, splash and splosh your way through a rainy day when there are loads of excellent indoor activities like these to enjoy:


What is Central Coast California famous for?
Bring comfy shoes because there are loads of remarkable attractions that simply beg to be explored:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Hearst Castle
  • University of California-Santa Barbara

What should I not miss in Central Coast California?
You'll want to put these things at the top of your sightseeing list to get the most out of your visit:

  • Carmel Beach
  • Pebble Beach Golf Links
  • Santa Barbara Zoo
  • WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Are there cheap things to do in Central Coast California?
What can you do in Central Coast California for free?
Your trip to Central Coast California needn't cost a bundle with free things like these to enjoy:

  • University of California-Santa Barbara
  • University of California Santa Cruz
  • Fisherman's Wharf
  • Santa Barbara County Courthouse

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