Things to do in Central California
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Central California
![Yosemite Valley featuring mountains and a waterfall](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/71000/71718-Yosemite-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Channel Islands National Park](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/173000/173484-Central-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Central California which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/173000/173508-Central-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Ventura featuring dining out, night scenes and outdoor eating](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/173000/173525-Central-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Ventura featuring surfing and general coastal views as well as an individual male](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/173000/173511-Central-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
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Most popular experiences in Central California
Tours & day trips
See all 254 activities![San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/249490/828bcf12-0cb6-425c-9852-d5ed6cb7390e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 104 activities![4-Hour Private Tour in Hidden Hot Springs Outside Death Valley](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46144833/2944ea33-3412-4247-98fa-6a4d08263df4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
4-Hour Private Tour in Hidden Hot Springs Outside Death Valley
Adventure & outdoor
See all 81 activities![Off Road UTV Adrenaline Experience in Las Vegas](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3362970/78117f8f-ddea-4999-8bdc-e5097f24911a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Off Road UTV Adrenaline Experience in Las Vegas
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 69 activities![Paso Robles: Full-Day Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch Included](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44635000/9de547a4-4008-4cd1-ac01-b56ed709c6c5.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Paso Robles: Full-Day Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch Included
Classes & workshops
See all 15 activities![Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4758083/22e1a530-b4cf-4630-b3dc-b14c5c86fa94.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
What to do in Central California
Popular places to visit
![Yosemite Valley featuring mountains and a waterfall](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/71000/71718-Yosemite-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
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](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/71000/71867-Upper-Yosemite-Falls.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Yosemite National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
![Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/d485689f45002b80012841138b6987c3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
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.
![Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/26000/26912-Monterey-Bay-Aquarium.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
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 showing snowboarding and snow](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/152000/152557-Mammoth-Mountain-Ski-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
When it comes to California skiing, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is the mammoth of all ski resorts on the West Coast. Boasting the highest summit of any other CA ski resort, along with an average of 400 inches of snowfall each season, Mammoth ski resort in Mammoth Lakes is a snow mecca for both skiers and riders.
![San Jose Convention Center](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e637e7644606a8eca5a98f48c6a3927.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
San Jose Convention Center
Learn about the events happening in San Jose Convention Center during your trip to San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
![Hearst Castle](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/1b58ee32b42e3f8b40138c59b98a87d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
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.
![17-Mile Drive featuring a sandy beach and rocky coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203628-17-Mile-Drive.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
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.
![Sequoia National Park showing forest scenes as well as an individual female](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203267-San-Joaquin-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Be humbled by nature at its most impressive in these two breathtaking national parks, home to some of the largest living things on this planet.
Areas of Central California
![Default Image](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/193000/193591-San-Jose-Museum-Of-Art.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Downtown San Jose
Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/d7eb4f43a09847e142e09cc213d9e7a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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.
![Carmel which includes street scenes, signage and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/25000/25442-Carmel-By-The-Sea.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Downtown Monterey
The pristine beaches and popular aquarium 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.
![Carmel which includes a house, autumn colours and a sunset](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/26000/26930-Carmel-By-The-Sea.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.
![Santa Cruz which includes general coastal views and views as well as an individual male](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/59000/59236-Santa-Cruz.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Westside Santa Cruz
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.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Mammoth Village
While Mammoth Village isn't home to many top sights, Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
- Yosemite Valley
- Yosemite National Park
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- San Jose Convention Center
- Hearst Castle
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Winchester Mystery House
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- PayPal Park
- General Sherman Tree
- Yosemite Visitor Center
- Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
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