Things to do in Central California
Visit Central California
Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.
Most popular experiences in Central California
Tours & day trips
See all 243 activitiesOpens in new tabSan Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 95 activitiesOpens in new tab4-Hour Private Tour in Hidden Hot Springs Outside Death Valley
Adventure & outdoor
See all 76 activitiesOpens in new tabDune Buggy, UTV or quad bike Experience at Pismo Beach
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 64 activitiesOpens in new tabNapa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco
Classes & workshops
See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tabMonterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
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 National Park
The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.
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.
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
When the temperatures start to drop, head to Mammoth Lakes in California to make the most of its exciting ski season.
Santana Row Shopping Center
During your trip to San Jose, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Santana Row Shopping Center. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.
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.
Cannery Row
Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.
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
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.
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.
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.
Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.
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 Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue.
Downtown San Luis Obispo
If you're spending some time in Downtown San Luis Obispo, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market and Bubblegum Alley are top sights worth seeing.
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
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Hearst Castle
- San Jose Convention Center
- Winchester Mystery House
- PayPal Park
- Pismo Beach Pier
- General Sherman Tree
- Sensorio
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall
- Save Mart Center
- Hotels near Yosemite Valley
- Hotels near Yosemite National Park
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Hotels near Death Valley National Park
- Hotels near Monterey Bay
- Hotels near Mammoth Mountain
- Hotels near SAP Center at San Jose
- Hotels near WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Hotels near Santana Row Shopping Center
- Hotels near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Hotels near Winchester Mystery House
- Hotels near 17-Mile Drive
- Hotels near Cannery Row
- Hotels near Hearst Castle
- Hotels near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hotels near San Jose Convention Center
- Hotels near San Jose State University
- Hotels near General Sherman Tree
- Hotels near Santa Clara University
- Hotels near Yosemite Falls
- Hotels near Capitola Beach
- Hotels near Furnace Creek Visitor Center
- Hotels near Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Hotels near Black Oak Casino