Things to do in Central Coast California
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Central Coast California
![Central Coast California](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/26000/26834-Pfeiffer-Big-Sur-State-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Yosemite Valley which includes mist or fog](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/71000/71716-Yosemite-Valley.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Central Coast California](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/193000/193816-17-Mile-Drive.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park showing mountains, general coastal views and landscape views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/25000/25501-Pfeiffer-Big-Sur-State-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
![Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes wild flowers, a sunset and rocky coastline](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/26000/26833-Pfeiffer-Big-Sur-State-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
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Most popular experiences in Central Coast California
Tours & day trips
See all 256 activities![Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/5002793/859e3447-14ff-4caf-9060-a7ace40a9554.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 103 activities![Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48117548/47650188-db2e-4c28-b56b-ad42c17837bd.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Santa Barbara: Chocolate Bar and Art Box Making Workshop
Adventure & outdoor
See all 70 activities![Dune Buggy, UTV or quad bike Experience at Pismo Beach](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1386776/f9ce9c98-63e3-47ba-87d1-9117759b113d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Dune Buggy, UTV or quad bike Experience at Pismo Beach
Water activities
See all 31 activities![Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4583863/7917f176-2dae-4cd8-826e-fd964ce4d77a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Monterey Bay: Whale Watching Tour
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 6 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 Coast California
Popular places to visit
![Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/d485689f45002b80012841138b6987c3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the exciting rides at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and see why everyone loves this theme park in 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.
![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.
![Fisherman\'s Wharf which includes general coastal views and boating as well as a large group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203998-Fishermans-Wharf-Monterey.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
![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.
![Carmel Beach which includes a sandy beach and landscape views as well as an individual female](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/26000/26894-Carmel-Beach.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Carmel Beach
Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.
![Pismo Beach Pier featuring fishing as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203235-Central-California.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Pismo Beach Pier
Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.
![Cannery Row which includes a beach as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/203000/203598-Cannery-Row.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Cannery Row
Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.
![Pebble Beach Golf Links](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/2be9cea874f7750dbe34316cf7a591bb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Enjoy a round of golf in Del Monte Forest at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Areas of Central Coast California
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/4ac1f02a3b45ea4c8ed3a9d6ead87c6e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Montecito
The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Montecito. A stop by Miramar Beach or Butterfly Beach might round out your trip.
![Santa Barbara featuring a coastal town](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/35000/35638-Santa-Barbara.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
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.
![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/4b9585a48356be65be68944c62168157.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Santa Barbara Beach
Santa Barbara Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
![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 Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre 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.
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