What to do in Central Coast California, CA
Activities, attractions and tours
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Most fun & popular experiences in Central Coast California
Tours & day trips
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Los Angeles Day Trip to Santa Barbara via Oxnard-Amtrak Coast Starlight
Food, drink & nightlife
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Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco
Private & custom tours
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Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Classes & workshops
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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 7 activitiesMonterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
What to do in Central Coast California
Popular places to visit
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
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
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.
Hearst Castle
You can learn about the local history of San Simeon during your trip to a top site such as Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Carmel Beach
Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.
Cannery Row
Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.
Capitola Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Capitola Beach during your travels in Capitola? While in this quaint area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Fisherman's Wharf
Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.
Pismo Beach Pier
Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.
Explore areas of Central Coast California
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Downtown Pismo Beach
If you're spending some time in Downtown Pismo Beach, Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo Beach Surf Shop are top sights worth seeing.
