What to do In Central California, CA
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Recommended activities in Central California
Tours & day trips
See all 274 activities
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Private & custom tours
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4-Hour Private Tour in Hidden Hot Springs Outside Death Valley
Adventure & outdoor
See all 89 activities
Dune Buggy, UTV or ATV Experience at Pismo Beach
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 73 activities
Napa Valley & Sausalito Day Tour from San Francisco
Classes & workshops
See all 22 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
Places To Go In Central California
Welcome, traveler, to Central California. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that you’ve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin past…or you can embrace this new place you’ve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isn’t it?
Things to Do in Central California
You’ll not be wanting for things to do in Central California. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiques…or that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant you’ve been hearing about? Or perhaps you’d rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.
Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Central California? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.
Is the wind whispering suggestions in your mind? Rent a car and take it out beyond city limits and into the wild blue yonder. Explore the smaller cities and towns past the border, and get to know the stories behind them. Visit a county fair and let childhood memories wash over you as cotton candy melts in your mouth. Sample hand-made jam at a stop on a forgotten highway, or let the hustle and bustle of modern life sweep you away as you lose yourself in the organized chaos of a modern metropolis. Your choices are endless—and so are the adventures to come.
When you book your journey with Travelocity, you’re never far from Central California attractions. After all, the money you save when you plan a trip with us is best spent along the way. Whether it’s the roar of the city you crave, or the quiet solitude that comes with a simpler getaway, everything you need to get started is right here.
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.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking 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.
Santana Row Shopping Center
You can browse for souvenirs with a trip to Santana Row Shopping Center, a favorite shopping spot in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.
Carmel Beach
Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.
Hearst Castle
You can learn about the history of San Simeon when you stop by Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.