Central Coast California Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Central Coast California

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park which includes landscape views and rocky coastline

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park featuring mountains, a sandy beach and landscape views

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Most popular experiences in Central Coast California

Tours & day trips

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Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Highway - Full Day Tour

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

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Malibu: Guided Vineyard Hike with Photo Stops and Wine

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

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Carmel-by-the-Sea's Fairytale Houses: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Holiday & seasonal tours

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Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise

Free cancellation available

Theme parks

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Monterey: Treasure Hunt The Ride - Ticket + Power-Up Combo

Free cancellation available

What to do in Central Coast California

Popular places to visit

Monterey Bay Aquarium

4.5/5(29 reviews)

Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find a spectacular window into life both above and below the waves.

Hearst Castle

5/5(21 reviews)

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.

Cannery Row

4/5(64 reviews)

Luxury, leisure and nature come together at this historic sardine-canning district, which is one of Monterey’s most acclaimed recreational areas.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4/5(41 reviews)

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.

Carmel Beach

4.5/5(60 reviews)

Spot birds or catch waves, then spread out a picnic by a campfire and enjoy the views at this picturesque beach.

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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

3.5/5(3 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo during your visit to San Luis Obispo. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

4/5(7 reviews)

You can take time to visit WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca during your travels to Monterey. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the seafood restaurants while you're in the area.

17-Mile Drive

4.5/5(34 reviews)

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

4/5(91 reviews)

Take a whale tour, admire the ocean views from seafood restaurants and browse the souvenirs for sale in this thriving marina.

Areas of Central Coast California

Santa Barbara Aerial Panorama. Scenic shot of Pier and beach

Santa Barbara Beach

4.5/5(67 area reviews)

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.

Montecito

5/5(4 area reviews)

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.

urban landscape of the city of Santa Barbara, California ; Shutterstock ID 398939668

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.

This is a small state park at the northern end of Santa Cruz' scenic West Cliff Drive and a little over a mile from the Boardwalk, wharf and Main Beach. A couple of times a year you can see Monarch butterflies during their migration. They are not in the numbers of years past, but you'll still see some.

If you walk north towards the rocks during low tide you will find some amazing tidepools full of sea anenomes, sea urchins, starfish, crabs, hermit crabs, and all sorts of marine life. The tidepools are on a ledge, so the tide needs to be quite high

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(31 area reviews)

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.

Following highway 1 south out of Monterey you get views like this

Downtown Monterey

4/5(31 area reviews)

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.