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 featuring 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 which includes surfing, general coastal views and a sandy beach](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 general coastal views, landscape views and a sandy beach](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 landscape views, flowers and a sunset](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 243 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 100 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 ATV 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 ATV Experience at Pismo Beach
Water activities
See all 29 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![Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour with Lunch & Tastings from SYV](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47800493/34861241-b504-442b-bfee-e93370a31d57.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Tour with Lunch & Tastings from SYV
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 thrill rides with your kiddos at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as part of your trip to Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
![Monterey Bay Aquarium showing 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.
![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 when you stop by Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
![17-Mile Drive showing rugged coastline and a sandy beach](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 boating and general coastal views 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.
![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.
![Carmel Beach showing landscape views and a beach as well as an individual femail](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 which includes 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.
![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 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 showing 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 in the area like Stearns Wharf and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
![Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes](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 beaches and seaside views 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.
![Carmel featuring autumn leaves, a house 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
If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Sunset Center and Carmel Plaza are top sights worth seeing.
![Santa Cruz showing 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
Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Monterey Bay and Pacific Avenue, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.
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