Things to do in Central Coast California
Activities, attractions and tours
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Most 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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Santa Barbara Wine Country Vineyard & Village Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 72 activities
Dune Buggy, UTV or quad bike Experience at Pismo Beach
Water activities
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Monterey: Monterey Bay Dolphin and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 6 activities
Monterey Bay: Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
What to do in Central Coast California
Popular places to visit

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.

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.

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 history of San Simeon with a stop at Hearst Castle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its 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.

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.

Pismo Beach Pier
Watch whales from the benches that flank this long pier offering unobstructed vistas of the ocean and the hilly environs.

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.
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.

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 Presidio Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara Museum of Art 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 Monterey State Beach or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.

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.

Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Hearst Castle
- Carmel Beach
- Cannery Row
- Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Ventura Harbor
- Santa Barbara Harbor
- Pinnacles National Park
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Avila Hot Springs
- Asilomar State Beach
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Ventura County Fairgrounds
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