What to do in Central California, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Central California

Types of activities

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Central California travel guide

Yosemite Valley featuring mountains and a waterfall

Central California showing a coastal town, general coastal views and landscape views

Ventura showing night scenes, outdoor eating and dining out

Ventura which includes general coastal views and surfing as well as an individual male

Places to Visit in Central California

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Central California, California while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Central California attractions from NZ$21, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Central California tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 35 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Central California. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is the emerald green heart of Yosemite National Park. Marvel at the soaring granite walls, including some of the park’s most iconic landmarks, flanking this 8-mile (13-kilometer) canyon.

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2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is an area of extraordinary natural beauty in the center of California. It has abundant flora and fauna in addition to majestic mountains, giant trees, vast valleys and peaceful lakes. Every year, millions of travelers visit the park, which stretches across 747,956 acres (302,687 hectares). Glaciers formed the fascinating landscape about 1 million years ago.

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Yosemite Falls which includes a cascade and mountains

3. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is the continental United States’ largest park. It’s also the hottest, driest and lowest. Despite harsh conditions, the park’s more than 3 million acres (1.3 million hectares) aren’t simply desert plains. Find mountains, canyons, sand dunes, extinct volcanic craters and even palm trees and wildflowers.

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Death Valley which includes desert views and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

4. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

The high peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains capture plenty of natural snowfall, giving Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort a very long season, usually starting in November and continuing through June or even July. Enjoy sunshine on average 300 days a year as you ski over 3,500 acres (1,400 hectares) of snowy terrain or bike on 80 miles (130 kilometers) of trails. Find plenty of family fun off the mountain too.

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Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort featuring snowboarding and snow

5. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium showcases more than 35,000 animals and plants across 550 species. You’ll discover all kinds of local wildlife here, including fish of all sizes, invertebrates, mammals and plants.

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Monterey Bay Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

6. Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in Eastern California is a skier's paradise. Located along the Sierra Nevada Mountains, its prime conditions and varied runs make it a world-class destination for snow sports. When you aren't hitting the slopes, the lively resort offers other diversions year-round.

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Recommended things to do in Central California

Number of things to do	35
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Long Beach Harbour 45-Minute Boat Tour: NZ$21
Top 5 things to do	Long Beach Harbour 45-Minute Boat Tour Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific Timed Tickets West Harbour LA 45-Minute Narrated Harbour Cruise of San Pedro Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Half-day tours	Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific Timed Tickets Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise San Pedro: West Harbour LA Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise Catalina Express: San Pedro to Avalon One-Way Ferry
With kids	Long Beach Harbour 45-Minute Boat Tour Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific Timed Tickets West Harbour LA 45-Minute Narrated Harbour Cruise of San Pedro Long Beach: Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

What to do in Central California

Discover the most popular places to visit in Central California

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.

Yosemite National Park

The hiking trails, waterfalls and mountains full of diverse wildlife make this national park one of the country’s most picturesque.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

When this mountain’s very long ski season ends, great mountain biking begins. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery and fun events year-round.

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.

Mammoth Mountain

Although it is first and foremost a ski destination, you will want to experience this Sierra Nevada Mountain resort any month of the year.

Santana Row Shopping Center

During your trip to San Jose, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Santana Row Shopping Center. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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.

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.

Winchester Mystery House

Wonder about the alleged hauntings and other mysteries as you chart the life of a gun magnate’s widow in this unfinished manor.

Explore areas of Central California

Downtown San Jose

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like San Pedro Square and San Jose Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Yosemite West

You'll enjoy the waterfalls and riverfront in Yosemite West. You might want to make time for a stop at Yosemite National Park or Sierra National Forest.

Mammoth Village

While Mammoth Village isn't home to many top sights, Village Gondola Station and Sierra Star Golf Course are some notable places to visit nearby.

Carmel featuring a city, street scenes and nightlife

Downtown Monterey

5/5(5 area reviews)

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.

Santa Cruz which includes general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(16 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.

Old Mammoth

When in Old Mammoth, you can plan a visit to Eagle Express Ski Lift and Sierra Star Golf Course, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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