Central California, CA

Travel Guide

Yosemite Valley featuring a waterfall and mountains
Channel Islands National Park
Central California showing a coastal town, landscape views and general coastal views
Ventura showing night scenes, signage and outdoor eating
Ventura featuring general coastal views and surfing as well as an individual male
Prepare to be awestruck by the national parks, scenic byways and beautiful towns in this region of diverse and wondrous natural scenery.

Choose one of Central California’s spectacular national parks or simply drive down Highway 1 along the coast to sample some of its astonishing scenery. Iconic landscapes, lively oceanfront towns and big wildlife make this one of California’s most enticing regions.

Much of Central California’s history is tied up with the gold rush in the mountains. Visit the ghost town in Bodie State Historic Park to experience what life was like for prospectors in the region.

Set out on the hiking trails through breathtaking Yosemite National Park, famed for its soaring peaks and pine forests. Climb to the top of iconic Half Dome and take photos of the panoramic vistas of this spectacular landscape.

Gaze upwards at the mighty trees of Sequoia National Park. Some of the plants here are more than 3,000 years old. Pinnacles National Park isn’t as famous as some of Central California’s big hitters, yet it promises fields that come alive in spring with colorful wildflowers.

Brave the scorching hot deserts of Death Valley National Park. The second-hottest place on Earth offers curious sights such as the Devil’s Golf Course, a salt pan with jagged saline formations.

Travel down the coast for other scenic sights. Big Sur and Channel Islands National Park are both stunning places to hike, boat and drive. Visit the McWay Falls and tranquil Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur or paddle in a kayak around the dramatic coastline.

Watch for wildlife in Moss Landing, where you can meet a colony of sea otters. Monterey, a stylish town with an acclaimed aquarium, is one of the best places to see whales.

The Central Valley, occupying a large, flat and rural swath down the middle of the state, contains its own charms, including the lively city of Fresno. Stroll through the Forestiere Underground Gardens or cool off from the heat in Island Waterpark.

Fly into San Francisco International Airport then travel south to hit the coast or east to visit the Sierra Nevada mountains. Central California often becomes oppressively hot in summer, especially in places such as Death Valley. Visit in spring or fall for milder temperatures in the plains and deserts.

Where to stay in Central California

Downtown San Jose featuring heritage architecture

Downtown San Jose

4/5(936 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 SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
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Yosemite West

Just outside Yosemite National Park, this unincorporated community offers resort homes and access to several hiking trails, including Deer Camp Trail and Alder Creek Trail. Explore the historic Henness Ridge fire lookout tower and admire Alder Creek Fall.

Yosemite West
Santa Cruz showing general coastal views and views as well as an individual male

Westside Santa Cruz

4/5(2,586 area reviews)

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Westside Santa Cruz
Carmel featuring signage, a city and street scenes

Downtown Monterey

4.5/5(251 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views 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.

Downtown Monterey
Pismo Beach

Downtown Pismo Beach

4.5/5(396 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Pismo Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Pismo Beach Pier and Pismo State Beach.

Downtown Pismo Beach
Carmel featuring autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(186 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Golden Rectangle, Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Golden Rectangle
The Monterey Hotel

The Monterey Hotel

3 out of 5
407 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Monterey. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
The Monterey Hotel
Hotel Piccadilly

Hotel Piccadilly

3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fresno. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,573 reviews)
"Our room was clean! Bed is so comfy! Staff girls are so helpful and friendly!!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/27

Hotel Piccadilly
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2241 Price Street, Pismo Beach, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Pismo Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Flying Flags Avila Beach

Flying Flags Avila Beach

3 out of 5
6450 Babe Ln, Avila Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Avila Beach. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a gift shop. Popular attractions Avila Beach and Avila Hot Springs ...
Flying Flags Avila Beach
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

2 out of 5
31191 Hardin Flat Road, Groveland, CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly campground in Groveland. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Yosemite Big Oak ...
Yosemite Lakes RV Resort
Studios Inn

Studios Inn

3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Studios Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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