Central California Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Central California
Where to stay in Central California
Downtown San Jose
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 Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 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.
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.
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.
Downtown Monterey
The pristine beaches and popular aquarium are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Monterey. A stop by Dennis the Menace Playground or Golden State Theatre might round out your trip.
Golden Rectangle
While visiting Golden Rectangle, you might make a stop by sights like Carmel Plaza and Carmel Beach.
The Monterey Hotel
Clean rooms, great location, friendly staff!
Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
My favorite place away from home. Quite, clean, cute, close to everything.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
The Ranch at Death Valley – Inside the Park
Hasn’t been there since 2017. Place looks incredible. Other than the coffee in rooms, no complaints. That coffee was horrible.
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
Convict Lake Resort
The room/ cabin was a perfect size for our family of 3 and it was clean and the staff was great.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026
Flying Flags Avila Beach
It was very nice and comfortable
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
Spotless room, clean facilities and felt very safe :)
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Popular places to visit
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the world’s most celebrated open spaces, forming the heart of a long strip of protected land that runs north-to-south along California’s eastern border. Imposing rock formations rise over mirror-like lakes, peaceful meadows and shady forests. Strike out on the park’s miles of hiking, ou and horse-riding trails, or head east to discover world-class skiing and snowboarding resorts. This is the American wilderness at its best – a grand landscape of granite monoliths, pine forests, crashing waterfalls and historic Gold Rush towns.
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.
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
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.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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.
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.
Things to do
Whale-Watching Cruise from Newport Beach
Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets
Best of LA, Hollywood, Griffith Park, with Beaches from Anaheim
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise
Newport Beach: Ferry Ticket to/from Catalina Island
Luxury Whale Watching: Fewer People, Extra Speed, Expert Staff
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- Visit Armona
- Visit Bass Lake
- Visit California
- Visit Cedar Grove
- Visit Chowchilla
- Visit Coarsegold
- Visit Dinuba
- Visit Fish Camp
- Visit Sierra Sky Park
- Fresno Holidays
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- St. John's Cathedral of Fresno
- Visit Three Rivers
- Visit Wilsonia
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- Visit Yosemite Forks
- Yosemite National Park
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- Death Valley National Park
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
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- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
- SAP Center at San Jose
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- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
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- Winchester Mystery House
- Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
- Riverpark Shopping Center
- Furnace Creek Visitor Center
