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

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
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
🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙 driving through #Yosemite #nationalpark #toottootbeepbeep #ruffiansroadtrip ☀🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃🌲🍃

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 autumn leaves, a house and a sunset

Golden Rectangle

5/5(186 area reviews)

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

Golden Rectangle
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 Mission Inn
Carmel Mission Inn
3.5 out of 5
3665 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AED 614 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
AED 614
AED 736 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Carmel. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,416 reviews)
"Perfect location!"

Reviewed on 12 March 2025

Carmel Mission Inn
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
4 out of 5
Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
The price is AED 773 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
AED 773
AED 915 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Monterey. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,498 reviews)
"Had a housekeeping slip up that was handled promptly and in a fully satisfactory manner."

Reviewed on 14 March 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
The price is AED 293 per night from Mar 16 to Mar 17
AED 293
AED 335 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,335 reviews)
"Loved the spacious room and pleasant property. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 14 March 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
See all 16,088 properties in Central California
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.
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
3 out of 5
7075 Ontario Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in San Luis Obispo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Avila Hot Springs and Pismo Beach Pier ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
"We have never stayed in a mobile / tiny home cabin so it was outside our normal. The "cabin" we stayed in was small but functional. There are hiking trails around the property, swimming pool, and other activities within the campground. Easy driving distance to Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Port San ..."

Reviewed on 4 March 2025

Avila Pismo RV Resort and Campground
Pacific Plaza Resort
Pacific Plaza Resort
3.5 out of 5
444 Pier Avenue, Oceano, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Oceano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (890 reviews)
"Location and cleaniness"

Reviewed on 7 March 2025

Pacific Plaza Resort
The Four Daughters
The Four Daughters
3.5 out of 5
49271 Golden Oak Loop, Oakhurst, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Oakhurst. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and concierge services. Popular attractions Children's Museum of the Sierra and Fresno ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
"It's perfect place to stay for travel and the host is very friendly"

Reviewed on 16 February 2025

The Four Daughters
See all properties in Central California
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.

Popular places to visit

Yosemite Valley featuring a waterfall and mountains

Yosemite Valley

5/5(1,197 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Yosemite Valley, a popular spot to commune with nature in Yosemite National Park. Amble around the area's riverfront, or seek out its hiking trails.

Yosemite Valley
Monterey Bay Aquarium showing marine life and interior views

Monterey Bay Aquarium

4.5/5(1,731 reviews)

Take the family to visit the sea life at Monterey Bay Aquarium and find out why this is a popular attraction in Monterey. Stroll along the area's pebble beaches, or simply savor its seafood restaurants.

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Another beautiful sunset 🌇

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

4.5/5(2,013 reviews)

Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort featuring snow boarding and snow

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort

4.5/5(551 reviews)

Hit the slopes at Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, a top ski area in Mammoth Lakes. Wander the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
This is a great place across from the mall where you could eat at a diverse set of restaurants!

Santana Row Shopping Center

4.5/5(119 reviews)

During your trip to San Jose, you can enjoy retail therapy at Santana Row Shopping Center. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Santana Row Shopping Center
San Jose Convention Center

San Jose Convention Center

4/5(561 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at San Jose Convention Center, a top convention center in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

San Jose Convention Center