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 San Pedro Square and St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, 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
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
🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙 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
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
Kelley Park showing a garden

South San Jose

4/5(916 area reviews)

Southern region of San Jose, California, featuring a mix of businesses, green spaces, and parks. Explore trails like Coyote Creek and Guadalupe River, or visit parks such as Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Easily accessible via VTA stations and highways.

South San Jose
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 716 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
AED 716
AED 850 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
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! (2,550 reviews)
"This is a very good hotel, details are great."

Reviewed on 5 April 2025

Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay
Outbound Mammoth
Outbound Mammoth
3.5 out of 5
164 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The price is AED 692 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
AED 692
AED 896 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Mammoth Lakes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (255 reviews)
"It was cute. The original lobby was amazing"

Reviewed on 3 April 2025

Outbound Mammoth
Hotel Piccadilly
Hotel Piccadilly
3 out of 5
2305 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AED 293 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
AED 293
AED 335 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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! (2,362 reviews)
"The breakfast was amazing! The staff was great! Overall a comfortable stay would come again :)"

Reviewed on 3 April 2025

Hotel Piccadilly
See all 16,022 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.
Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
2.5 out of 5
41541 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers, CA
Stay at this cabin in Three Rivers. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and hiking/biking on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (62 reviews)
"We loved the area and location, it's close enough to the Sequoia NP and there are some food options nearby. Be mindful, you won't find any food if you arrive late (after 8-9pm), so plan accordingly! There is also almost no phone reception, so download all your maps! I believe that google has wrong ..."

Reviewed on 2 April 2025

Sequoia Riverfront Cabins
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5 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
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! (54 reviews)
"I like the minimalist design of the property."

Reviewed on 3 April 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 marina, 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)

You can browse for souvenirs with a trip to Santana Row Shopping Center, a favorite shopping spot in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Santana Row Shopping Center
San Jose McEnery Convention Center

San Jose McEnery Convention Center

4/5(561 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at San Jose McEnery 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 McEnery Convention Center