Nestled in the heart of California's Central Valley, Merced County is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Discover charming towns, lush farmland, and outdoor adventures galore. Whether you're hiking in Yosemite National Park or sipping wine at local vineyards, Merced County offers a taste of California's diverse beauty. Come for a visit and stay for the good vibes!
Landmark4.7/5
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Birds fill wetlands along the drive at this Central Valley refuge. Watch from the car, or stop at a bird blind.
Culture4.6/5
Merced County Courthouse Museum
The Merced County Courthouse Museum showcases local history through its stunning architecture and rich exhibits, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in California's heritage and culture.
Culture4.7/5
Castle Air Museum
Welcome to Castle Air Museum, where history and aviation enthusiasts unite! Located in Atwater, California, this hidden gem showcases over 70 vintage aircrafts, including a majestic B-52 Stratofortress and the sleek SR-71 Blackbird. Explore well-preserved exhibits, step into the cockpit of iconic planes, and let the stories of aviation pioneers take flight. Get ready for a thrilling journey through the skies!
Shop3.6/5
Marketplace at Merced
1970s mall with a two-story layout and a food court. Nature has grown through the former Sears wing.
Landmark4.5/5
Yosemite Lake
This man-made lake on Merced’s edge has a boardwalk beneath eucalyptus trees.
Landmark4.5/5
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge - Main Unit
Welcome to San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, where nature shines its brightest in Los Banos, California! Get ready for an adventure-filled day exploring this 26,000-acre sanctuary. Witness jaw-dropping wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and photography. Hike along scenic trails teeming with diverse wildlife. Don't miss the visitor center for educational exhibits and events. Hurry, pack your camera and get ready to go wild!
Landmark4.7/5
Merced River Recreation Management Area
Get ready to splash and play at Merced River Recreation Area! Located on CA-140 in Midpines, this spot offers beautiful views, swimming holes, and picnic areas perfect for a fun day out with friends and family. Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a picnic basket for a relaxing day by the river. Don't forget your camera - the scenery is picture-perfect!
Landmark4.2/5
Merced's Applegate Park Zoo
This small Merced zoo cares for animals that can't live in the wild on their own. You can feed the goats pellets by hand.
Eat$$4.2/5
La Finca Branding Iron
This Mexican restaurant serves steaks alongside enchiladas and fajitas. The chicken-and-shrimp fajitas arrive piled high.
Eat$$$4.3/5
The Mainzer
Drink$$4.5/5
The Partisan
Nestled on Merced's bustling Main Street, The Partisan is a traveler's haven. This lively joint combines delicious bites of globally-inspired cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere. From zesty tacos to mouthwatering burgers, their menu is an international adventure for your taste buds. Sip on craft beers or opt for creative cocktails to enhance your experience. The Partisan knows how to keep wanderlust-filled bellies happy!
Cafe$$$4.5/5
Redwood Cafe cotati
Cafe$$4.6/5
Coffee Bandits
Eat$$$4.3/5
Taste of Little India
Stay$$$$4.45/5
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced - Yosemite Natl Park Area by IHG
This hotel is an 8-minute drive from downtown Merced, California and the Applegate Zoo. It features spacious rooms with a 55-inch TV and serves a daily buffet breakfast. Free access to the gym, jacuzzi and outdoor pool is provided to all guests of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Merced. A business center, laundry facilities and free parking are also available. Free Wi-Fi and free cable are standard in every room at the Merced Holiday Inn Express. All rooms are decorated with white linens and dark wood furniture. They each include a coffee maker and work desk. The Merced Agricultural Museum is just 3.2 miles from the hotel. The University of California at Merced is 7 miles away.
Stay$$$4.4/5
Courtyard by Marriott Merced
Courtyard by Marriott Merced in Merced offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. The hotel features a spa and wellness centre, indoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and fitness room. Additional facilities include a lounge, outdoor fireplace, and picnic area. A restaurant serves dinner, complemented by a bar for relaxation. The on-site coffee shop provides a convenient option for refreshments. Located 5 km from Merced Municipal Airport, the hotel is near attractions such as Yosemite Wildlife Museum (1.8 km) and Castle Air Museum (14 km). An ice-skating rink is also nearby.
Stay$$$$4/5
Hampton Inn & Suites Merced
Located in Merced, California, this hotel features an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and all rooms include a 32-inch LCDTV. Yosemite National Park is within an hours’ drive of this hotel. Merced Hampton Inn and Suites provides a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker in each room. A work desk is also offered and select rooms have a seating area. Hampton Inn and Suites Merced CA features a gym, outdoor hot tub and a business center. Every morning a continental breakfast is served. The Merced County Fairgrounds and Agricultural Museum are 5 minutes from this Hampton Inn Merced hotel. The University of California-Merced and Castle Air Force Base are 20 minutes away.
Stay$$$3.8/5
Best Western Plus Heritage Inn
Conveniently located off California Interstate 5 in Stockton, Best Western Plus Heritage Inn offers comfortable guest rooms with free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a daily free hot breakfast at the property. Stockton Arena is 10 minutes’ drive away. The comfortable guest rooms at Best Western Plus Heritage Inn feature an LCD TV and a refrigerator. A year around outdoor pool is offered to guests of Best Western Plus Heritage Inn. A fitness centre and a 24-hour business centre are also available for guest convenience. Guests can relax with a drink in the lounge and bar area open from 18:00 until 22:00. Sherwood Mall is 5 minutes’ drive away from the property. The Bob Hope Theatre is 10 minutes’ drive away from Best Western Plus Heritage Inn.
Stay$$$3.2/5
Quality Inn Merced Gateway to Yosemite
Quality Inn Merced Gateway to Yosemite is 5 minutes' drive from Merced Speedway and the Applegate Park Zoo. University of California Merced is just 10.8 km away from this hotel. Free WiFi is available. All spacious guest rooms come with coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards and cable television. Select rooms also feature added amenities like large desks, microwaves, refrigerators and sofa sleepers. Non-smoking rooms can be requested. Guests are invited to relax in the hot tub. Enjoy a free hot breakfast featuring eggs, meat, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal and more, including your choice of hot waffle flavors. Quality Inn Merced Gateway to Yosemite is around two hours from Yosemite National Park, Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean and several fabulous beaches. The nearby Merced Mall can satisfy all shopping needs.
Stay4.2/5
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Turlock
Free breakfast hotel in Turlock with eggs, meat and waffles.
Stay3.5/5
Motel 6 Merced, CA - North
Stay3.2/5
Rodeway Inn & Suites
Create a trip and start adding the places you want to visit in Merced County