20 Exciting Things To Do In Merced, California

Touring the Merced Wildlife Refuge is among the first things that you should do when you are visiting Merced, California. Since its formation back in 1959, they have entertained lots of visitors, with 10000 acres of pristine, astonishing views along with a wide variety of charming animals and plants.

Go here along with your family or friends and have lots of good memories by taking photos in the beautiful location.

It should be noted that although this refuge is home to wildlife, local farmers also use the property for grazing. Therefore, witnessing domestic animals grazing here is kind of a regular event.

Finding enjoyable activities for children at Merced is always crucial. The Applegate Park Zoo is a fantastic place to take the kids. They will love the magnificent wildlife habitats found there, which have been a part of Merced since 1962.

These habitats are home to resident animals, which guests may observe from a safe distance. The Merced Zoological Society oversees the zoo, which houses rescued animals from the neighborhood. The animals at this sanctuary are always given the best care possible.

Bring a picnic basket and eat with your family at one of the zoo's picnic areas. Kids may have a great time in the playground, and you can stop by the gift store to get some fantastic mementos.

This great museum, which is very historical, is best to visit for people who are interested in history and also for tourists who are keen to know more about the area. Here you will be able to find out about the real-life tales, along with the Merced early inhabitants of the Great Central Valley at this pillar.

It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but is usually open from Wednesday to Sunday. So, before planning to visit, call them and make sure they are open.

Merced County Courthouse building has been owned by the City of Merced since 1875. The dedicated volunteers preserve and educate the public about local history, they work at this museum.

There are several family-friendly tourist attractions in Merced, and the Playhouse Merced is one of the best. Both locals and tourists in Merced love this playhouse.

At the Playhouse Merced, live concerts are the main event. Visitors may relax while taking in the comedy, dances, and creative arts. At the Playhouse Merced, where entertainment comes to life, the whole family will love going.

The theater hosts a number of Merced's yearly events. Dramatic shows that both adults and children will enjoy are part of this. Performers put their time and effort into making healthy entertainment that everyone may enjoy.

A trip to this lake is another thing to do in Merced, California. It is best to go fishing while you are there with your loved ones.

You need to keep one thing in mind, Lake Yosemite is among the artificial lakes, and it has been a feature of this region since it was formed for irrigation in 1888. Still, this lake serves as the main source of water for most of the farms near the area.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that residents and tourists who like to unwind cannot access it. Everyone is welcome in Lake Yosemite, which allows for a wide variety of activities. People can unwind by sailing, kayaking, boating, water skiing, or at the coast, particularly in pleasant weather. The playground here is another place to visit. It is ideal for children to have a great time.

Exploring the shops and businesses is a wonderful part of traveling to new areas. Visit the well-known Merced Antique Mall while you're in Merced. People who enjoy acquiring unique artifacts would adore this undiscovered treasure.

When you arrive at the mall, you are greeted by welcoming owners and employees. Feel free to ask any questions while you peruse. In addition to antiques, a few mementos might serve as a reminder of the memorable journey to Merced. Everything you need is available at the Merced Antique Mall, including jewelry, art, and home decor.

This park is one of the Merced things to do as it is among the popular tourist destinations. The beautiful scenery, that you can enjoy on a day trip which won't take you any more than an hour and a half to two hours from Merced.

One feature of this park is its beautiful nature with big granite cliffs, amazing waterfalls, floating water, and verdant woods. It also has some brilliant camping areas. It does not matter if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or camping but you are surely going to love the beautiful views from here.

But if you are thinking of outdoor adventure top attractions like Hetch Hetchy, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows are a few of Yosemite Park's are must visits.

If you stay in an Airbnb while in Merced, then it means that to prepare meals, you will require groceries. Visit the Merced Flea and Farmers Market, which is filled with fresh vegetables, and get a fantastic deal.

Local farming is encouraged and fresh farm products are bought by residents of Merced and the neighboring areas.

The proceeds from the stalls support various Merced County projects and events. This is one of the most well-liked farmers' markets in the area since there is usually a lot to buy. About 4,000 people attend the market every day, and it only opens on Saturdays.

It's time to recharge after an enjoyable day of touring Merced's many neighborhoods. Adults are welcome to explore and take in the nightlife in Merced. The Partisan is a popular destination for both locals and tourists in Merced.

Envision spending a night out in a venue that dates back to the 18th century. Enjoy some fantastic live music and the Merced nightlife at The Partisan. Additionally, a bar with your preferred beverages is available.

While certain nights ensure you'll be on the dance floor, others are accessible for karaoke. The vibrant environment in this historic bar will thrill anyone looking for interesting things to do in Merced.

This is the spot to go if you plan to visit Merced with your furry friend. The greatest spot to take them for a stroll is Merced Dog Park. This is a great place for a dog to run about and make new pals.

No wonder this Merced dog park is a dog-friendly park. It is a very enjoyable location to take your dog out. There are tons of space for dogs to run and enjoy the time in the 8 acres of land.

It also has the much needed bathrooms, picnic tables, a bocce ball court, a hiking trail, a bike trail, and a drinking fountain too.

Experiences in the outdoors are wonderful because they allow you to relax, breathe clean air, and establish an unmatched bond with the natural world. Henderson Park is a fantastic location to experience this emotion. You have room here to spend the day with your loved ones.

The travel will undoubtedly be worthwhile, as the park is only 30 minutes from Merced in Snelling, California. The park's many trees offer plenty of shade, and its proximity to the gorgeous Merced River only heightens its charm.

Sit, stroll, and unwind in the shade while the children play. The best part is that there is a spot for everyone to take a dip during the sweltering summer months.

An excellent way to explore a new place is to go out and eat. Toni's Courtyard Cafe serves delicious California food. A delightful supper at this well-known Merced restaurant will brighten your day even more. They provide American food, but Italian food is their specialty.

On a nice day, you may chill while sitting on the terrace outside. You will also be astounded by the exquisite artwork that is a part of the interior design if you decide to eat inside.

Atwater, which is close by, offers the opportunity to study World War II and the many aircraft from that era. The Castle Air Museum is an amazing destination and is only 8 miles from Merced.

Visitors have been delighted to see airplanes from various eras since 1981. The aircraft from World War II is the main attraction in this exhibition. The B-17 Flying Fortress airplane was on display at the museum when it first opened.

When looking for activities to do in Merced with kids, one location to visit is the museum. Imagine how excited they will be to see these incredible pieces of equipment. This museum has 49 aircraft, including some of the most unusual in aviation history.

Merced's downtown is charming and rich in history. The historic structures are stunning to see. In addition, downtown serves as the city's hub for the arts and culture in addition to banking and finance. It has two amazing live-performance theaters and several galleries. For anyone seeking a taste of Merced and its past, this makes it an excellent destination to explore.

See the key downtown streets, such as Key Street, 15th Street, 16th Street, and 18th Street, while you're here. As you explore each one singly, their unique gems become apparent. The greatest approach to enjoying yourself here is to take a stroll around these charming streets with loved ones. For tourists who enjoy collecting artifacts from every new location, they have stores that sell antiques and other fascinating objects.

There are also some great cafes where you can get coffee, lunch, and sweets. Also, there is practically everything here to make your visit unforgettable.

The Hilmar Cheese Company is the only place to go if you enjoy cheese. With an astounding one million pounds of cheese produced daily, the location is the biggest single-site cheese producer in the world. In addition to receiving plenty of free cheese samples, visitors may take a tour of the plant and observe the cheese being packed.

You may dress as a cheese maker and enjoy entertaining, interactive exhibitions at the Visitor Center. In their viewing room, observe staff packaging the "big cheese," a 640-pound block of cheese. To find out whether the exhibits and viewing area are open, give them a call. Free self-directed and guided tours of the visitor center are offered on weekends between 10 and 11 a.m.

If you're searching for a place to enjoy art and get lots of inspiration while in Merced, don't miss the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. This is a sanctuary for art enthusiasts as well as a display of the local cultural heritage.

This art center does a good job of presenting Merced County's history and culture. This amazing place has ignited Merced's love of art. The expansive 28,000-square-foot art center features a performance area in addition to a gallery. Admire breathtaking artwork created by local artisans who educate visitors about Merced in great detail.

Hence, the MMAC is a great place to view art, learn something new, or even attend a live performance of music or drama in the so-called Black Box.

Vista Ranch is a great destination where you can tour a stunning vineyard and enjoy a large space for picnics.

This is often a working ranch with acres of land that are cultivated each year. The rich soil near Merced provides a large portion of the local vegetables you eat. Fresh vegetables from the farm are always available in the neighborhood farmers' markets.

Visitors interested in learning about winemaking are also welcome at Vista Ranch. They even feed guests delectable wine from their tiny vineyard. After their tour, guests can purchase fresh farm food and a bottle of wine to take home.

A day at the Rockin' Jump is something that kids won't soon forget, but there are plenty of other fantastic things to do in Merced. Visitors looking for an enjoyable experience in Merced, California, are welcome to visit this amazing trampoline park. It has a Slam Dunk Zone, Dodgeball Arena, and Jump Arena. Additionally, kids will love the Stunt Bag Arena.

They will get to fly like the superheroes that they watch on television. With plenty of safety below, it's the ideal spot to practice various techniques in midair. Additionally, have a look at the elimination game X-Beam. To get points, opponents attempt to knock one another off the beam.

The greatest boutique hotel in Merced is the El Capitan, which offers a distinctive fusion of comfort, local culture, and history, making it the ideal option for all tourists.

For those looking for a great low-key retreat with a trendy flair, El Capitan stands out because of its 114 beautifully furnished guest rooms, historic theater, and four fine dining options.

In addition to offering opulent lodging, El Capitan has strong ties to the neighborhood and cultivates alliances with nearby companies and merchants to provide visitors with the genuine spirit of the California Central Valley. El Capitan Hotel is the greatest boutique hotel in Merced because of its commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable experience while simultaneously promoting and honoring the area.

The ultimate hangout in downtown Merced is Tioga-Sequoia's new taproom, which is situated beneath the iconic "Tioga" building. Enjoy fresh beer made locally and delectable cuisine from pop-up food trucks in this recently remodeled area's light and airy atmosphere.

With more than 25 beers to pick from, you're likely to find one you enjoy both on-site and on-the-go. Watch for sporadic occurrences as well.