Top Things to do in
Top Hotels in Merced County
- 1. Best Western Inn
- 2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced - Yosemite Natl Pk Area
- 3. El Capitan Hotel
- 4. Hotel Mission de Oro
- 5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Los Banos
- 6. Days Inn by Wyndham Merced/Yosemite Area
- 7. Best Western Andersen'S Inn
- 8. Hampton Inn & Suites Merced
- 9. Best Western Executive Inn
- 10. Quality Inn Santa Nella On I-5
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in , United States including Playhouse Merced, San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Merced County Courthouse Museum, Castle Air Museum, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Vista Ranch, Merced Theatre, Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area.
Restaurants in Merced County
1. Playhouse Merced
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Gymlikestoeat - Merced, United States
Very high quality live entertainment takes place at this wonderful little Playhouse on Main St. in Merced. Their seasons have a wide range of shows from musicals to more serious "straight" plays and you just can't beat the ticket prices. Tickets are available online, by calling their box office or in person. Beer, wine and snacks are available in their recently renovated lobby. Please support live theater and see a show at Playhouse Merced. Discount prices are available for students and seniors.
2. San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Travelsdonkey
My brothers service was on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Because of the awful Covid-19 battle that we all are experiencing, there was not a rifle salute nor Color Guard, but the 3 military service people providing the service did a moving and excellent job. Every effort was top-notch, this saying that regardless the situation, the services are truly indeed done with total respect and dignity. The grounds are lovely, vast and well-kept. Mother nature does her part too by keeping the flag(s) waving as it is definitely "gusty" there. Thank you to the military personnel who provided their services that day. It is an honor to have been so honored by your efforts. My brother will rest well.
3. Merced County Courthouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By thomaskR4475BD - Honolulu, United States
Growing up in Merced, I recall watching my father, an attorney, try cases in this very courthouse. It has been amazingly preserved and is a treasure to visit.
4. Castle Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By StevenP3559 - Pueblo, United States
Castle AFB belonged to the Strategic Air Command so their collection is heavy on bomber type aircraft, including very rare types like the RB36 and B58 'Hustler'.
5. San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 26,800 acres of wetlands, riparian forests, native grasslands, and vernal pools. A thriving population of the endemic tule elk is showcased by one of three auto tour routes. The Refuge is host to significant assemblages of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and plants; some of which, such as the California tiger salamander, the long-horned fairy shrimp, and San Joaquin kit fox, are endangered species. The Refuge is a major wintering ground and migratory stopover point for large concentrations of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. Large flocks of green-winged teal, northern shoveler, mallard, gadwall, wigeon, cinnamon teal, northern pintail, ring-necked duck, canvasback, ruddy duck, and snow, Ross’, and white-fronted geese swarm over the mosaic of seasonal and permanent wetlands that comprise a quarter of the Refuge. Waterfowl generally remain until late March before beginning their journey north to breeding areas. However, some mallard, gadwall, and cinnamon teal stay, breed, and raise young on the Refuge.
Reviewed By bjdare - Oroville, United States
An absolutely great refuge abounding with all sorts of wildlife. During our visits, we've seen tule elk, coyotes, red tail hawks, fox, deer, rabbits, herons, egrets, sandhill cranes, and numerous other bird species. You never know what you will see from trip to trip, which is why we never miss visiting whenever we are in the area. I highly recommend taking a few hours out of your day to visit this refuge.
6. Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Cali4niahiker - Merced, United States
Merced Wildlife Refuge added a 1.5 mile loop trail to their complex. This new area is not connected to the main bird refuge. It’s located about a mile SE of the refuge, on the right side of Sandy Mush Rd when driving from Merced. This area is rather plain, dotted with cottonwood trees, but there’s no water. A viewing platform at Deadman’s Creek along the trail hints at the fact you might see birds sometimes, but the creek is bone dry at this time. Still, it’s a pleasant walk, and we’re grateful for the opportunity. On the plus side, there are plenty of benches for resting, picnic tables, so it’s a great spot to meet and enjoy a meal especially during the pandemic. The trail is flat, wide, graded gravel, and would be appropriate for a wheelchair. Bathrooms are a mile further along Sandy Mush Rd, at the main refuge. (Which will be on your left). Since walking opportunities are limited at the main refuge, this would be a nice place to start out. Take a walk here and then take the auto tour at the bird refuge. From November to March this is a wonderful place to visit. We saw thousands of birds today at the main refuge. As you can see from my photos there are not a lot of photo opps near the Cottonwood Trail. You will find those opps when taking the auto tour.
7. Vista Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Vista Ranch includes farm plots, vineyard, tasting room, outdoor picnic area, and event center. We strive to provide you with a taste of what our beloved area has to offer. From our history, to our deep rooted agriculture that sustains our community.
Reviewed By 91brandil - Turlock, United States
We enjoyed dinner and music at the vista after a day of farm tours. Then we came back the next day for our business meeting and used the indoor facility. It was perfect and the meals were delicious
8. Merced Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Nanajwp - Merced, United States
The performance was great, the facility was great! Too bad there wasn't a larger audience. People are missing out! Building is a beautiful renovated theater and is used for various activities. We saw a great performance by Golden Bough, a celtic musical group, and have been here for other performances. There is not a bad seat in the house. Just wish more people would attend performances here.
9. Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Tour, Taste, Shop and Eat at the world's largest single-site cheese and whey factory making more than 1 million pounds of cheese per day. The Visitor Center features a show and fun, hands-on interactive exhibits, you can even dress like a cheese maker! Watch employees package the “big cheese,” a 640 lb. block of cheese in our viewing area. Call to confirm viewing area and exhibits are open. Free self-guided visitor center tours, guided visitor center tours weekends at 10 am and 11 am. Daily tours in the summer. Please note: it is a window tour; tours do not walk through the facility for security and accessibility reasons. Complimentary cheese and gourmet foods tasting, beautiful gift shop, cafe, coffee, tea and espresso, ice cream and picnic area with walk-through waterfall. Check the website for great activities. Centrally located, just 4 miles from Highway 99.
10. San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We wet tp San Luis Reservoir. Its a man made lake, which is beautiful to see. We also went to Romero Visitor Center. They have a good movie and exhibits on California aqueduct, dam, and water conservation techniques. There is also good views and telescopes to see San Luis Reservoir Lae.
