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
The 9 Best Things to do Good for Kids in , Merced County
Discover the best top things to do in , United States including Merced County Courthouse Museum, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced Theatre, Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, Merced Fruit Barn, Applegate Park Zoo, Lake Yosemite.
Restaurants in Merced County
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Merced Fruit Barn
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 41 reviews
We offer local produce, honey, dried fruit and nuts, ice cream, Gourmet Mariposa coffee and fresh deli sandwiches. We have cute country home decor, picnic tables and friendly Barnyard Animals to visit with!
8. Applegate Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By lorieg972 - Wheatland, United States
The Park was clean and very nice my first time going there. The kids enjoyed the play ground and the bathrooms where ok clean, we will be going there again!!!
9. Lake Yosemite
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Yakman2u2
Lake Yosemite in Merced, California is only two minutes away from UC Merced. With the UC right next-door, you would think that the lake would have things to do but alas, nothing, until now. “The Padyak Shack” has opened up on the grounds and they rent both kayaks and paddleboards. The staff is both knowledgeable and friendly and willing to make every experience and positive experience. I would definitely recommend a trip to this lake!
