Visiting Merced, California While Exploring Yosemite NP

If you’re planning to visit Yosemite National Park, Merced, California, is an excellent place to use as a base. Merced is approximately 110 miles southeast of San Francisco and 310 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The town is less than a two-hour drive from the park, making it a convenient location for your stay. Merced offers many attractions, historical sites, affordable accommodations, and dining options. The town is known for its agricultural heritage and proximity to Yosemite National Park. Here are points of interest in and around Merced, California:

1. Merced National Wildlife Refuge: This 10,000-acre refuge is home to a variety of flora and fauna and offers beautiful nature walks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Castle Air Museum: This museum is a paradise for aviation enthusiasts. It boasts a large collection of military aircraft, and the highlight is the opportunity to peek into the cockpits of 46 vintage airplanes from World War II to the present. Website.
3. Merced County Courthouse Museum: On the National Register of Historic Places, the museum’s permanent collection includes a blacksmith shop and a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse. Website.
4. Lake Yosemite: This artificial freshwater lake is in the rolling Sierra Foothills. It features a BBQ area, a boat rental area, and a swimming zone, making it a great stop to stretch your legs.
5. Merced Fruit Barn: Here, you can grab a snack with you, as there is a variety of locally dried fruit and nuts, fresh produce, gift baskets, and unique gift items—address: 4526 CA-140, Merced, CA 95340.
6. Merced Agricultural Museum: The Central Valley’s rich agricultural history is on display for visitors to experience. The museum showcases antique farming equipment, gas engines, and household appliances.

Where to Stay in Merced, California

Campgrounds in and around Yosemite National Park are typically reserved months in advance. Here are some of the top hotels in Merced, California:

• El Capitan Hotel: The hotel is highly rated and situated in the heart of Merced. It has 114 guest rooms, a historic theater, and four unique dining experiences. Inspired by the golden warmth of the Central Valley, the hotel uses natural, hand-crafted materials and textures to evoke the surrounding landscape.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced: This hotel is highly rated and offers well-appointed guest rooms. It provides a complimentary breakfast to kick-start your day before touring the area’s attractions.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Merced: This hotel is a top choice for many travelers, offering a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel’s amenities and services allow you to relax and enjoy your trip.
• Best Western Inn: This hotel is very popular with users who want to stay within walking distance of Merced County Fairgrounds.
• Americas Best Inn & Suites: This hotel is rated 8 – Very good and is located 0.9 miles from the city center.

Merced, climate, events, and is it safe to walk around?

Climate: Merced has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average high temperature in the summer is 95 degrees, and it can get even hotter during heatwaves. It’s important to be prepared for these weather conditions during your visit.
Events: The Merced County Fair is a popular event held annually in June, featuring carnival rides, live music, and agricultural exhibits.
Safety: Like many cities in California, be cautious when walking in Merced, especially at night or in areas with higher crime rates.

Nearby Attractions You Might Like

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

The railroad runs daily during summer, using steam locomotives to pull the trains. In the off-season, the railroad uses “Jenny” railcars, which can carry about a dozen passengers. This railroad route follows a grade section originally carved into the mountain by the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company in the early 20th century. Additionally, this railroad is dog-friendly.

Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center

The Visitor Center offers a show and fun, hands-on interactive exhibits. Visitors can even dress like cheese maker and watch employees package the “big cheese,” a 640 lb. block of cheese, in the viewing area. The center also provides free samples of various kinds of cheese.

Highway 140 from Merced to Mariposa, California

One of the more exciting things to do in Merced is to drive on the original Yosemite Highway, Highway 140, from Merced to Mariposa. The tour provides a colorful narrative about the rich agricultural history in the area while pointing out different points of interest along the way. The journey is about 25 minutes long if you drive straight through or three to four hours if you make stops.

---