Merced Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Merced, located in the heart of California's Central Valley, is a city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and rich history. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Pacific Coast, this vibrant city is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

One of the top attractions in Merced is the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 10,000 acres, this sanctuary is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunity to observe migratory birds, including sandhill cranes and Canada geese, as well as rare species such as the California tiger salamander.

For those seeking a taste of history, the Merced County Courthouse Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a magnificent architectural masterpiece, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past. Explore exhibits that showcase the region's Native American heritage, the California Gold Rush, and the development of the railroad that played a crucial role in Merced's growth.

No visit to Merced would be complete without a trip to Castle Air Museum. This unique attraction features a vast collection of vintage aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets, dating back to World War II. Take a guided tour and learn about the brave pilots who once flew these magnificent machines.

Those seeking outdoor adventure will find plenty of opportunities in Merced. The nearby Yosemite National Park, known for its awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, is just a short drive away. Hike through the park's trails, go rock climbing, or simply immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature.

As evening falls, explore Merced's vibrant downtown area, where you'll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Sample local cuisine that highlights the region's agricultural bounty, from farm-to-table dishes to mouthwatering Mexican delicacies. Don't forget to indulge in a scoop of homemade ice cream at one of the city's beloved creameries.

Alternative names: Population: 82.4 thous.Area: 23.32 mi²Elevation: 167 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°18'9"N, 120°28'59"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Merced Top Attractions

Merced Attractions - What to See and Explore

Merced offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Merced Theatre, Merced County Courthouse Museum, Merced Multicultural Arts Center - the MAC, United States Post Office. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Concerts and shows • Cinema • Theater
Merced Theatre
The Merced Theatre is located at 301 W. Main Street, at the corner of Main Street and Martin Luther King Way, in Merced, California.
Museum • History museum • Neo-renaissance architecture
Merced County Courthouse Museum
The Merced County Courthouse is the historic county courthouse in Merced County, California. Located at the intersection of W. 21st and N Streets in Merced, the building served as Merced County's courthouse from 1875 until 1975. A. A. Bennett, an architect who also worked on the California State Capitol, designed the building.
37°18'9"N • 120°29'10"W
Merced Multicultural Arts Center - the MAC
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum

37°18'8"N • 120°28'52"W
United States Post Office
The U.S. Post Office, also known as the Federal Building, is a post office located at 401 W. 18th St. in Merced, California. The post office was built in 1933 as part of a public works program started by Herbert Hoover.
Music and shows • Nightlife • Music venue
The Mainzer
The Mainzer, also known as The Mainzer Theater or The Mainzer-Strand Theater, is a music venue in Merced, California once known for its indie rock scene. It is also recognized by the Art Deco Society of California for the restoring and remodeling process which took place beginning in 1999.
37°18'6"N • 120°28'59"W
Bank of Italy
The Bank of Italy is a historic bank building located at the intersection of Main and Canal Streets in Merced, California. Opened in 1928, the bank was Merced's branch of the Bank of Italy. Henry A. Minton designed the building in the Classical Revival style.
37°18'19"N • 120°28'41"W
Leggett House
The Leggett House in Merced, California, also known as Queen Anne Inn, is a historic house located at 352 W. 22nd St. in Merced, California. The house was built in the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture. Its most prominent feature is the Witch's Cap on its roof, a cone-shaped turret with eight scalloped hips.
37°18'16"N • 120°28'41"W
Thomas H. Leggett House
The Thomas H. Leggett House is a historic house located at 346 W. 21st St. in Merced, California. Built circa 1890, the house is designed in the Queen Anne style and also features elements of the Stick and Eastlake style.
37°18'8"N • 120°29'10"W
Tioga Hotel
The Tioga Hotel is a historic hotel building located at 1715 N St. in Merced, California. Built in 1928, the hotel is the largest building in Merced. The hotel's architecture reflects the transitional design common in 1920s hotels, which were moving away from the Classical Revival designs used in hotels in the past.
37°18'17"N • 120°28'41"W
Maj. George Beecher Cook House
The Maj. George Beecher Cook House is a historic house located at 356 W. 21st St. in Merced, California. Built circa 1887, the house was designed in the Queen Anne style; it is considered one of the best examples of the style in Merced.
37°18'31"N • 120°28'37"W
Kaehler-Rector House
The Kaehler–Rector House is a historic house located at 408 W. 25th St. in Merced, California. Built in the early 1890s, the house was designed by architect Louis Wegner in the Queen Anne style.
37°16'50"N • 120°29'17"W
Laird Manufacturing
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Day trips

Merced – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Merced, it's worth seeing attractions such as: John Thurman Field (Modesto), Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (Fish Camp), McHenry Mansion (Modesto).

36 milesNW
Sport complex, Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue
John Thurman Field, Modesto
Nestled in the heart of California's Central Valley, John Thurman Field stands as a celebrated landmark in the city of Modesto. This stadium is not just a hub for baseball enthusiasts but also a key attraction for tourists looking to experience the local sports culture.
47 milesE
Museum
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fish Camp
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a historic 3 ft narrow gauge railroad with two operating steam train locomotives located near Fish Camp, California, in the Sierra National Forest near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.
37 milesNW
Historical place, Museum, History museum
McHenry Mansion, Modesto
The McHenry Mansion is a Victorian-Italianate historic house museum situated in the historic downtown of Modesto, California. It was originally built in 1883 as a residence for Robert McHenry, a prominent local resident.
6.9 miNW
Museum, Military museum
Castle Air Museum, Atwater
Castle Air Museum is a military aviation museum located in Atwater, California, United States adjacent to Castle Airport, a former United States Air Force Strategic Air Command base which was closed in 1995, after the end of the Cold War.
11 milesSW
National park
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge offers a network of scenic trails and boardwalks that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors, the refuge...

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Best Time To Visit Merced

Learn when is the best time to travel to Merced weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April and May are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June and October.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June, July and August. Most of it rains in January, February and March.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Merced?

The top attractions to visit in Merced are:

What is the best time to visit Merced?

April and May are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June and October. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.