10 Things to Do in Merced That You Shouldn't Miss

February 9, 2018 Major Galusha

Merced /mɜːrˈsɛd/ (Spanish for "Mercy") is a city in, and the county seat of, Merced County, California, United States, in the San Joaquin Valley. As of 2014, the city had a population of 81,743. Incorporated on April 1, 1889, Merced is a charter city that operates under a council-manager government. It is named after the Merced River, which flows nearby.
Restaurants in Merced

1. Merced National Wildlife Refuge

7430 W. Sandy Mush Rd, On State Hwy 59, then 8 miles west on Sandy Mush Road, Merced, CA 93635 +1 209-826-3508
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By 0garibaldi0

I've been seeing more visitors lately and bad behavior. There are numerous posted signs indicating where not to stray and people flagrantly ignore them. I observed photographers willfully walking into flocks sitting on the banks of a pond, even running at them. It's unbelievable that at a wildlife REFUGE people lack the decency to respect the safety of these animals.

The point of an auto tour route is that the car acts as a "blind" so the animals don't get spooked. You're not supposed get out, walk around on the road and plant your tripod in the middle, blocking cars from getting through. I even saw someone doing a fashion shoot with a woman walking in the middle of the field where the snow geese feed. I never see anyone policing the area and I fear that this is going to get progressively worse.

People, please respect the wildlife! The rules are there for a reason.

2. Castle Air Museum

5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater, CA 95301-5154 +1 209-723-2178
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

Castle Air Museum

Reviewed By John R - Carlsbad, CA

What a great way to spend an afternoon walking for at least 1-2 miles around so many incredible airplanes of the past including an original Air Force 1. They have an inside airconditioned spot to with so much memorabilia. Fun to also walk thru the gift shop and have some good food too. This is a real treat for Airplane buffs and more. Ask for Janie Sundgren for great history background too.

3. Playhouse Merced

452 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4822 +1 209-725-8587
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 32 reviews

Playhouse Merced

Reviewed By Keith P

Gypsy. My wife and daughter went and saw the Playhouse Merced Production of Gypsy last Saturday night. As always, a top performance by the local group. The lady who played Mama had an outstanding singing voice. The Lady who played Gypsy was also very good.

4. Rancho Del Rey Golf Course

5250 Green Sands Ave, Atwater, CA 95301-9528 +1 209-358-7131
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 4 reviews

Rancho Del Rey Golf Course

Reviewed By David R - Fresno, California

This course is truly a hidden gem. For the longest time it was sort of forgotten and fell into disrepair. Not any longer as the management team has changed and made some significant improvements. The course is in magnificent shape with great greens that putt pretty true and some tricky holes. You will find out after playing number one, and your knees will knock when you are at the tee on number two. The course is basically flat but the fairways are lined with some very mature trees. Be careful because water does come into play on a few holes. The course is a kick in the pants to play and I highly recommend it, especially if you need a golf fix and you are in Merced or Atwater. Its a great course and a lot of fun to play.

5. Merced County Courthouse Museum

21st & N Streets, Merced, CA 95340 +1 209-723-2401
Excellent
57%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Merced County Courthouse Museum

Reviewed By jbc76 - Merced, California

If you are interested in Merced or Central Valley of California, this is an excellent museum! Mostly volunteer staff does a very good job and the full time Director, Sarah Lim, is exceptional !
Interesting exhibits change regularly and a nice little shop offer lots of interesting books and other items at good prices.

6. Merced Theatre

301 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4819 +1 209-381-0500
Excellent
70%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

Merced Theatre

Reviewed By LaVon J - Merced, California

The inside of the Theatre is very comfortable, excellent sound system, and usually we are in the Orchestra area which is closest to the stage. Excellently presented, interactive with the audience, and gave a great performance. We will attend future shows as it is great to have well-known groups at a local venue, without having to worry about traveling out of town in the winter time or driving home late at night. We will support this local venue to continue to draw well-known groups/acts for this convenience.

7. Lake Yosemite

5614 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95340-9121
Excellent
45%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 32 reviews

Lake Yosemite

Reviewed By Christina L

This is a great place for a picnic or BBQ with family - kids can play in the sand or on the beach and there are a couple of playgrounds.

8. Vista Ranch and Cellars

7326 E State Highway 140, Merced, CA 95340-8424 +1 209-722-8200
Excellent
65%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Vista Ranch and Cellars

Reviewed By MrsV27 - Turlock, California

My family and I toured the ranch for a possible wedding venue and had a complimentary wine tasting as well. Although we didn't end up choosing this location, we definitely enjoyed ourselves. The location was beautiful and the wine is very good. Unfortunately, hard liquor...MoreThank you for taking the time in posting such a lovely review! Vista Ranch wishes you the best on your wedding day! Keep us in mind for any future events.

9. Applegate Park Zoo

1045 W 25th St, Merced, CA 95340-3500 +1 209-385-6840
Excellent
18%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 32 reviews

Applegate Park Zoo

Reviewed By MidValley Paranormal Research

Applegate Park Zoo is an amazing place to take the kids or just relax. They offer many of California native animals who are all rescue animals. You can experiance Deer, Cougar , Monkeys, among other animals like goats the kids can pet. They also have several species of tortoises. Great place for children to learn and experiance nature. There is also a gift shop for souvenirs to remind the kids of their experience.

10. Merced Antique Mall

320 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4956 +1 209-722-6894
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 10 reviews

Merced Antique Mall

Reviewed By CHRIS L - YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

almost everytime i go to merced i stop by this shop to see what they have new. the shop is made up of hunderds of booth where people just put stuff out to sell. everything is marked and the owner will open any cases you need, if you want to see anything.

they have tons of great coins and baseball cards, lots of old military stuff, records, glassware and more. if you can't find it here it doesn't exist. make sure to check out the basement for more great items.

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