What to do and see in Merced, California (CA): The Best Things to do

November 1, 2021 Marissa Gamble

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. Playhouse Merced

452 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4822 +1 209-725-8587 http://www.playhousemerced.com/index.html
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Playhouse Merced

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. Merced Antique Mall

320 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4956 +1 209-722-6894
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Merced Antique Mall

3. Merced County Courthouse Museum

21st & N Streets, Merced, CA 95340 +1 209-723-2401 [email protected] http://www.mercedmuseum.org/
Excellent
58%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Merced County Courthouse Museum

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. 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 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/merced/
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

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.

5. Vista Ranch

7326 E State Highway 140, Merced, CA 95340-8424 +1 209-722-8200 [email protected] http://vistaranch.com
Excellent
60%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Vista Ranch

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

6. Merced Theatre

301 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4819 +1 209-381-0500 http://www.mercedtheatre.org
Excellent
74%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

Merced Theatre

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.

7. Rockin' Jump

1230 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4525 +1 209-500-1355 [email protected] http://merced.rockinjump.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park is fun for all ages! Our massive indoor trampoline arenas, slam dunk zone, extreme dodgeball, climbing walls, and trampoline stunt bag provide something for everyone. The perfect place for birthday parties or healthy family activities. We offer fitness and competition disguised as fun.

8. US Post Office

401 W 18th St, Merced, CA 95340-4803 +1 209-723-3741 http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-States-Post-Office-Merced-California/549055645144700?rf=167172886626076
Excellent
27%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 11 reviews

US Post Office

9. Merced Fruit Barn

4526 E State Highway 140, Merced, CA 95340-9325 +1 209-385-2222 [email protected] http://www.mercedfruitbarn.com
Excellent
27%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
10%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 41 reviews

Merced Fruit Barn

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!

10. Applegate Park Zoo

1045 W 25th St, Merced, CA 95340-3500 +1 209-725-3337 http://mercedzoo.com/
Excellent
23%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 43 reviews

Applegate Park Zoo

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!!!

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