Merced

Tourist places in Merced, Merced Travel Info

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Merced City Overview

Merced is the county seat of Merced County, California, located in the San Joaquin Valley. It is known as the "Gateway to Yosemite" due to its proximity to the national park. The city is also home to the newest University of California campus, UC Merced.

Location and Climate

Merced is situated in the central part of California. It has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. The region is heavily agricultural.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Merced is in the spring (March to May) and fall (October to November) when temperatures are mild. It is a common stopover for travelers heading to Yosemite.

Best Ways to Get Around

A car is the most practical way to get around Merced. The "The Bus" provides local transit. Merced is also a stop on the Amtrak San Joaquins line.

Top 5 Things to Do

  1. Visit the Castle Air Museum: Explore this impressive aviation museum located in nearby Atwater, featuring over 70 vintage military aircraft.
  2. Trip to Yosemite National Park: Use Merced as a base to drive or take the YARTS bus to Yosemite Valley (approx. 2 hours away).
  3. Explore the Merced National Wildlife Refuge: See thousands of migrating birds, including sandhill cranes and snow geese, in the winter months.
  4. Visit the Applegate Park Zoo: Take the family to this small zoo featuring native California animals and a kiddie land.
  5. See the Merced Courthouse Museum: Learn about local history in this beautiful historic courthouse building.
Accommodations in Merced Tourist Attractions in Merced

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