Merced is in the San Joaquin Valley of California.
Located along State Route 99 which runs between the agricultural cities of the eastern San Joaquin Valley, Merced is also a gateway to Yosemite via State Route 140.
Understand
Climate
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Get in
By car
Merced is served by one major highway (CA 99).
By train
Amtrak serves Merced via its Sacramento-Bay Area-Bakersfield San Joaquin route with seven departures per day. There are also bus connections between Merced and Yosemite National Park. 1 Merced Station is located at 324 W 24th St.
By bus
In addition Merced is served by Greyhound bus via its downtown station.
- Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS). Shuttle operates from mid-May through late-September. The YARTS shuttle travels on Highway 140 from Merced to Yosemite Valley, with stops in Merced at the University of California campus, Merced Mall, the local airport, the Amtrak Station, and other locations in Merced. Ticket prices include park entry, and can be purchased from the shuttle driver.
By plane
- 2 Merced Regional Airport (MCE IATA). Has passenger service operated by Boutique Air, with direct flights to and from Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Get around
By bus
- The Bus provides several routes in and around Merced.
The M5 - Merced South-East route travels between the transportation center bus stop, Greyhound bus stop, Amtrak Station, and hotels along Motel Drive and Parsons Ave.
See
The University of California's newest campus, 1 UC Merced, opened in September of 2005. The campus, located on Lake Road to the northeast of the city, is open to the public.
- Merced County Courthouse Museum, 21st & N Street, ☏ 1 209 723-2401, ✉[email protected]. Wednesday - Sunday 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
Do
Buy
- Merced Mall, 713 Merced Mall, ☏ 1 209 723-3981.
- Merced Antique Mall, 320 W Main St, ☏ 1 209 722-6894.
Eat
- Bella Luna Bistro & Bar, 350 West Main St, ☏ 1 209 383-1700.
- Cafe Sol, 3361 G St.
- 1 Hanger BBQ, 26 Macready Dr. (Next to the Merced Regional Airport), ☏ 1 209-384-1963, ✉[email protected]. M-TH 5:00pm-11:00pm, F-SA 11:30AM - 1:00AM, SU: Closed. Great atmosphere, live music and a decent bar.
- King Asian, 360 W Main St, ☏ 1 209 383-9838.
- Paul's Place Restaurant & Bkry, 2991 G St, ☏ 1 209 723-1339.
- Pinocchio’s, 460 W Main Stree, ☏ 1 209 580-4418.
- Pocket 8's, 9 W Alexander Ave, ☏ 1 209 384-0212.
- [dead link]Sam Cafe, 235 W 12th St, ☏ 1 209 383-5350.
- String's Italian Cafe, 731 E Yosemite Ave, ☏ 1 209 383-9777.
- 2 Sushi Cuisine, 3544 G. Street, ☏ 1-209-723-2478. SU-TH 11:00am-2:30pm, 5:00pm - 9:00pm FR-SA 11:00am-2:30pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm. Some of the best sushi in the area. Popular with the students from UC Merced.
Drink
- The Partisan, 432 West Main St. Opens at 4, closing time varies. A Merced bar that is a favorite for both locals and UCM students and faculty. Open from Mon-Sat, drink specials every night. Live music from local/national independent musicians every Tuesday and Saturday, open mic night every Monday, Rock Band/Karaoke every Wednesday, and a DJ on Thursday and Friday. Closed for remodel.
- 17th Street Public House (17th Street Bar), 315 W Main St Merced, CA 95340, ☏ 1 209 354-4449. 12:00pm-Close.
Sleep
- 1 Best Western Inn, 1033 Motel Dr, ☏ 1 209 723-2163, fax: 1 209 384-7272.
- 2 Courtyard Merced, 750 Motel Dr, ☏ 1 209 725-1221, fax: 1 209 725-1222. Check-out: Noon.
- 3 Holiday Inn Express, 151 South Parsons Ave, ☏ 1 209 384-3700.
- 4 Motel 6 Merced North, 1410 V St, ☏ 1 209 384-2181, fax: 1 209 722-2152.
- 5 HI-Merced Home Hostel, ☏ 1 209 725-0407.
- 6 [formerly dead link]Budget Inn, 1215 R St, ☏ 1 209 722-2738, fax: 1 209 723-4734. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM.
Go next
- Yosemite National Park - Less than two hours east along State Route 140 by car.
- Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Located about twenty miles southwest of Merced, this refuge hosts huge numbers of cranes, geese and other waterfowl during winter months.
| Routes through Merced |
| Sacramento ← Atwater ← | N  S | → Chowchilla → Fresno |
Gustine ← Jct N S ← | W  E | → Mariposa → Yosemite N.P. |
| Sacramento / Emeryville ← Modesto ← | N  S | → Madera → Bakersfield |