Merced is a vibrant community that’s home to more than 86,000 residents who all enjoy a laidback, small town atmosphere and a high quality of life. Nestled in the heart of agricultural Central Valley, the city is home to an abundance of attractions, including lively shopping venues, a revitalized downtown area, scenic outdoor areas, exciting annual events, and more.
Searching for some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in Merced, CA? Here are five places you should definitely check out!
Applegate Park Zoo
Applegate Park is Merced’s oldest park, purchased in the 1920s by Lewis H. Applegate for the city’s residents and visitors. A variety of animals were donated to the city over the years, and were housed in the park. Better facilities were sought for the animals, and the Applegate Park Zoo was constructed in 1961.
Today, the zoo is home to a diverse assortment of wild animals, most of which are native species rescued from Central San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Merced County Courthouse Museum
The 8,500-square-foot Merced County Courthouse Museum features a variety of exhibits depicting the history of settlers of Great Central Valley and Merced County. The museum is housed within a grand Italianate three-story courthouse constructed in 1875, one of the oldest historical buildings in California.
Museum visitors will be able to explore a recreated classroom, a superior courtroom, a blacksmith shop, and more, while viewing permanent and revolving exhibits that showcase important aspects of Central Valley society and agriculture.
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
The Merced Wildlife Refuge is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers, with over 10,200 acres of native grasslands, riparian areas, wetlands, and vernal pools.
The refuge is home to a wide array of species including desert cottontail rabbits, elk, meadowlarks, black-tailed deer, savannah sparrows, and a huge variety of colonial-nesting waterbirds and arctic-nesting geese. One of the best ways to get a closer look at the wildlife is by exploring the area through the auto tour route or the three picturesque trails. Both options offer terrific wildlife viewing opportunities year round.
Lake Yosemite
If you’re looking forward to relaxing while soaking in serene views or spending a fun day outdoors with the family, Lake Yosemite is the perfect destination.
Located just a few steps away from the University of California Merced campus, Lake Yosemite County Park offers a variety of recreational activities including kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, walking, enjoying picnics, and more. The park has a small beach with a few BBQ grills and a shaded area where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and just hang out with friends and family.
Vista Ranch and Cellars
Nestled on over 20 acres of Bear Creek Ranch, Vista Ranch and Cellars is a scenic destination that features a vineyard, tasting room, an expansive picnic area, an event center, and several farm plots.
Wine lovers can sample some of Vista Ranch’s top-quality Primativo, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir varieties at the tasting room, which is located in a 1910 farmhouse surrounded by an abundance of fruit trees and vast farm plots.
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