Merced, refers to both a city and county located in the heart of the San Joaquim Valley in California.

Merced, known as the "Gateway to Yosemite", is less than two hours by car from Yosemite National Park to the east and to the west is Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and miles of beaches. The community is served by the rail passenger service Amtrak, a major airline through Merced Municipal Airport, and three bus lines.

In 2005, the city became home to the tenth University of California campus, University of California, Merced (UCM), the first research university built in the U.S. in the 21st century.

Yosemite National Park
Covering the most scenic stretch of the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park has since become one of the most famous of all tourism destinations. Over 3.5 million visitors from around the world come to take the the giant trees, giant waterfalls, majestic mountains, verdant green forests, peaceful meadows and unique wildlife.

Exciting high adventure opportunities for exploring, boating, camping, hiking, watersports, weekend retreats and more.

Downtown Merced Resort Hotels
Most hotels are near the Yosemite Parkway (SR-140) downtown exit from the SR-99 Freeway:
Merced Best Value Inn
Merced Best Western
Merced Comfort Inn
Merced Courtyard Marriott
Merced Days Inn
Merced Hampton Inn
Merced Holiday Inn
Merced Ramada Inn
Merced Sandpiper Inn
Merced Travelodge
Merced Vagabond Inn

Mariposa County Resort Hotels
Most hotels are in downtown Mariposa city on Highway 140/49.
Mariposa Way Station
Mariposa Comfort Inn
Little Valley Inn - Mariposa CA
Mariposa Lodge
Mariposa Super 8 Motel
Yosemite Bed & Breakfast - Mariposa CA

Be sure to visit the Merced Agricultural Museum, the Merced County Courthouse Museum, Applegate Parkland Zoo, Lauras Fountain in Applegate Park, Multicultural Arts Center, Merced Farmers Market, the Merced Fruit Barn and the Castle Air Force Museum. A short drive away you will find the famous Hollos Nut Company and Yosemite Lake.

Visit Merced for our special events such as the Merced County Fair held each July, The Springtime Reunion Car Show drawing in more than 550 classic hot rods and motorcycles, the show is held Mothers Day weekend each year and The Merco Cycling Classic launching the California Professional Tour in late February or early March, this event attracts both men and women from all over the world.

The City of Merced is home to Malibu Boats, the No. 1 manufacturer of sports boats in the world. Merced County California in also know as the Headquarters of Quebecor World, the largest printing operation on the West Coast.

Merced County California is home to the largest poultry producer in the world, the largest winery in the world, and the largest cheese producer in the world. Merced County California produces 110 different agricultural products and is the fifth-largest agricultural county in the state.