Family in town for the holidays? Here are 10 fun things to do near Merced
The holidays are here. That means more free time and more time spent with family. Don’t get cooped up in the house — show your visiting relatives what the Merced area has to offer. Here are 10 easy day trips and destinations an hour or less drive from Merced that the family can enjoy. Note, please check with individual locations for holiday week hours.
Just off of Highway 140, this nearby winery’s tasting room is located in a quaint farmhouse built in 1910. Visitors less keen on wine can taste olive oil from trees that have grown in Merced County for over 70 years. Located at 7326 East Highway 140 in Merced. (209) 722-8200
Located in the heart of downtown Merced, just a few steps away from the historic Merced Theatre, the 17th Street Public House is undoubtedly a must stop for beer lovers — and also a just great place to sit and chat before a movie or after a meal. The bar regularly updates its beverage list and features many favorites from California breweries like Russian River Brewing Company and Stone Brewing Company. The pub is operated by the founders of another downtown Merced favorite, the live music venue and bar The Partisan. Its bartenders are knowledgeable, friendly and outgoing, and there’s also an outdoor patio where you can relax with pint in hand. 315 W. Main St. in downtown Merced. (209) 354-4449
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Right now is one of the best times of year to visit the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Each fall, more than 20,000 cranes, 60,000 arctic-nesting geese and thousands of other birds flock to the refuge for six months of rest. Visitors may also glimpse coyotes, beavers and the endangered tiger salamander. A 5-mile vehicle route loops through wetlands for visitors to see wildlife without leaving the car. Short walking trails less than 2 miles in length are open, too. Hunting in some areas is allowed with a permit. Located at 7430 W. Sandy Mush Road in Merced County. (209) 826-1445
Located at one of the largest middle-Pleistocene (700,000 years ago) fossil excavation sites in North America, the Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla is an easy day-trip for families. Visitors can learn about real-life dire wolves and mammoths, and gaze upon a 12-foot replica of an extinct bear. A glass laboratory shows paleontologists excavating and preserving fossils. Kids can try out excavation for themselves in the mock dig, where they may find replicas of saber-tooth cat skulls, giant sloths and more. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Located at 19450 Ave. 21 1/2 near Chowchilla. (559) 665-7107
Make the quick trip to Hilmar Cheese Company’s visitor center for a day of education and eating. Take a tour to learn about cheese making and dairy, and watch employees package 640-pound cheese crates. After, visit the cafe for a variety of flatbread, sandwiches and more- all featuring Hilmar dairy. The visitor center is closed only on major holidays. Located at 9001 North Lander Ave. in Hilmar. (800) 577-5772
Enjoy local craft beer at two Turlock locations. The brewery taproom just off of Highway 99 offers a spacious restaurant and taproom with 20 taps to choose from, and an outdoor seating area with games like bocce ball and cornhole. The downtown Turlock location is more intimate, with 17 taps available and a full menu. The brewery taproom is located at 3000 Fulkerth Rd. (209) 250-2043. The downtown location is closed Mondays and located at 200 W Main St. in Turlock. (209) 250-2042
Although not completely abandoned, the town of Hornitos is known as one of the most well-preserved ghost towns in the West. Located off Highway 140, visitors to the town step directly into Gold Rush history. They might be surprised to see the crumbling Ghiradelli General Store, where the family sold goods to miners before moving to San Francisco. A ramshackle cemetery, Wells Fargo and Masonic lodge are a few other highlights.
These 26,800 acres of wetland, grassland and forest are home to elk, foxes, herons and much more. December is the perfect time of year to see snow geese and swans. Waterfowl and tule elk vehicle routes are available to see wildlife without leaving the car. Short walking trails provide an opportunity to get closer. Hunting and fishing are allowed in areas with a permit. Located at 7376 S. Wolfsen Road near Los Banos. (209) 826-3508
Located within the Mariposa County Visitor Center, families can test their teamwork skills as they’re “locked in” an abandoned mine. Participants are given hard hats and a lantern to transport them into an authentic Gold Rush experience. Work together to solve the puzzle before time runs out. Located at 5158 Highway 140, Mariposa. (209) 966-2456
Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
Just downstream from Yosemite sits this cozy health spa with rustic lodging. Spend a few nights, or make it a day trip. Overnight accommodations range from private cabins to hostel-style lodging. Visitors can use the spa, sauna, soaking baths or choose from a variety of massages. The June Bug cafe offers international and American comfort food. Located at 6979 Highway 140 in Midpines. (209) 966-6666
Bonus activity: Bike from Merced to Snelling
Active families may want to pack a lunch and get out of the house together. A bike ride to Snelling features great views and an intermediate distance. Cyclists can take Merced’s G Street to Snelling road for a 17.2-mile route, one way. On the way back, hop on to Highway 59 to make it a 40-mile loop.
This story was originally published December 24, 2019 at 6:00 AM.
