Merced, California, is in the center of the state, 130 miles southeast of San Francisco and 270 miles northeast of Los Angeles. While the city has its own attractions, the 19th century Merced Courthouse Museum and the Applegate Zoo for example, visitors may wish to explore the surrounding areas. You can travel as far as Yosemite National Park (60 miles away) or to the attractions located within a short drive from Merced.
This man-made lake is six miles east of Merced. There is a park at Lake Yosemite featuring picnic areas and barbecue facilities. The lake is popular for kayaking, jet skiing and water skiing, and is the home base of the Lake Yosemite Sailing Association. There are designated areas for swimming.
Located 24 miles northeast of Merced, Lake McClure and Lake McSwain are two more man-made lakes, set in pine and oak woodland surroundings and ranging from a 400- to 1000-foot elevation. There are 600 campsites around the area, each with its own barbecue grill. RV hookups are available, too. The lake offers fishing, water skiing and boating. The Barrett Cove Marina on Lake McClure rents houseboats, fishing boats and ski boats.
The Hilmar Cheese Company is 20 miles northwest of Merced and produces one million pounds of cheese per day, making it the world's largest cheese producer. At the visitor center, guests can watch employees packaging crates of cheese, use interactive exhibits and enjoy complimentary cheese tastings. The on-site cafe serves signature dishes such as cheese chowder and cheese pie.
Hilmar Cheese Company
9001 N. Lander Ave.
Hilmar, CA 95324
209-656-1196
hilmarcheese.com
Seven miles northwest of Merced, the Castle Air Museum is one of the largest vintage aircraft museums in the United States. There are about 50 airplanes from World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War on display.
Castle Air Museum
5050 Santa Fe Drive
Atwater, CA 95301
209-723-2178
castleairmuseum.org
