'''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.

Get in

Merced is served by one major highway (CA 99).

Amtrak's Sacramento/Bay Area-Bakersfield '''San Joaquin''' [http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Route/Vertical_Route_Page&c=am2Route&cid=1081442673773&ssid=132] train line runs six times a day, which also offers bus connections between Merced and Yosemite National Park.

In addition to this Merced is served by '''Greyhound''' [http://www.greyhound.com] bus via its downtown station.

Get around

See

The University of California's Newest Campus, '''UC Merced''' opened in September of 2005. The campus is open to the public.

Do

  • '''New Energy Yoga''', 755 E Yosemite Ave, phone 209-384-9642, [http://www.newenergy-yoga.com]. Take a yoga class at Merced's only yoga studio and get ready for that Yosemite hike.
  • Buy

    Eat

  • '''Cafe Sol''' 3361 G Street. Free Wi-fi access for customers.
  • '''Paul's Place Restaurant & Bkry''' 2991 G St, (209) 723-1339. Ethnic and American dishes at very reasonable prices; try the Portuguese linguisa sausage omelet.
  • '''Sam Cafe''' 235 W 12th St, (209) 383-5350 [http://www.samcafe.com] Thai Restaurant. Try the highly rated Pad Thai. Free WiFi.
  • Drink

  • The Partisan. 32 West Main Street. ttp://www.myspace.com/thepartisanmerced. pens 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.

    Sleep

  • Best Western Inn. 033 Motel Drive. 1 209 723-2163. 1 209 384-7272. ttp://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=05469.
  • Courtyard Merced. 50 Motel Drive. 1 209 725-1221. 1 209 725-1222. ttp://marriott.com/property/propertypage/MCECY.
  • Days Inn Merced. 199 Motel Drive. 09-722-2726 . ttp://www.daysinncalifornia.com/html/days-inn-hotels-in-merced-ca.asp.
  • Holiday Inn Express. 30 Motel Drive. 1 209 383-0333. ttp://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/mceex.
  • Motel 6 Merced North. 410 V Street. 1 209 384-2181. 1 209 722-2152. ttp://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1029.
  • '''HI-Merced Home Hostel''', ''+1 209'' 725-0407.
  • Get out

  • Yosemite is less than two hours east along State Route 140 by car.