'''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.