Find hotels in Merced, CA from $66

Top reasons to visit Merced

• Outdoor Adventures: Merced is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic parks and recreational areas for hiking and exploration.
• Local Markets: Experience vibrant market popups featuring local flavors and crafts that showcase the region's unique culture.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy fun at the fairgrounds and Merced Speedway, catering to visitors of all ages.
• Cultural Experiences: Attend performances at Playhouse Merced for a taste of local arts and entertainment.
• Inclusive Accommodations: A range of welcoming hotels and motels ensure a comfortable stay for all travelers.

Find great hotels in Merced

Discover Merced, California, where a variety of hotel accommodations await to make your stay enjoyable. From cozy motels to welcoming hotels, you'll find options that cater to various needs, including pet-friendly facilities and a business-friendly atmosphere. With a focus on inclusivity, many establishments warmly welcome LGBTQIA travelers, ensuring a comfortable vacation experience. Explore the best hotels in Merced and read reviews to find the perfect inn for your getaway.

• Days Inn by Wyndham Merced / Yosemite Area: A welcoming retreat for families and pet lovers alike, Days Inn by Wyndham Merced / Yosemite Area offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience. This hotel is perfect for travelers seeking a family-friendly atmosphere with amenities tailored for children. Business travelers will appreciate the supportive services, while pets are warmly welcomed on-site. Guests can enjoy a hassle-free stay with features like free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast, making it an ideal base for exploring the nearby Yosemite National Park.
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG: This modern hotel shines as an LGBTQIA-friendly destination, ensuring all guests feel welcome and included. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced provides top-notch business facilities, including a 24-hour business center and multiple meeting rooms. Families will find thoughtful amenities like free cribs and first-aid kits. With its central location, guests can easily access local attractions while enjoying a comfortable stay with complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
• El Capitan Hotel: El Capitan Hotel combines classic charm with modern amenities to cater to business travelers and pet owners. This 3.5-star gem features accessible business facilities, including a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms, making it an excellent choice for corporate guests. The hotel embraces a pet-friendly policy, offering free pet amenities, ensuring your furry friends feel at home. Located in the heart of Merced, El Capitan Hotel invites guests to enjoy both comfort and convenience while exploring the vibrant local culture.

Where to stay in and around Merced

Merced, California, offers a delightful blend of adventure and scenic beauty, making it an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the vibrant city, where family-friendly atmospheres meet rich historical neighborhoods. The surrounding Central Valley is perfect for discovering hidden gems, from charming parks to local attractions. Whether you're seeking relaxation or engaging activities, Merced promises a memorable travel experience filled with friendly people and captivating sights.

• Atwater: Located a mere 8 miles from Merced, Atwater is a charming city that offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visitors flock here during the spring and summer months, particularly from April to May and July, to enjoy various recreational activities. The area boasts access to national and state parks, providing ample opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Golf enthusiasts can also take advantage of the local courses. With its inviting atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, Atwater is perfect for those seeking a refreshing getaway.
• Buhach: Just 6 miles away from Merced, the quaint village of Buhach is a hidden gem for outdoor and sports enthusiasts. Peak travel times occur during the warmer months, particularly from May to July, when visitors are eager to experience its recreation parks and nearby golf courses. Buhach is also known for its skiing opportunities, making it a unique destination in the area. With local landmarks like urban parks and lakes, Buhach offers a tranquil setting for relaxation and enjoyment, making it an excellent stop for families and adventure seekers alike.
• Fergus: Nestled within the Merced area, the village of Fergus is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant entertainment options. Peak visitor numbers occur between May and July, when the community buzzes with activity. The local arena entertainment facility hosts various events, ensuring there's always something happening. Sports fans will appreciate the nearby stadium, which adds to the village's lively charm. Whether you're looking to catch a game or enjoy a family outing, Fergus provides a welcoming environment that caters to all.

Things to do in and around Merced

Merced, California, offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas, engage in educational activities, and explore the local fairground. Don't miss the vibrant market popups, where you can experience the region's local flavors and crafts. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Merced provides a delightful escape for every traveler.

Shopping

In Merced, visit the Merced Mall, which features a variety of stores for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out the Vintage Fair Mall in Modesto, located about 30 miles away, offering a wider selection of retail shops and dining options.

Recreation

At the Youth Sports Complex, enjoy a range of recreational activities surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. The Rancho del Rey Golf Course offers a scenic outdoor experience with its well-maintained greens, while Atwater Memorial Ballpark provides a serene setting for leisurely strolls and community events.

Adventure

Explore the Merced River Trail for hiking and biking alongside stunning river views and wildlife. For thrilling outdoor fun, visit Yosemite National Park, where you can experience rock climbing, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Don't miss Lake Yosemite for kayaking and fishing adventures in a beautiful setting.

Nightlife

Catch a movie at Regal Hollywood in Merced for a romantic night out or head to Regal Turlock, just 25 miles away, for more cinematic experiences. Both venues offer a cozy atmosphere perfect for entertainment and relaxation after a day of exploring.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Merced

Visiting Merced, California can be budget-friendly with several money-saving tips. Enjoy free attractions like the University of California Merced and Merced College. For transportation, consider using public buses or bicycles to cut costs. The best time to visit is from November to January for lower accommodation prices, with Sundays being the cheapest nights to stay. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider booking package deals for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Merced are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Merced is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Merced is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to find accommodations that fit your budget and preferred location. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Merced with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Find the best attractions in and around Merced

Merced, California, offers a wonderful blend of outdoor adventure and city experiences, making it perfect for vacationers. Explore local attractions like the modern college and urban parks, or enjoy family-friendly activities at the fairgrounds. Don’t miss out on the excitement at Merced Speedway and the cultural performances at Playhouse Merced. Whether you seek scenic beauty or vibrant urban life, Merced has something for everyone.

• University of California Merced: Explore the newest campus in the University of California system, showcasing modern architecture and innovative programs. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, perfect for experiencing academic and cultural events.
• Merced County Fairgrounds: Dive into the heart of community fun at the fairgrounds, hosting various events throughout the year. With outdoor space ideal for family activities, enjoy carnival rides, local food vendors, and live entertainment in a lively, friendly environment.
• Merced County Courthouse Museum: Discover the rich history of Merced at this charming museum housed in a historic courthouse. With exhibits that highlight local culture and heritage, you’ll gain insight into the area’s past and its impact on the present.

Best time to go to Merced

The best time to visit Merced can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Merced falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Merced falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

The nearest major airports for your trip to Merced

Traveling to Merced, California, is convenient with several airport options. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is 56 miles away, featuring nearby hotels like the DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center, 4 miles from the airport, and Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport, just 0.2 miles away. Merced Municipal Airport (MCE) lies only 2 miles from the city, with excellent accommodations such as the El Capitan Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Merced. Mariposa-Yosemite Airport (RMY) is located 28 miles from Merced, offering lodging like AutoCamp Yosemite, 7 miles away. Each hotel provides easy access to its respective airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience.