A river flowing through a forest with tall, rugged mountains in the background.

Merced Vacations from $155

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

Your Merced Vacation

With a Merced vacation package, uncovering the best of this rural city is a breeze. From its lively atmosphere and multicultural diversity to its spectacular views, this is one lively destination that deserves your attention. If sightseeing is part of the program during your trip to Merced, check out major attractions like University of California Merced, Merced County Fairgrounds and Merced College. Your perfect Merced vacation is just a few clicks away. Explore accommodations, flights and more on Expedia for a getaway that's tailored to suit your travel style.

The Latest Merced Vacation Packages

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
  • Dec 28 - Dec 30

    Aqua Breeze Inn + Flight

    Westside Santa Cruz
    2 nights
    2.5 star property
    8.2/10 - Very good (1,004 reviews)
    Roundtrip • Los Angeles (LAX) - San Jose (SJC)
    LAX - SJC • Nonstop SJC - LAX • Nonstop
    $260
    $155
    per traveler
    found 1 day ago
    Aqua Breeze Inn
  • Jan 5 - Jan 9

    Marbella Lane - 3BR Designer Near Valley Fair + Flight

    San Jose
    4 nights
    3.0 star property
    Roundtrip • Seattle (SEA) - San Jose (SJC)
    SEA - SJC • Nonstop SJC - SEA • Nonstop
    $1,426
    $894
    per traveler
    found 19 hours ago
    Marbella Lane - 3BR Designer Near Valley Fair
  • Jan 5 - Jan 9

    Marbella Lane Duplex San Jose 10-Min to Levi’s + Flight

    Willow Glen
    4 nights
    4.0 star property
    8.2/10 - Very good (15 reviews)
    "Thank you for giving my family the pleasure of staying in your home"
    Reviewed May 21, 2026
    Roundtrip • Seattle (SEA) - San Jose (SJC)
    SEA - SJC • Nonstop SJC - SEA • Nonstop
    $979
    $695
    per traveler
    found 12 hours ago
    Marbella Lane Duplex San Jose 10-Min to Levi’s
  • Dec 26 - Dec 28

    @ Marbella Lane - Modern & Cozy Downtown SJ Escape + Flight

    San Jose
    2 nights
    3.5 star property
    Roundtrip • Los Angeles (LAX) - San Jose (SJC)
    LAX - SJC • Nonstop SJC - LAX • Nonstop
    $732
    $542
    per traveler
    found 1 day ago
    @ Marbella Lane - Modern & Cozy Downtown SJ Escape
  • Jan 5 - Jan 9

    Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose + Flight

    Northside
    4 nights
    3.5 star property
    7.0/10 - Good (46 reviews)
    "Just only 4 pm can check in. 😞"
    Reviewed April 28, 2026
    Roundtrip • Seattle (SEA) - San Jose (SJC)
    SEA - SJC • Nonstop SJC - SEA • Nonstop
    $510
    $378
    per traveler
    found 19 hours ago
    Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose

Where to stay in and around Merced

Merced, California, offers a blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, perfect for families and relaxation seekers. Explore the charming neighborhoods and nearby attractions in northern California, where friendly locals and rich culture await to enhance your travel experience.

Atwater

Discover Atwater, a charming destination perfect for families and nature lovers seeking adventure. Here, you can explore the fascinating Castle Air Museum, enjoy the greenery at Bloss Park, or dive into a good book at the Atwater Branch Merced County Library. With a drive of about 8 miles from Merced, Atwater is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to create lasting memories in a beautiful setting.

Buhach

Experience the charm of Buhach, a delightful hub for family and nature-loving travelers eager for adventure. Just a short drive from Merced, Buhach offers access to exciting attractions like the Castle Air Museum and Bloss Park, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of activities and a welcoming atmosphere, Buhach is an ideal choice for those looking for budget-friendly accommodations. Enjoy the beauty of this village while being close to all the action in the region.

Fergus

Family travelers will love Fergus, a charming village in Merced, California, known for its outdoor adventures and budget-friendly options. With nearby attractions like the Merced County Fairgrounds, Merced College, and the Castle Air Museum, there’s plenty to explore. Whether you’re enjoying the local parks or the nature reserve, Fergus offers a delightful experience year-round, with peak visits from June to August. Its location in Merced makes Fergus a smart choice for a memorable stay.

Athlone

Ideally situated for family travelers and nature enthusiasts, Athlone offers a charming gateway to the vibrant attractions of Merced. Here, visitors can explore the lively Merced County Fairgrounds, delve into local history at the Merced County Courthouse Museum, or enjoy outdoor activities at the Sports and Leisure Park. Athlone, nestled within Merced, provides easy access to these highlights, making it a smart choice for both budget-conscious and business-minded travelers seeking an enriching experience.

Winton

Travelers seeking a family-friendly getaway will find Winton to be the ideal base for their vacation, featuring outdoor adventures and budget-friendly options. This charming city is just about 10 miles by car from Merced, making it convenient for exploring nearby attractions like the Castle Air Museum, Heller Park, and the Atwater Branch Merced County Library. With a range of activities, from nature walks to skiing, Winton offers a delightful escape for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Booking your stay here ensures a memorable experience.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Merced

Merced Hotel Deals

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in a Merced vacation package?

A Merced vacation package lets you combine round-trip flights, a hotel stay, and a rental car, offering convenience for exploring this outdoor and nature destination. Around 1 in 4 hotels in Merced offers free breakfast, providing a convenient start to your day, and a similar share provides airport shuttle service, often connecting to San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) for easier arrivals.


Exactly what's included will vary by hotel and package, so it's worth reviewing the details before you confirm your booking.

How can I save money on a Merced vacation package?

When you bundle, you can save up to 30%*. To save money on a Merced package, consider traveling during the quieter months or be flexible with your dates to find more options. Bundling your flights and hotel together often unlocks savings compared to booking separately. *Members only. Savings vary.

What's the best vacation package for Merced?

For those seeking a luxurious Merced vacation package, consider a stay at the 4-star El Capitan Hotel, rated 9.1 out of 10. This property offers a bar/lounge, concierge services, a restaurant, and a spa, with travelers frequently praising the fantastic staff and excellent breakfast. It's an ideal choice for couples looking for a refined experience.


Families will find a great option in a package featuring the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG, rated 8.9 out of 10. This hotel provides family rooms and an outdoor pool, making it comfortable for those traveling with children. Travelers often highlight the exceptional breakfast and overall cleanliness of the property.


If you're looking for a budget-friendly Merced vacation package, the Rodeway Inn Near University-Gateway to Yosemite, rated 8 out of 10, is a solid choice. It offers family rooms, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool, and travelers appreciate the helpful staff and clean rooms.

Is Merced a good choice for a family vacation package?

Merced is a good choice for family vacation packages, offering a blend of comfortable accommodations and engaging activities. Hotels like the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG, rated 8.9 out of 10, provide family rooms and an outdoor pool, with travelers often noting its well-kept facilities and exceptional breakfast. The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Merced, rated 8.6 out of 10, also features an outdoor pool and kitchens, and guests frequently praise the amazing staff and clean facilities.


For family outings, the Merced County Fairgrounds, about a 10-minute walk from central Merced, hosts various family-friendly events. For nature lovers, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, about 16 miles from central Merced, offers opportunities for wildlife observation. Additionally, Lake Yosemite County Park provides a relaxing setting for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. Your Merced vacation package can be tailored to include family-friendly accommodations and activities.

What are the top things to do in Merced?

Merced, an outdoor and nature destination known for its cultural attractions, offers a variety of activities for your Merced vacation:


Browse and book things to do in Merced on Expedia.

Do you need to rent a car in Merced, or is public transport enough?

For a Merced vacation package, a rental car offers the most flexibility for exploring this outdoor and nature destination. While Merced does have public transport options like Merced County Transit, known as "The Bus," which operates fixed routes throughout the county, and YARTS for scheduled service into Yosemite National Park, a car is beneficial for reaching attractions further afield.


For example, the Merced National Wildlife Refuge is about 16 miles from central Merced, and the Castle Air Museum is about 11 miles away. These sites are more easily accessible with your own vehicle. Merced Regional Airport (MCE) also offers passenger service, and major highways connect the area, making car travel a convenient option. For a Merced vacation package, consider a rental car to maximize your exploration of the surrounding natural and cultural sites.

Are Merced vacation package hotels conveniently located?

Merced vacation package hotels are generally well-located, with several options offering easy access to the city center and nearby attractions. For instance, the El Capitan Hotel, rated 9.1 out of 10, is about a 5-minute walk from central Merced, and travelers frequently praise the fantastic staff and great food. The Courtyard by Marriott Merced, rated 8.7 out of 10, is about 1 mile from central Merced, with guests often highlighting its great location and staff.


Further out, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG, rated 8.9 out of 10, is about 2 miles from central Merced, and travelers often note its well-kept facilities and exceptional breakfast. This range of locations allows you to choose a Merced vacation package that best suits your preferred access to the city's attractions.

Can I change or cancel my Merced vacation package if my plans change?

Yes, you can cancel your vacation package via your itinerary page on Expedia or by contacting customer service. Remember that some packages are fully refundable, but the details vary based on each unique booking. A fully refundable package may depend on how far out from the travel dates you're canceling and what airline you are traveling with.

Do One Key members get extra savings when booking Merced vacation packages?

Yes, members who join our free One Key™ travel rewards program can instantly unlock additional savings and save 10% or more on over 500,000 stays worldwide with Member Prices and over 1 million car rentals.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Merced vacation packages?

Yes, with Expedia's Book Now, Pay Later option, powered by Affirm, you can spread the cost of your Merced vacation over 3, 6, or 12 months. With no late payment fees or hidden costs, it's easy to secure your ideal vacation package as soon as you spot it.

How do I find last-minute vacation packages to Merced?

To find last-minute vacation packages to Merced, explore the last-minute deals section for the latest package offers, including flights, departing in the coming weeks. Being flexible with your travel dates and hotel preferences can help you secure the best prices.

How does free cancellation work on Merced vacation packages?

Free cancellation on a Merced vacation package depends on the specific hotel and rate combination you book. Many bookings allow free cancellation up to a stated deadline (often a few days before travel) where eligible. Read the cancellation terms carefully when reviewing the package, and visit Expedia help center for further details.

Is it cheaper to book a Merced vacation as a package or separately?

Booking flights and hotels together can unlock lower overall prices. Better still, you can tailor your Merced getaway to match your exact preference. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.

Why should I book my Merced vacation package with Expedia?

Booking your vacation package on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of hotels, you can compare prices, reviews and amenities all in one place, then bundle your hotel with flights which could help you save even more. Flexible booking options on selected stays also make it easier to plan with confidence.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.