University of California Merced Tours

Photo by Christian Canterbury
Photo by Christian Canterbury
Visit University of California Merced, a highly-regarded educational facility in the local community. Look on as the enthusiastic students hurry to and from classrooms.

Located in Merced, this modern university is free to enter. It's the ideal place to go for a fun and affordable day out! When you're ready for more exploring, Applegate Park Zoo, Merced County Courthouse Museum and Vista Ranch and Cellars are close by.

Plan a trip to see University of California Merced

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Glendale Hotel

Glendale Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Somerset
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $670, price is now $348 per person
$348
per person
Oct 24 - Oct 27
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,650 reviews)
I liked the size of the rooms and the comfortable beds. What I didn't like was you had to check in on a computer kiosk. Very strange, In all my traveling I never experience something like that. I always enjoy speaking to a human being. It makes it more welcoming and personable. They should post that on their website. I saw people freaking out that they could not find a person to talk to.

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn

2.5 out of 5
Westside Santa Cruz
Price was $2,900, price is now $1,257 per person
$1,257
per person
Nov 6 - Nov 11
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Dallas (DFW) to San Jose (SJC)
8/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
This was a good place for a quick trip to Santa Cruz. We stayed with our family of 5 for one night. There was plenty of space for all of us. They only have stairs so if you need an elevator you would need to request the first floor. The place is a bit run down however, if the only thing you need is a clean place with a bed to sleep in then this will work for you. The walking distance to the boardwalk was great. It made it easy for us to come and go as needed. Our room was right by the patio on the second floor where people would hang out and smoke. I wasn’t a fan of that because we could smell it in the room. The beds were not super comfortable but you get what you get for the price.

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Petit Ermitage

Petit Ermitage

4 out of 5
West Hollywood
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $1,137, price is now $603 per person
$603
per person
Oct 30 - Nov 3
found 12 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
We originally booked one of the cheap rooms. But I couldn’t get over the style discrepancy. So I decided to upgrade to a red premium rooms as a surprise for my partner. Unfortunately, when I arrived, they didn’t have any knowledge of my room upgrade. We walked into the original room instead of the surprise. When we went back down to alert them to the error, I found out they’d given my room to someone else!! And after blaming Expedia for the error, they weren’t terribly apologetic or helpful. My surprise was ruined…. Which really bummed me out. But they gave us a comprable room and we made the best of it. The blue room was beautiful—we loved it. And the vibe of the hotel grew on me throughout our stay. It’s kinda dated and shabby. A lot of the art isn’t good. But it’s got CHARACTER! Being there feels like a fever dream-from the crowd to the improv jazz upstairs, it’s a vibe. A totally unique experience. So in the end I was happy. But they DO need to work on a few things—the bathroom near the pool had no toilet paper or seat covers. When I’m paying over $1K per night, I expect more. The service wasn’t particularly friendly or helpful. We never knew what the WiFi was, nor did anyone tell us how to find the pool and the jazz. The place smells like an eccentric old man, and kinda feels like that too. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re looking for a romantic hidden gem and like an out-of-the-box experience, this might be it!

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Popular places to visit

Merced College

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Merced College, during your travels in Merced. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Merced College

Merced City Dog Park

Merced City Dog Park is just one of the places to see in Merced, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Merced City Dog Park

Mercy General Hospital

Though Mercy General Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Merced while you are here.

Mercy General Hospital

Applegate Park Zoo

Meet the animals who call Applegate Park Zoo home during your travels in Merced. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Applegate Park Zoo

Merced County Courthouse Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Merced County Courthouse Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Merced. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Merced County Courthouse Museum

Poker Flats Casino

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Poker Flats Casino during your time in Merced? While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Poker Flats Casino

Best Lodging Options Near University of California Merced

El Capitan Hotel

El Capitan Hotel

3.5 out of 5
609 W MAIN STREET, Merced, CA
El Capitan Hotel
4 Mi to City Center: Family-friendly Retreat!

4 Mi to City Center: Family-friendly Retreat!

3 out of 5
Merced
4 Mi to City Center: Family-friendly Retreat!
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG

2.5 out of 5
151 S Parsons Ave, Merced, CA
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG
Days Inn by Wyndham Merced / Yosemite Area

Days Inn by Wyndham Merced / Yosemite Area

2.5 out of 5
1215 R St., Merced, CA
Days Inn by Wyndham Merced / Yosemite Area
Peaceful and Clean in Merced California

Peaceful and Clean in Merced California

2 out of 5
1168 Crescent Dr, Merced, CA
Peaceful and Clean in Merced California
Quality Inn Merced Gateway to Yosemite

Quality Inn Merced Gateway to Yosemite

2.5 out of 5
730 Motel Dr, Merced, CA
Quality Inn Merced Gateway to Yosemite
Courtyard by Marriott Merced

Courtyard by Marriott Merced

3 out of 5
750 Motel Dr, Merced, CA
Courtyard by Marriott Merced
FairBridge Inn & Suites Merced/Gateway to Yosemite

FairBridge Inn & Suites Merced/Gateway to Yosemite

2.5 out of 5
1199 Motel Dr, Merced, CA
FairBridge Inn & Suites Merced/Gateway to Yosemite
Merced Inn and Suites

Merced Inn and Suites

2.5 out of 5
2010 E Childs Ave, CA HWY 99 at Exit 186A, Merced, CA
Merced Inn and Suites
See all 336 properties in University of California Merced
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.

Things to do near University of California Merced

At the University of California Merced, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as biking through scenic trails, attending captivating opera performances, and exploring local wildlife. For top sights, consider a day trip to nearby attractions that showcase the natural beauty and cultural offerings of the region, making for a well-rounded experience that highlights the charm of Merced and its surroundings.

Food and drinks

Vista Ranch and Cellars, located 6 miles from the University of California Merced, offers a delightful winery experience with a romantic atmosphere. Enjoy their local wines while soaking in the entertainment vibe, perfect for a memorable dining experience.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Pheasant Run Golf Course, where you can embrace the outdoor spirit while playing on lush greens. For a tranquil retreat, visit the Youth Sports Complex for relaxation activities, or explore the scenic Turlock Lake State Recreation Area for hiking and picnicking amidst nature.

Nightlife

The nightlife near University of California Merced offers a blend of excitement and charm. Visit Poker Flats Casino, just 5 miles away, for a thrilling night filled with gaming and vibrant city vibes, perfect for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends.

Find the best attractions near University of California Merced

During your visit to the University of California Merced, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including fairgrounds, history museums, and beautiful lakes. This area offers a mix of outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Don't miss the Merced Theatre, a historic venue that adds to the local charm. Whether you're interested in culture, nature, or city life, UC Merced and its surroundings provide plenty of options for an enjoyable trip.

  • Merced College: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Merced College, a modern institution just 3 miles from UC Merced. With its urban energy, you'll find students engaged in diverse activities, making it a great spot to soak in local college life.
  • Merced County Fairgrounds: Just 6 miles away, the Merced County Fairgrounds is perfect for family fun. Enjoy outdoor events and activities that celebrate local culture, from fairs to festivals, offering a lively, community-focused experience.
  • Merced County Courthouse Museum: Located 5 miles from campus, this museum provides a glimpse into local history and culture. Explore exhibits that highlight Merced's past in a beautifully preserved courthouse, making it a must-visit for history buffs.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of California Merced

To save money during your visit to the University of California Merced, take advantage of free attractions like the university itself, Merced College, Poker Flats Casino, and the Merced River. The best time to visit is from November to January, when accommodation prices are lower. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by applying filters like "Eco-certified," and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of California Merced are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the University of California Merced with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.