Recreation

Outdoor Activities

Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Sierra Nevada, Merced provides residents with hundreds of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Some of our most popular local activities include sailing, waterskiing, house boating, camping, and fishing. There are nine recreational Lakes within an hour drive of Merced, including Lake Don Pedro. Lake Don Pedro has 160 miles of shoreline with nearly 13,000 surface acres of water which makes it one of California’s largest reservoirs.

Or enjoy golfing at one of the area's many courses, or take a long bike ride along one of the many paths that wind through the community.

There are tons of adventures to enjoy just outside of Merced too. We're within driving distance of the beach or mountains, where you can ski, surf and sightsee. Merced residents often take quick getaways to the California Coast, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.