The Ramada Merced puts you in a solid position for exploring the Central Valley and beyond. Yosemite National Park is about 75 miles away, making it doable as a day trip if you’re willing to get an early start. The drive gives you access to granite cliffs, waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails where your dog can stretch their legs.

Closer to the hotel, Lake Yosemite is right in the area for water activities—you can boat, jet-ski, or fish for bass if that’s your thing. The lake draws a lot of locals, and it’s a nice spot to spend an afternoon.

Castle Air Museum is five miles out and has an impressive collection of vintage aircraft from World War II through Vietnam. You can walk the grounds and check out planes from different eras, which is interesting if you’re into that kind of history. It’s the type of place where you can spend a couple hours and actually learn something.

Applegate Park Zoo, also about five miles away, has animals and hosts events throughout the year if you want to break up your day. The Agricultural Museum is another local option with old farming equipment, vintage toys, and machinery that shows what life was like in the region decades ago. It’s quirky enough to be worth an hour or two if you’re not in a hurry.

Merced itself has some character—the city’s known for manufacturing Malibu Boats, which gives you a sense of the local economy. The Ramada gives you a straightforward base for exploring what the area has to offer without the expense of staying closer to Yosemite. Your room will cost less and you’ll have easy access to a range of activities within a 30-minute drive. The hotel’s location works well if you’re planning to spend a few days in the region rather than just passing through.