Merced · Merced County, CA
Cheap things to do in Merced
Scout analyzed 39 Merced places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
39
Matches
24
Typical spend
—
Typical visit
1.2 hr
Scout-verified spots

Food & Drink
Scotts Diner

Food & Drink
Strings
Italian chain presents traditional dishes including pizzas, pastas & calzones in a low-key setting.

Outdoors
Fahrens Park
The Black Rascal Bike Path passes through this recreation area with a playground & disc-golf course.

Outdoors
Rahilly Park
A 2.9-acre community park with a playground, picnic shelter & access to a cycle path.

Food & Drink
Jantz Café & Bakery

Food & Drink
Yum Yum Donuts
Longstanding donut shop offering many flavors & varieties, plus sandwiches & drinks.

Family
Merced's Applegate Park Zoo
This park with picnic areas & a playground is home to a small zoo that shelters native wildlife.

Food & Drink
Tandoor Table

Food & Drink
Yosemite Station
Homestyle joint featuring classic American fare, all-day breakfast & student & senior specials.

Food & Drink
Black Bear Diner Merced
Easygoing chain serving familiar all-day comfort food & desserts in a woodsy setting.

Outdoors
Henderson Park

Food & Drink
La Finca Branding Iron
Classic American chophouse serving steak, seafood & prime rib in a sophisticated dining room.

Outdoors
Lake Yosemite Recreation Area
Scenic park with an artificial reservoir for swimming, fishing & kayaking, plus picnic shelters.

Food & Drink
The Mainzer

Food & Drink
Coffee Bandits

Outdoors
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
10.2-acre wetlands & grasslands known as a legendary wintering habitat for waterfowl & shorebirds.

Outdoors
McNamara Park
Community park offering over 8-acres of green space & recreational amenities, including a pool.

Food & Drink
Destino's
Homemade pastas & other Italian classics served with cocktails in an easygoing, bi-level setting.

Food & Drink
Bella Luna
Warm, comfy Italian bar/eatery since 1995 with thin-crust pizza, seasonal dishes & artisanal breads.

Food & Drink
Five Ten Bistro

Food & Drink
Bagel Tyme

Food & Drink
Jantz Cafe & Bakery

Food & Drink
Sizzler
Longtime casual restaurant known for its steak, burgers & seafood, plus a salad bar.

Food & Drink
Toni's Courtyard Café
Featuring an extensive menu of casual Italian-inspired American eats & an idyllic courtyard patio.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
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Book tours and tickets in Merced
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Make it a night out
Staying over in Merced?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Merced — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
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