Rural NorCal

The Castle Air Museum is one of the largest aviation museums on the West Coast, featuring over 70 historic military aircraft. Located on a former Air Force base, it showcases Cold War bombers, fighter jets, and exhibits highlighting U.S. airpower history and aerospace technology.

Castle Crags State Park features towering granite spires rising above pine forests and the Sacramento River. The park offers hiking, rock climbing, and scenic vistas, with striking geology and views of Mount Shasta.

Downtown Merced, California is the city’s historic and cultural core, featuring early 20th-century architecture, local shops, restaurants, and galleries. Revitalization efforts have boosted arts, dining, and community events, making it a growing hub of activity.

Dramaworks & West End Theatre is a community-based performing arts organization housed in a historic venue. It presents plays, musicals, films, and special events, fostering local talent and enriching the region’s cultural life.

Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area in San Benito County offers rugged terrain for OHV riding, including dirt bikes, ATVs, and 4x4s. The park features rolling hills, trails for all skill levels, camping areas, and scenic Central California views.

Merced Applegate Zoo is a small, family‑friendly community zoo featuring native and exotic animals, shaded walking paths, and educational programs. Located in Applegate Park, it offers an affordable, relaxed outing for visitors of all ages.

The Merced Theatre is a restored 1931 Art Deco landmark, hosting concerts, touring shows, classic films, and community events. With its grand marquee and historic charm, it’s a cultural centerpiece offering year‑round entertainment and arts programming.

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is a seasonal, family‑friendly festival featuring jousting, live music, comedy, costumed performers, artisan crafts, and period food. Held each fall, it brings the sights and sounds of the Renaissance to life with immersive entertainment and themed weekends.

Plumas Arts is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the visual, performing, and literary arts through exhibitions, community programs, education, and events that celebrate local creativity and culture.

Plumas National Forest spans alpine lakes, forested mountains, and river valleys in the northern Sierra Nevada. Known for hiking, camping, fishing, and fall colors, it blends scenic beauty with rich Gold Rush and mountain‑town history.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest spans rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and dense forests around Mount Shasta. It offers hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing across diverse landscapes rich in volcanic and cultural history.

Yosemite National Park, about an hour and a half drive from Merced, is famed for its dramatic granite cliffs, towering waterfalls, giant sequoia groves, and diverse wildlife. The park offers hiking, climbing, camping, and breathtaking scenery across its iconic valleys and high country. Merced serves as a key gateway, with Highway 140 offering one of the park’s most scenic entrances.