Heading out to a beach in Merced, CA can be made into a fun-filled adventure and has many benefits for yourself and your friends. Spending time in the sun, swimming in the water, and spending quality time with your friends and family to name a few.
Locating the perfect swimming beach in Merced with plenty of room for beach activities isn’t hard. Below is a list to help you find a beach near you. Search for the beach name, your city, or your zip code to find beaches.
Merced Beaches
Beaches could be periodically closed because of water quality concerns caused by temporary occurances such as E. Coli outbreaks, pollution, or algal blooms. Review the website of the beach before you leave for the beach for water quality concerns.
Remember to check the Merced weather forecast for today before heading off for to the beach. Checking the weather ensures that you pack the proper layers for the conditions and you will also known the right time to leave.
Merced, CA Beach Guidelines
Whenever you visit a beach in Merced, there are always guidelines that you must follow. Just about all beaches will post the following laws:
- Glass bottles can easily shatter, so don’t bring glass bottles to the beach.
- You should always be aware that you are entering the water at your own risk, regardless if there’s a lifeguard on duty.
- Don’t try to go to the beach when it’s not open.
- Remember, if you bring an object with you, you are obligated to not leave anything behind.
- Don’t swim outside of the specified swim region.
- Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to stop doing something, then you have to do it.
Merced Beach Checklist
- Always stay in the designated swim area. If there is a designated swim space it is likely unsafe to venture beyond the region. The area may have dangerous objects under the water, be frequented by boaters, or is unsupervised by lifeguards.
- Is there a lifeguard on duty? Most large beaches in Merced staff a lifeguard on duty, however do not count on a lifeguard being there. On your way to the beach, look around to see if there are beach warning signs. Sometimes they display lifeguard patrol times.
- Store items in a mesh bag. It’s convenient to use a backpack, tote bag, or waterproof duffle bag to stash beach items such as beach towels, water toys, tents, and Personal Flotation Devices. However, these types of bags keep moisture from evaporating, leading to mold problems or just keeping beach items from drying out.
- Get away from the sun. If you think that locating shade could be hard to come by, or if you know that there probably will not be too many shady areas around, bring your own! Bring a beach umbrella, shaded beach tent, or similar equipment that provides shade. Be sure that you use something that has enough air-flow.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen. Apply sunscreen when you arrive to the beach. Remember that sunscreen does go bad eventually so check the side of the bottle for the expiration date.
- Bring enough layers. Even if you are anticipating a hot day in Merced, you should know that the temperature at the beach can change on a dime. It is particularly important if you are wanting to go for a swim, so pack extra warm clothes such as a jacket, blankets, sweatpants, and a hat.
- Prepare for insects. If you wish to visit the beach early in the day or the evening, you will find mosquitos, sand flies, beach hoppers and other annoying bugs could be an issue.
- Avoid crowded times. It can be tough to locate parking at many Merced beaches. Arriving early can ensure that you find a nearby spot to park your car and a fantastic spot on the beach.
