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History & the Great Outdoors in the Center of California
Located in Merced County about 100 miles southeast of San Francisco, tiny Santa Nella serves travelers on their way to San Francisco and San Jose from Southern California. Santa Nella lies at the north end of the San Joaquin Valley, the agricultural center of California, at the intersection of Interstate 5 and Pacheco Pass Road (California Route 152).
On the eastern slope of Pacheco Pass lies San Luis Reservoir State Recreation
Area. Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin
Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State
Recreation Area is noted for boating, board sailing, camping,
fishing and picnicking.
To the west of the Ramada Santa Nella is the city of Gilroy, famous for
the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Mission San Juan Bautista, and
the town of Hollister, notable for its proximity to an active
region of the San Andreas Fault. To the east is the growing
city of Los Banos; Yosemite is 2 hours away.
Special Events
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Basque Festival and Picnic
403 F St., Los Banos
(209) 826-5166
This event is held each May and includes competitions,
dancers and barbecue.
Fourth of July Celebration
Gustine and Los Banos
Each community celebrates the 4th with a variety of activities
including parades, games, food, street dance, pancake breakfast, car
show and culminating with great fireworks.
Gustine Pentecost Celebration
Gustine
(209) 854-1065
Enjoy food, carnival and a parade. A bloodless bullfight
is also a part of this celebration each July.
Henry Miller Wild West Weekend
403 F St., Los Banos
(209) 826-2495
Features walking history tour, Shootout, Gunslinger Alley,
Saloon, Pancake breakfast, CFDA California State Championship Quick
Draw, BBQ Challenge, Chili cook-off and more. Held October 12-14, 2007.
Hops and Bangers
Gustine
(209) 854-6680
This is held each February and is sponsored by the Gustine
Rotary Club and is open to the public.
Italian Catholic Federation Celebration
GPS Hall, Gustine
(209) 854-3123
Held each August.
Los Banos Portuguese Celebration
Los Banos
(209) 826-5667
This event is held in June and features a parade, sopas,
lunch, dinner and dance.
Our Lady of Miracles Portuguese Celebration
Gustine
(209) 854-3712
Folk dancing, singing, parade of Cows and costumes fo the
old country, evening candlelight procession and bloodless bullfight.
Held each September.
Our Lady of Miracles Spring Festival
Goman Center, Gustine
(209) 854-6692
Held each April.
Merced County Spring Fair
403 F St., Los Banos
(209) 826-5166
Enjoy the rides, the exhibits, the entertainment and food
that you only can find at a county fair. Held the first week of May
each year.
Milliken Museum
905 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos
(209) 8265505
The history of Los Banos is on display here from the early
days when the settlers first arrived.
Rib-O-Rama
Goman Center, Gustine
(209) 854-6268
Sponsored by the Gustine Lions Club each August this fun
event features great food and drink.
San
Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
32053 W. McCabe Rd., Santa Nella
(209) 854-1040
Administered by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, the site
contains a small military museum as well as the cemetery and Korean
War Veterans Memorial. Special ceremonies are held on Memorial Day
and Veterans Day.
Sausage Tasting
358 South Ave.
Gustine
(209) 854-6456
Held in October, this event lets you experience some of
the best sausage around.
Ted Falasco Arts Center
1105 Fifth St., Los Banos
(209) 826-5454
The Los Banos Arts Council brings a diverse mix of artists
and cultural activities to the area. Events include musical performances
of all types, Children’s Theater, art exhibits, recitals and
more.