Road trip from Merced to Columbia
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ITINERARY
45h 52m2,577 miles22 stops
1
Forestiere Underground Gardens
Take a tour off Highway 99 and visit Fresno's best kept secret. *A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. *Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground - some over 90 years old! *Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls. *Underground micro-climates - temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees! *Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere.
2
The Park at River Walk
3
Hinkle Fun Center
Hinkle Family Fun Center is Albuquerque's Premier Family Entertainment Destination located in sunny New Mexico. Hinkle Family Fun Center features two scenic 18 hole Miniature Golf Courses, a 1/8 mile twisting Go Kart Track, Rock Climbing, two Game Rooms and Prize Centers with over 150 redemption and arcade games, Bumper Boats, Bungee Jump Trampoline, a 4500 square foot black light themed Lazer Tag arena, XD Dark Ride, Lazer Frenzy, Bumper Cars, Light Space, Birthday Parties, Group Events and Cody’s Cafe too! Celebrating 25 years of making memories that matter!
4
Topgolf Oklahoma City
Topgolf is the emerging global leader in golf entertainment. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while also awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. Topgolf offers an upscale, laid-back experience that features climate-controlled hitting bays and an impressive food and beverage menu crafted by our executive chef.
5
Brickopolis
6
Children's Library and Learning Center
7
Mystery Mansion Escape Room
Interactive Game of sleuthing intelligence. Bring your family, friends, or convention attendees for 60 minutes of sheer, heart pumping entertainment. Push your mind to its limits as you solve puzzles, find clues and crack codes to escape your fate. Great for team building, entertainment, date night and special occasions. Check out our website for details. Private bookings available. Hours Vary - Book online By Reservation Only. Children of any age are welcome to attend with family in a private room. For specific information, check out our FAQs on the website or feel free to call.
8
Blues Hall Juke Joint
9
Cooper-Young Historic District
10
McWane Science Center
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
11
Statue of Liberty Replica
Bronze replica measuring one-fifth the size of its sister statue located in New York City.
12
Johnny's Hideaway
13
Underground Atlanta
Known as “the city beneath the city,” Underground Atlanta has been the cultural heart of Downtown Atlanta since the 1900s. From basement speakeasies to the annual Peach Drop (where an 800-pound peach is dropped from the top of a building to ring in the new year), this arts, entertainment, and retail district has seen it all. Today, Underground Atlanta offers a multifaceted cultural experience featuring a virtual reality gallery, music clubs, and restaurants. travelers can also enjoy outdoor concerts, festivals, artisan markets, and more. This vibrant hub is conveniently connected to the Five Points train station, and just a short stroll from the scenic Broad Street Boardwalk. – Tripadvisor
14
Ponce City Market
15
Studio Cellar
16
Island Waterpark
17
Ethels Old Corral
18
California Fruit Depot
19
Betty's Bath and Day Spa
Betty's features two outdoor hot tubs and saunas, massages, facials, restorative spa treatments, lounge and relaxation areas in a xeriscaped garden setting, and a specialty boutique with natural and scintillating bath & body products as well as sassy and stylish affordable accessories.
20
La Cumbre Brewing Company
21
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the heart of downtown. A half-acre children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, splash fountains, and paths for walking and jogging provide guests young and old with a place to seek solitude with nature, or seek community and the company of others. The Gardens offers a variety of horticultural education programs for adults and children. The centerpiece attraction of the Gardens is the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory. Its unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. After an 18-month, $11 million renovation, it reopened to the public on November 18, 2022.
22
Robinson Center
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OVERVIEW
Merced to Columbia
1
Start:Forestiere Underground Gardens
Fresno, California·
4.5
(862) review
Take a tour off Highway 99 and visit Fresno's best kept secret. *A hand-built network of underground rooms, courtyards and passageways reminiscent of the ancient catacombs. *Unique fruit producing trees, shrubs, and vines growing underground - some over 90 years old! *Ancient Roman architecture - arches, vaults and stone-built walls. *Underground micro-climates - temperature variations of 10 to 30 degrees! *Underground home of Sicilian visionary and self-taught artist/builder Baldassare Forestiere.
2
Start:The Park at River Walk
Bakersfield, California·
4.0
(65) review
11200 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA
3
Start:Hinkle Fun Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico·
4.0
(95) review
Hinkle Family Fun Center is Albuquerque's Premier Family Entertainment Destination located in sunny New Mexico. Hinkle Family Fun Center features two scenic 18 hole Miniature Golf Courses, a 1/8 mile twisting Go Kart Track, Rock Climbing, two Game Rooms and Prize Centers with over 150 redemption and arcade games, Bumper Boats, Bungee Jump Trampoline, a 4500 square foot black light themed Lazer Tag arena, XD Dark Ride, Lazer Frenzy, Bumper Cars, Light Space, Birthday Parties, Group Events and Cody’s Cafe too! Celebrating 25 years of making memories that matter!
4
Start:Topgolf Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma·
4.5
(92) review
Topgolf is the emerging global leader in golf entertainment. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while also awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. Topgolf offers an upscale, laid-back experience that features climate-controlled hitting bays and an impressive food and beverage menu crafted by our executive chef.
5
Start:Brickopolis
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma·
4.0
(96) review
101 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104-2480
6
Start:Children's Library and Learning Center
Little Rock, Arkansas·
4.5
(9) review
4800 W 10th St, Little Rock, AR 72204-1807
7
Start:Mystery Mansion Escape Room
Little Rock, Arkansas·
5.0
(901) review
Interactive Game of sleuthing intelligence. Bring your family, friends, or convention attendees for 60 minutes of sheer, heart pumping entertainment. Push your mind to its limits as you solve puzzles, find clues and crack codes to escape your fate. Great for team building, entertainment, date night and special occasions. Check out our website for details. Private bookings available. Hours Vary - Book online By Reservation Only. Children of any age are welcome to attend with family in a private room. For specific information, check out our FAQs on the website or feel free to call.
8
Start:Blues Hall Juke Joint
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.5
(97) review
174 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103-3714
9
Start:Cooper-Young Historic District
Memphis, Tennessee·
4.0
(97) review
Cooper and Young Streets, Memphis, TN 38101
10
Start:McWane Science Center
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.5
(963) review
Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.
11
Start:Statue of Liberty Replica
Birmingham, Alabama·
4.0
(97) review
Bronze replica measuring one-fifth the size of its sister statue located in New York City.
12
Start:Johnny's Hideaway
Atlanta, Georgia·
3.5
(95) review
3771 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342-4414
13
Start:Underground Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia·
2.0
(976) review
Known as “the city beneath the city,” Underground Atlanta has been the cultural heart of Downtown Atlanta since the 1900s. From basement speakeasies to the annual Peach Drop (where an 800-pound peach is dropped from the top of a building to ring in the new year), this arts, entertainment, and retail district has seen it all. Today, Underground Atlanta offers a multifaceted cultural experience featuring a virtual reality gallery, music clubs, and restaurants. travelers can also enjoy outdoor concerts, festivals, artisan markets, and more. This vibrant hub is conveniently connected to the Five Points train station, and just a short stroll from the scenic Broad Street Boardwalk. – Tripadvisor
14
Start:Ponce City Market
Atlanta, Georgia·
4.5
(992) review
675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308-1884
15
Start:Studio Cellar
Columbia, South Carolina·
5.0
(9) review
912 Lady St The Vista, Columbia, SC 29201-3106
16
Start:Island Waterpark
Fresno, California·
4.0
(82) review
6099 W Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93723-9372
17
Start:Ethels Old Corral
Bakersfield, California·
4.5
(7) review
4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308-9606
18
Start:California Fruit Depot
Bakersfield, California·
5.0
(72) review
10854 Redbank Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93307-9143
19
Start:Betty's Bath and Day Spa
Albuquerque, New Mexico·
4.5
(98) review
Betty's features two outdoor hot tubs and saunas, massages, facials, restorative spa treatments, lounge and relaxation areas in a xeriscaped garden setting, and a specialty boutique with natural and scintillating bath & body products as well as sassy and stylish affordable accessories.
20
Start:La Cumbre Brewing Company
Albuquerque, New Mexico·
4.5
(92) review
3313 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107-1930
21
Start:Myriad Botanical Gardens
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma·
4.5
(979) review
Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the heart of downtown. A half-acre children’s garden, an off-leash dog park, splash fountains, and paths for walking and jogging provide guests young and old with a place to seek solitude with nature, or seek community and the company of others. The Gardens offers a variety of horticultural education programs for adults and children. The centerpiece attraction of the Gardens is the Inasmuch Foundation Crystal Bridge Conservatory. Its unique design has earned attention and praise in the architectural community. It is 224 feet long, 70 feet in diameter, and is covered by 3,028 sections of translucent, double-layered acrylic panels. After an 18-month, $11 million renovation, it reopened to the public on November 18, 2022.
22
Start:Robinson Center
Little Rock, Arkansas·
4.5
(99) review
Markham At Broadway, Little Rock, AR 72201
CHECKLIST
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Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Merced and Columbia?
The distance is 2,577 miles
What's the travel time between Merced and Columbia?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 45h 52m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Merced and Columbia?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Columbia?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Columbia
What’s the weather like in Columbia?
The weather in Columbia is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Columbia in January
Weather in Columbia in February
Weather in Columbia in March
Weather in Columbia in April
Weather in Columbia in May
Weather in Columbia in June
Weather in Columbia in July
Weather in Columbia in August
Weather in Columbia in September
Weather in Columbia in October
Weather in Columbia in November
Weather in Columbia in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Columbia?
Plan your dream Columbia trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
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Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Merced?
We have a lot of great trip options for Merced! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you