Santa Nella is a small community on the west side of Merced County, California. It is located 11 miles east-northeast of Pacheco Pass, at an elevation of 154 feet (47 m). As of the 2010 census, Santa Nella had a population of 1,380 people.

Visit Santa Nella's Wikipedia page for more info   See the list of government officials & state agencies

Reasons to Visit:

1. Water Sports

   You’ll find a wide variety of water sports to choose from when you visit Santa Nella. Windsurfing, jet skiing, boating, swimming and beach play are just minutes away. Some of the best fishing in the country can also be found here. Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill and White Sturgeon have all been pulled from local fishing spots and we’ve even seen a few records broken around here.

2. Hunting

   Santa Nella is surrounded by some of the best hunting spots there are. Along with State and National Refuges, there are private clubs for great hunting opportunities. US Fish and Wildlife and Department of Fish and Game have a wealth of information available to hunters.

3. Hiking, Biking, ATV’s

   Access roads alongside the California Aqueduct and the Delta Mendota Canal are suitable for hiking and biking (as well as fishing).A semi-developed off-road park for ATV’s is open year-round where Highway 152 and 33 intersect. This is also run by the State Parks. For more information contact (209) 826-1196 or (209) 827-5353. Pacheco State Park also offers graded dirt roads that are a little more “hilly.” They can be reached at (209) 826-6283.

4. San Joaquin National Cemetery / Korean War Memorial

   This 322 acre National Cemetery opened in June 1992. Currently approximately 105 acres are developed that include a beautiful reflection pond and shaded areas. They bury in excess of two thousand veterans and eligible dependents each year. There are several memorials here including the California Korean Memorial, which commemorates 2,496 California veterans who died in armed combat during the Korean war as well as memorials to Pearl Harbor survivors, the Founders and the Patriots and the 1st Marine Corps. The cemetery gates are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm for visitation. For more information call (209) 854-1040.

5. Romero Visitor Center

   Operated by the Department of Water Resources, this interactive visitor center provides lots of information about the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project - two major water conveyance projects. There is also a multi-slide presentation and lots of take-away information for kids and adults. They are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm , except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is free. For more information call (209) 827-5353.

6. World Famous Dining

   Enjoy a wide variety of dining options in Santa Nella.

7. Wildflowers and Bird Watching

   The hills surrounding Santa Nella come alive with breathtaking color every spring as the wildflowers bloom. Visitors can do self-guided tours or contact San Luis Reservoir to find out when guided tours are available. The “Path of the Padres” tour is a guided hike during springtime weekends. It is a boat and 5 mile hike that retraces part of the trail taken by Spanish missionaries and soldiers in 1805. Bird watchers can also enjoy the view from various points in the park. For more information contact the park at (209) 826-1197.

8. Great Conference Facilities

   Regardless of the size of your group, Santa Nella has the facilities you need. From meeting rooms to lodging to food and beverage- Santa Nella has it all. Check out our conference facilities listings for a look at all there is here to make your next meeting, family reunion or any other special occasion, a success!

9. Centrally Located

   Santa Nella is located in the Central Valley of California with easy access to great recreational and points of interest.