Hilmar Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich, natural wonders of Hilmar, along with must-try food dishes, where to stay, and transportation options in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Hilmar

Hilmar is a small, rural town located in Merced County, California, situated in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The area is known for its vast farmlands and is considered to be the dairy capital of California. Hilmar is also home to a thriving Amish community, which adds an interesting cultural aspect to the town. Visitors can expect to have a culturally rich experience, surrounded by natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Hilmar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center - A must-visit attraction for cheese lovers. Visitors can tour the cheese-making facilities and purchase a wide variety of cheeses at the gift shop.

  2. The Hilmar Historical Society Museum - Learn about the area’s history spanning more than a century. Visitors can view original photographs and artifacts, and browse the gift shop for souvenirs.

  3. Amish Community - Visitors can take a tour of the Amish community and learn about their way of life. Visitors can purchase handmade furniture, crafts, and baked goods from the community.

Natural Attractions of Hilmar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Merced River - A popular spot for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Visitors can explore the river’s scenic views with a self-guided bike tour.

  2. Great Valley Grasslands State Park - A nature reserve home to over 100 species of birds. Visitors can hike the trails and enjoy scenic views of the park’s rolling hills and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hilmar

  1. Hilmar to Atwater Bike Trail - A 9-mile paved trail that takes visitors through scenic farmlands. The route is suitable for all levels of biking and hiking abilities.

  2. Briceburg Loop Trail - A scenic 6-mile hiking trail that takes visitors through rolling hills and great river views.

Best Things to Do in Hilmar: Activities and Tours

  1. Hilmar Dairy Farms - See firsthand how a large dairy farm operates. Visitors can take a guided tour of the farm and sample dairy products.

  2. Pedretti Park - A great spot for picnicking, biking, and kid-friendly activities. Visitors can also fish in the nearby pond.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hilmar

Day 1: Visit the Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center and sample the wide variety of cheeses. Take a self-guided bike tour along the Merced River.

Day 2: Hike the Briceburg Loop Trail and explore the scenic views.

Day 3: Take a guided tour of Hilmar Dairy Farms and learn about farming practices.

Day 4: Visit the Hilmar Historical Society Museum and learn about the area’s history.

Day 5: Take a tour of the Amish community and purchase handmade crafts and baked goods.

Day 6: Relax and enjoy a picnic at Pedretti Park, and fish in the nearby pond.

Day 7: Visit Great Valley Grasslands State Park and hike the scenic trails.

Food and Drink Scene of Hilmar

Must-Try Dishes:

  1. Cheese Curds - Hilmar Cheese Company’s cheese curds are a must-try for cheese lovers.

  2. Dutch Oven Baked Goods - The Amish community has a variety of homemade baked goods, including pies and bread.

Local Beverages:

  1. Hilmar Coffee - A local coffee shop serving fresh-brewed coffee and homemade pastries.

  2. Wawona Frozen Foods Smoothies - The perfect refreshing beverage for a warm day.

Where to Stay in Hilmar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. The Hampton Inn - A comfortable hotel with a fitness center, pool, and complimentary breakfast.

  2. The Amish Guesthouse - A unique experience to stay with the Amish community and learn about their way of life.

What to Buy in Hilmar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Hilmar Cheese Company Cheese - Take home a variety of cheeses from the gift shop.

  2. Handmade Crafts - Purchase handmade crafts from the Amish community.

Local Culture and Customs of Hilmar

The Amish community plays a significant cultural role in Hilmar. Visitors should understand and respect their traditional customs. Dress conservatively when visiting their community and do not take photos of them without their permission.

Best Time to Visit Hilmar

The best time to visit Hilmar is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer. The summer months can be hot and crowded, and the winter months can be rainy and chilly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hilmar

Do:

  1. Respect the local customs of the Amish community.

  2. Try the local cheese and baked goods.

Don’t:

  1. Take photos of the Amish community without their permission.

  2. Litter in the natural areas of Hilmar.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hilmar

Hilmar is a relatively safe community, but visitors should take caution when hiking or biking in natural areas and always carry plenty of water and snacks.

Health in Hilmar

Visitors should be cautious of the sun’s strong UV rays and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Getting to Hilmar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hilmar

The nearest airports to Hilmar are Merced Regional Airport and Modesto City-County Airport. Both airports offer car rental options.

Bus Stations Near Hilmar

The nearest bus station is located in nearby Livingston, about 6 miles from Hilmar. Greyhound and Amtrak both service the station.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Hilmar and park at their hotel or at one of the local public parking areas.

How to Get Around in Hilmar

The best way to get around Hilmar is by car. Many of the attractions and natural areas are spread out, and public transportation is limited.

Where to Go Next from Hilmar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Yosemite National Park - One of the most famous national parks in the world, Yosemite is just a 2-hour drive from Hilmar.

  2. San Francisco - Known for its historic landmarks, San Francisco is just a 2.5-hour drive from Hilmar.

Conclusion

Hilmar is a great destination for travelers looking to experience rural California and learn about the area’s rich history and culture. With its natural beauty and delicious food scene, there is something for everyone in Hilmar.