Davis, with its “friendliest town” moniker and acclaimed UC Davis, has been enticing visitors for more than 100 years. Glean what you can through handheld devices and laptops, but take time walk, bike, eat and see your way around Davis. You will quickly succumb to Davis’ small-town charm and eclectic lifestyle and living the Davis life!
Factoid: Founded in 1868, originally known as Davisville the post office shortened the name to Davis in 1907.
Unwind at the farmers market, or explore every nook around Davis by way of public art installations from mosaics and murals to Robert Arneson’s world-famous Eggheads. Whether it’s your rise and shine or day’s end, dining options are plentiful. Well-known regionally, Village Bakery is revered for its artisanal pizza. Davis Creamery’s mind-bending, handcrafted ice cream flavors include Avocado Coconut, Thai Tea and Honey Lavender, as well as the usual suspects Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. For more than 40 years, The Hotdogger has walked numerous diners down the frankfurter path. Beef, sausage, hot link, veggie, and their new “wieners of the world” all served on locally-made Village Bakery buns. With endless sunshine and cool evenings, alfresco dining choices are pleasant diversions. California casual and stylish, restaurants serve everything from classic Italian and two-fisted burgers to seafood and gastropub.
Factoid: UC Davis topped the Washington Post’s list of “collegiest” college town in California because of its high percentage of students.
Lodging choices are available on and off campus. Consider where you need to be, parking and best options for getting around campus and Downtown. Living the Davis life is about walking, Unitrans and biking— especially biking. The Aggie Inn provides complimentary bikes for guests, but bikes are also available to rent at bike shops in town. In 1967, Davis created the first official “bike lane” in America. There are now more than 100 miles of designated bike lanes (roads and bike paths) throughout the city and campus. Long known as the Bicycle Capital of the US, there are more than 40,000 bikes in Davis. The definitive bicycle-friendly city, the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame moved to Davis in 2009. Strolling or pedaling, put this in your must-do file. Located Downtown in Central Park, the Hall of Fame has one of the most extensive bicycle collections in America.
Factoid: In 2017, Unitrans celebrated its 50th anniversary. Take a ride around town on a classic British double-decker bus.
The iconic Davis Farmers Market, one of the first in California, is by all accounts a must on every student’s and visitor’s bucket list. The every Saturday, year-round, rain or shine Davis Farmers Market is where dozens of local farmers, artists, restaurants and musicians nourish and delight residents and guests. Every Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Picnic in the Park begins and ends with daylight savings. Enjoy shopping the market, family-friendly children’s activities, dining at the food faire, and great local entertainment.
Factoid: Davis Enterprise readers have voted Davis Farmers Market/Picnic in the Park as the “best place in Yolo County to take an out-of-towner.”
Picnic Day, the University’s annual Open House, is free to everyone. Events start early so many people arrive Friday and stay the weekend. A campus ritual since 1909, Picnic Day features more than 200 events throughout campus. Start your Saturday fortified with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel or an all-you-can-eat breakfast hosted by the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge in downtown Davis. You’ll quickly burn those calories walking or biking your way around town.
Factoid: The Odd Fellows’ Picnic Day breakfast tradition dates back more than 50 years.
Most restaurants and retail superstars are Davis-centric. If you’re looking for a quick bite, bedtime snacks or tchotchkes, the Davis Co-op specializes in local and regional produce and sustainable goods. Skateboards, snowboards and cool attire at The Vault Board Shop are über cool. For wonderful gifts and a little spiritual uplift, check out Tibet Nepal. Artist owned and operated, The Artery artist cooperative has been a cultural magnet since 1974. Tour the Gorman Museum of Native American Art, Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, and the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art the first contemporary arts museum for the university and the city of Davis.
Factoid: In 2015, Davis was among the top 10 most hipster cities in the U.S.
Located in the Central Valley, Davis and the campus are less than 20 miles from downtown Sacramento and 75 miles from San Francisco. Extended stays should include wine and olive oil tastings in Clarksburg and the Capay Valley. On the outskirts of Winters, down pastoral country roads, Berryessa Gap Winery and Berryessa Brewing Company are popular cyclist destinations. Drawing weekend crowds, the large covered patio hosts live music and food trucks. In Historic Woodland, stroll Main Street to Dead Cat Alley and Blue Note Brewing Company. In the heart of downtown Davis, it’s an easy walk to Three Mile Brewing Co. Craft brews change seasonally and often rely on locally-sourced ingredients; with 12 taps you won’t leave thirsty. Bring a picnic or order-in from nearby restaurants. The popular industrial community space is family, kid and dog-friendly.
Factoid: Daycation or overnight, this is how you live the Davis life.
