Things To Do
in Davis
Davis is a vibrant college town located in Northern California. It is home to the University of California, Davis, known for its prestigious agricultural and veterinary programs. The city has a strong focus on sustainability, with extensive biking infrastructure and a commitment to green initiatives.
Residents enjoy a lively downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and community events.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $75 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the UC Davis campus, soaking in the beautiful gardens and historical buildings. Grab a coffee at a local café to fuel your adventure.
Visit the Davis Farmers Market, where you can support local vendors and enjoy fresh produce. Afterward, explore the vibrant downtown area and check out some unique shops.
Dine at one of Davis' beloved restaurants that offer farm-to-table dining. Wrap up your day with a movie at the historic Davis Varsity Theatre.
Rent a bike and hit the extensive bike trail network that Davis is famous for. Enjoy the scenic routes while getting some exercise and fresh air.
Pack a picnic and stop at a local park, such as Central Park, for lunch under the trees. Explore the nearby Davis Art Center for a dose of culture.
Join a community event or live music at a local venue. Wind down with dessert at an ice cream shop nearby.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong community engagement and sense of belonging.
- Home to the University of California, Davis, providing educational opportunities and cultural events.
- Bicycling-friendly city with extensive bike lanes.
- Access to parks and outdoor recreational spaces.
- Diverse and inclusive population.
- High cost of living, particularly in housing.
- Limited job opportunities outside academic and research sectors.
- Hot summers and rainy winters may not be ideal for everyone.
- Traffic congestion during peak university activity periods.
- Some may find the city lacking in nightlife and entertainment compared to larger urban areas.
Best Activities in Davis
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the city and nearby countryside on the extensive network of biking trails.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic in one of Davis' beautiful parks, such as Central Park or Community Park.
Discover the natural beauty of the region by hiking in nearby nature reserves and conservation areas.
Spot a wide variety of bird species while exploring the wetlands and wildlife areas in and around Davis.
Spend a peaceful day fishing at local lakes and rivers, such as the Putah Creek or the nearby Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Davis with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Davis
Visit one of these nice places.
A 100-acre living museum of plants from around the world, with beautiful gardens and scenic walking paths offering picturesque views of wildflowers, trees, and wildlife. Great for photography and nature lovers.
A vibrant market with colorful stalls of fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods, providing a lively and bustling atmosphere for photography enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
A sustainable community with unique and environmentally friendly homes, dotted with community gardens, fruit trees, and colorful murals, offering an eclectic and artistic setting for capturing lasting memories.
Food in Davis
Davis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A unique thin-crust pizza made with locally grown produce and artisanal cheeses, available at the Davis Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Must-Try!
Featuring locally-raised beef and hand-cut garlic fries, this dish is a must-try at the popular Burgers and Brew restaurant on 3rd Street.
A delightful Chinese dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, honey glaze with candied walnuts, available at the Dumpling House on G Street.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Davis better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers an abundance of fresh produce, local honey, artisanal bread, and ready-to-eat foods. It takes place in Central Park on Saturdays, featuring a wide range of international street food vendors.
Known for its delicious pizza by the slice, Woodstock's offers a convenient and quick street food option, perfect for grabbing a slice on the go in downtown Davis.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Davis, it is important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close or touching others without permission.
Davis residents place a high value on environmental sustainability, so it is important to be mindful of recycling and reducing waste.
Davis is known for its diverse community, and it is essential to show respect for people of different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Davis with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Davis
Ensure a smooth experience
In Davis, United States, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants, cafes, and bars for good service. Tipping is also expected for other services such as haircuts, taxi rides, and hotel staff.
Payment methods in Davis, United States, are diverse and widely accepted. Cash, credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, are commonly used. Many businesses also accept contactless payments to provide a convenient and secure payment experience for customers.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Davis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Davis, United States. Expect mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.
Another great time to visit Davis, United States. Expect warm weather and outdoor activities.
Beautiful time to visit Davis, United States. Expect colorful foliage and harvest festivals.
Off-peak time to visit Davis, United States. Expect cooler temperatures and occasional rain.
Davis at Night
Hiking in Davis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that follows Putah Creek, offering a peaceful environment for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature.
This area features various trails through wetlands and wildlife habitats, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.
A large reservoir in Napa County with trails around the lake, offering beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
A mountainous park showcasing a variety of trails with striking views of the Bay Area, suitable for both casual hikers and more experienced trekkers.
A picturesque valley with several trails, featuring rolling hills and agricultural landscapes, ideal for a peaceful hiking experience.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Davis through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Davis by plane.
Located approximately 15 miles from Davis, SMF is the closest major airport that offers a variety of international and domestic flights.
Approximately 90 miles from Davis, SFO is one of the major international airports in the Bay Area, providing extensive international flight options.
Located about 80 miles from Davis, OAK serves as a secondary airport for the San Francisco Bay Area with numerous international connections.
Around 120 miles from Davis, SJC is another key airport serving the larger San Francisco Bay Area with flights to various international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Caucasian individuals; historically the largest demographic group in Davis.
Individuals of Spanish or Latin American descent; a growing demographic in the area.
Includes individuals from East Asian, Southeast Asian, and South Asian backgrounds.
Individuals with African ancestry; a smaller demographic group in Davis.
Individuals who identify as belonging to two or more racial groups.
Individuals of indigenous descent; a smaller demographic in the region.
Individuals from Pacific Islands; a minor presence in the population.
The Soul of Davis
Discover the essence of Davis through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played and followed sport in Davis, with many local leagues and clubs for all ages.
Popular among youth and adults, with various recreational and competitive leagues in the area.
With many bike paths and events, cycling is a favored sport for both recreation and transportation.
Tennis courts are available across the city, hosting both casual play and organized tournaments.
Davis has several pools and facilities that promote swimming as a fun and competitive sport.
The community hosts various running events, including marathons and local fun runs, attracting many participants.
A growing sport within the community, with regular pick-up games and organized tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Davis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Davis has a substantial number of restaurants and cafes providing dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, with options ranging from plant-based burgers to tofu stir-fries.
Many eateries in Davis offer gluten-free alternatives, including pizza crusts, pasta dishes, and baked goods, catering to those with gluten intolerances or celiac disease.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Davis with these cultural adventures.
