Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Woodland, CA

Woodland is a city with a population of approximately 59,000 located in Yolo County. It serves as a suburb of Sacramento, situated just 15 miles away.

Woodland combines the characteristics of a city with a charming small-town atmosphere. It is recognized for its pleasant climate and prime location near numerous recreational areas.

The city boasts an array of parks, museums, cultural sites, historic structures, and shopping centers, including Fairgrounds Plaza, West Court Plaza, and Shadetree Plaza.

Throughout the year, Woodland hosts a variety of festivals and events, showcasing the California Honey Festival, Yolo Brewfest, Scottish Games Festival, Woodland Tomato Festival, Crawfish and Catfish Festival, and One Love One Heart Reggae Festival.

Here are 15 noteworthy activities to consider in and around Woodland, California.

1. Get a Lesson in Local History at the Yolo County Historical Museum

The Yolo County Historical Museum primarily aims to collect, safeguard, and exhibit items of historical and cultural significance related to Yolo County.

Located in the historic Gibson Home, the museum’s exhibits illuminate the lives of pioneers and pivotal events that have shaped the region over the years. Artifacts, documents, and photographs are among the many items exhibited. Guided tours are available.

Additional artifacts and points of interest are showcased at several other venues operated by the Yolo County Historical Society, including The Barn Gallery and The Blacksmith Shop and Dairy.

2. Cool off at Velocity Island Park

Velocity Island Park offers an extensive array of water activities catering to visitors of all ages. This water park, recognized as one of the finest in Northern California, features an Aqua Park with a floating obstacle course, slides, trampolines, and swings.

Additionally, patrons can engage in stand-up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and wakeboarding. A scenic sandy beach is also within the premises.

At the Black Pearl Bar & Grill, guests can enjoy a diverse selection of snacks and meals, including burgers, salads, sandwiches, and specialty pizzas.

3. Kick Back in Slaven Park

Spending a pleasant afternoon in one of Woodland’s green spaces is one of the best leisurely activities, and Slaven Park offers a range of amenities suitable for the entire family.

Here, visitors will find picnic areas equipped with BBQ facilities, a playground, a water-play section, and a spacious open field. Restroom facilities are also accessible.

4. Satisfy Your Hunger at The Burger Saloon

For those craving burgers, The Burger Saloon is a prime destination. Featuring over 30 different burgers, this casual dining establishment with an Old West vibe is the ideal choice for lunch or a snack following a day of exploration.

Options include the classic cheeseburger, bacon burger, saloon burger, and four-alarm fire burger.

The comprehensive menu also presents a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and vegetarian selections. Beverage choices encompass a selection of craft beers, specialty cocktails, and more.

5. Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Woodland Opera House Theatre

The Woodland Opera House Theatre has an extensive history, having endured a fire, been rebuilt, and ultimately restored to its original condition in 1981.

Traditionally, it served as a popular meeting place for the city’s prominent citizens. Today, it operates as a premier entertainment venue hosting an array of live performances throughout the year.

Plays, concerts, and diverse cultural performances are scheduled across each season, in addition to various classes and workshops offered.

6. Learn About Farming at the California Agriculture Museum

The California Agriculture Museum presents an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages, focusing on farming and agricultural practices in the region.

Exhibits include artifacts related to farming and agriculture, old barns, a collection of vintage buses from the early 1900s, and a blacksmith shop. Among its most notable displays is the Heidrick Tractor Collection, showcasing various antique tractors.

Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the production of moonshine. They can explore the museum and grounds independently or participate in a guided tour.

7. Check out The Woodland Farmers’ Market

Recognized as one of the leading farmers’ markets in the region, The Woodland Farmers’ Market has established a reputation for providing fresh, local produce weekly.

Visitors can enjoy a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere while browsing a selection of items, including olive oil, jams, homemade baked goods, handcrafted soaps and lotions, tacos, and other hot food offerings.

8. Visit Reiff’s Gas Station Museum

Car memorabilia enthusiasts will find Reiff’s Gas Station Museum particularly intriguing. The collection, which belongs to Mark Reiff, is currently displayed in his former residence.

A highlight of the museum is the antique gas pump exhibit, which is complemented by historical gas station signs. Additional notable displays include a vintage movie theatre, a traditional diner, and a 1956 Chevy tow truck.

9. Sample Local Craft Beer at Blue Note Brewing Company

Blue Note Brewing Company prioritizes quality ingredients to craft exceptional and refreshing brews, utilizing 100% grains and authentic flavors. The brewery offers 12 handcrafted beers on tap, produced using a six-barrel system.

Interested visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery and witness the beer-making process firsthand.

After the tour, patrons are welcome to sample various creations in the taproom, including Chug A Lug Session IPA, the flagship 9 Lives IPA, and Business as Usual English Mild, among others.

10. Visit the Woodland Museum of Biblical Archaeology

Regardless of one’s religious views, the Woodland Museum of Biblical Archaeology is an intriguing destination.

The museum focuses on promoting biblical education by showcasing significant items related to the Bible and its credibility. Visitors interested in exploring this rich history can delve into exhibits featuring over 300 artifacts.

During the visit, guests will gain insight into key biblical events, as well as the historical figures and locations associated with these occurrences.

11. See Birds of Prey at the California Raptor Center

Located in nearby Davis, the California Raptor Center provides an opportunity to meet and interact with diverse birds of prey.

These raptors, which come to the center due to illness or injury, total over 300 each year. The primary mission of the center is to rehabilitate these birds so they can be returned to their natural habitats, a process in which they have a success rate exceeding 60%.

Visitors will observe the care provided to the birds and learn about conservation efforts aimed at their protection.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of bird care, hands-on training options are available.

12. Play a Round of Golf at Wild Wings Golf Club

Wild Wings Golf Club stands out as one of the largest and most favored golf courses in the region, boasting a well-maintained and competitive environment suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

This award-winning 9-hole, par-36 course features numerous engaging elements, including Bermuda fairways, 13 lakes, several bunkers, and well-manicured bentgrass greens.

The on-site pro shop offers golf equipment, along with refreshments and snacks.

13. Admire Local Artworks at The Artery

Located in nearby Davis, The Artery serves as a cooperative art gallery dedicated to providing a platform for local artists to exhibit their works.

The gallery remains accessible to the public and showcases a rich variety of local artworks, including oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures, photography, woodworks, ceramics, textiles, and handcrafted jewelry.

14. Get an Interactive Learning Experience at The Explorit Science Center

Aimed at inspiring children of all ages to embrace science and nature, The Explorit Science Center features interactive exhibits that engage visitors’ curiosity.

Topics addressed in the various displays include the planets, Comet Hale-Bopp, and the Galapagos Islands.

Additionally, children can take part in numerous interactive activities, including games and quizzes designed to facilitate learning.

15. Explore the Woodland Public Library and Rose Garden

Designated as a registered historic place, The Woodland Public Library and Rose Garden has been a fixture since the mid-1870s.