Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Davis, California

Summary:

Davis is a small city of approximately 68,000 residents located in the Sacramento Valley within Yolo County.

This city is predominantly recognized as the world’s most bicycle-friendly location due to its expansive roads, flat landscape, favorable climate, and extensive network of bike paths.

Davis is regarded as a suburb of Sacramento, with the larger city’s services and facilities situated merely 11 miles away.

Moreover, Davis boasts a plethora of its own attractions, including parks, dining establishments, cafes, galleries, and cultural sites. Shopping options abound in locales such as the Davis Commons, Westlake Plaza Shopping Center, and Oakshade Town Center.

A variety of festivals and events are hosted in Davis throughout the year, notably the Whole Earth Festival, Celebrate Davis, Picnic Day, The Davis Music Festival, Davis Bike and Brew Fest, and the Davis Transmedia Art Walk.

Outlined below are 15 premier activities to experience in and around Davis, California.

1. Learn About Local History at the Hattie Weber Museum

Located within the historic public library constructed in 1911, the Hattie Weber Museum provides an insightful overview of the region’s history and development over the years.

Within this beautifully restored facility, visitors can explore exhibits showcasing a diverse array of artifacts that narrate the history of Davis and its surroundings.

Permanent exhibitions include topics on Native Americans in Yolo, the arrival of the railroad in 1868, the history of the Davis Library, and Jerome Davis Ranch.

2. Get Outdoors and Keep Fit at the Davis Greenbelt

Staying active in Davis is convenient with access to the Davis Greenbelt. This urban green area provides a network of paved walking and cycling paths that interconnect with adjacent routes.

Moreover, within this park area, visitors can find an arboretum, ample grassy spaces, and designated picnic areas.

3. Take in a Show at The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts is a contemporary and aesthetically pleasing venue located on the University of California campus.

The initial impression of the venue is its remarkable exterior, followed by the elegant interior. Inside, guests will find the 1,801-seat Jackson Hall and the 250-seat Vanderhoef Studio Theater.

Throughout the year, an extensive variety of performances are presented, encompassing modern dance, ballet, theater, and orchestral concerts.

4. Satisfy Your Hunger with Comfort Food at Cafe Bernardo

At Cafe Bernardo in Davis, patrons can enjoy a delightful European-inspired meal in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The menu, featuring seasonal farm-to-fork offerings, creates a dining experience reminiscent of European cafes.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, with an extensive menu including soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and main courses such as stroganoff, grilled salmon, and penne pasta.

The on-site bar specializes in happy hour and offers a variety of beverages, including craft beers, signature cocktails, and wines.

5. Learn About Birds of Prey at the California Raptor Center

The California Raptor Center is an educational and research facility focused on the rehabilitation of injured raptors.

Every year, approximately 350 injured and orphaned raptors are cared for by the center, with about 60% successfully returned to their natural habitats.

The center is accessible to the public, allowing visitors to observe various birds of prey undergoing rehabilitation and learn about their care.

6. Admire Fine Art at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

Located at the University of California, the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is a striking gallery featuring a vast collection of artworks.

The permanent exhibitions primarily highlight old master prints, East Asian art, sculptures, and ceramics, with more than 6,000 pieces on display from prominent artists such as Bruce Nauman, Wayne Thiebaud, and Roland Petersen.

Additionally, artworks produced by graduating students are displayed annually, and numerous events and lectures are conducted throughout the year.

7. Taste Local Wine at Great Bear Vineyards

Great Bear Vineyards is an enchanting wine estate located on the outskirts of Davis. This vineyard features beautifully maintained grounds, picturesque rolling vineyards, the main homestead, and gardens with roots dating back to 1860.

It offers an idyllic environment to savor an assortment of premium wines crafted from high-quality grapes.

Visitors can experience wine tasting in the tasting room, which is open on designated days throughout the month.

8. Head Outdoors and Admire Beautiful Gardens at Central Park

Central Park in Davis represents more than a public amenity; it is a delightful green space adorned with magnificent gardens. Visitors have frequented this park for decades to escape the clamor of urban life and immerse themselves in a vibrant display of flowers and plants.

Among the themed gardens, a variety of drought-tolerant species, edible plants, and native flora are featured. Notable gardens include Rose and Flower, Sensory, Vegetable, Meadow, and Waterwise.

The park also exhibits a diverse collection of sculptures and paintings created by local artists.

9. Browse the Davis Farmers Market

On specific weekdays, the Davis Farmers Market is the prime location for sourcing quality local products.

As you navigate this bustling market, a diverse range of items is available for purchase, including organic produce, high-quality meats, eggs, honey, flowers, herbs, and freshly baked goods.

The market shed showcases handmade crafts, baskets, and various souvenirs.

10. Visit the US Bicycling Hall of Fame

It is appropriate that the US Bicycling Hall of Fame is situated in Davis, given the city’s extensive biking culture. The museum’s primary objective is to collect, preserve, and exhibit the history of cycling.

As, visitors explore this impressive collection, they will encounter numerous historic bicycles, including models that once belonged to Major Taylor and Frank Louis Kramer, alongside bicycles from each decade since the 1950s. The exhibits further include artifacts and memorabilia pertinent to cycling.

11. Go on a One-of-a-kind Adventure with SkyDance Skydiving

If the prospect of soaring high above Davis and its surroundings appeals to you, an exhilarating skydiving experience awaits – although you will spend only a brief moment in the aircraft. The majority of the experience involves descending from the sky equipped only with a parachute.

For over three decades, SkyDance Skydiving has been providing thrilling skydiving adventures for individuals at all levels of experience. This facility boasts the only drop-zone authorized by the FAA to facilitate jumps from heights exceeding 28,000 feet. The expert team is both trained and licensed, with extensive experience exceeding 25,000 skydives.

12. Learn About Science at the Explorit Science Center

The Explorit Science Center, while designed with children in mind, features interactive exhibits that captivate audiences of all ages.

This science museum aspires to educate visitors about science and nature, encouraging ongoing curiosity and exploration beyond their visit.

Highlighted exhibitions include Mars, The Planets, Science Facts, Touring the Galapagos Islands, and Astronomy, each with interactive elements that enhance the learning process.

A diverse array of events and programs also occur throughout the year at the museum.

13. Spend a Day on the Greens at the Wildhorse Golf Club

Wildhorse Golf Club is positioned in a picturesque area of Davis, encircled by breathtaking mountain scenery. This award-winning 18-hole, par-72 course has earned recognition as the best public course in the county, equipped with numerous amenities designed to enhance your golfing experience.

The course presents several hazards including ponds, bunkers, and trees. For those seeking to refine their skills, practice facilities are available on-site, along with professional lessons.

Should hunger arise, the Wildhorse Grill offers an array of snacks, burgers, sandwiches, and beverages.

14. Dine on Japanese Cuisine at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Sushi items are available on the menu; however, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar in Davis provides a much broader selection of traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes.

This stylish eatery features a welcoming ambiance, offering both indoor dining and the option to enjoy meals on the patio.

The menu encompasses a variety of appetizers, salads, noodle dishes, and main courses including chicken teriyaki, tonkatsu, and beef teriyaki. Gluten-free selections are also available, and sushi enthusiasts will find an extensive assortment of sushi options.

15. Immerse Yourself in the Arts at The Artery

The Artery in Davis aims to procure, display, and promote the work of local artists to a broader audience. This cooperative gallery features crafts and exquisite artworks from various artists such as Richard Bartlett, Heidi Bekebrede, Sharon Bloom, and Marie Brown.

As you explore the gallery, you will encounter a range of mediums, including watercolors, paintings, sculptures, woodwork, handcrafted jewelry, and photography.