Attractions and Places To See around Davis - Top 10

Davis offers several excellent outdoor attractions. You can explore the UC Davis Arboretum, a 100-acre public garden with a 3.5-mile loop trail along Putah Creek, home to diverse plant species and wildlife. The Lake Spafford area, part of the arboretum, also features a trail system. For birdwatching, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area is a prime spot, especially during winter and spring migrations. Additionally, the Putah Creek Trail provides a natural immersion with Valley Oaks and Fremont Cottonwood trees.

Davis has a rich history reflected in its landmarks. The Stevenson Bridge, built in 1923, is one of California's few remaining reinforced concrete “through tied arch” bridges. You can also visit the Hattie Weber Museum of Davis, housed in the city's first public library, or see the historic Southern Pacific Railroad Depot (1913) and the Dresbach-Hunt-Boyer Mansion (1875), one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. A self-guided Davis Historic Pedestrian and Bike Tour is available to explore many of these sites.

Yes, Davis offers several family-friendly attractions. The UC Davis Arboretum and Central Park provide open spaces for children to play and explore. The US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis is an engaging museum for all ages, celebrating cycling history. The Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis, with its vast insect collection and live displays, is also a fascinating visit for families. Many of the city's parks and greenbelts are suitable for family outings.

Davis boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts on the UC Davis campus hosts world-class performances. Art enthusiasts can visit the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art or explore numerous Davis Art Galleries, including the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts. The US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis also offers a unique cultural insight into American cycling history.

Davis is well-suited for walking and hiking. The UC Davis Arboretum features a 3.5-mile loop trail. The Lake Spafford area also has a trail system around its perimeter. For a pleasant nature walk, the Putah Creek Trail offers a flat loop. You can find more detailed routes, including easy options like the Covell Greenbelt Trail and the UC Davis Arboretum Trail, in our guide to Hiking around Davis.

Davis is renowned as a bicycle-friendly city, offering over 100 miles of bike paths and trails. You can explore trails like the Stonegate Park Trail and the scenic Putah Creek Trail. The Davis Greenbelt provides an extensive network of paved paths perfect for cycling. The city even has the US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis, celebrating its strong cycling culture. For specific routes, check out our guide to Hiking around Davis, which includes the moderate Davis Bike Loop.

Many of Davis's outdoor spaces are dog-friendly. The UC Davis Arboretum and Central Park are popular choices for walks with leashed dogs. The Lake Spafford area, with its surrounding trails, also welcomes dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them to maintain these beautiful spaces for everyone.

The best time to visit Davis for outdoor activities largely depends on what you want to do. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures for walking, cycling, and exploring parks. Winter is excellent for birdwatching at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area due to waterfowl migrations. Summers can be hot, but early mornings and evenings are still suitable for outdoor pursuits. Be aware that some paths, like the Putah Creek Trail, might experience flooding in winter.

The Davis Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Central Park, is one of California's largest and best places to find fresh produce, handmade artisan goods, and baked treats. It's a vibrant community hub and a great way to experience local culture.

Beyond the main university campus, Davis offers several unique educational attractions. The Bohart Museum of Entomology at UC Davis houses one of North America's largest insect collections. You can also visit the UC Davis California Raptor Center, which rehabilitates raptors, or the UC Davis Bee Haven, a pollinator garden where you can learn about bees. These sites provide fascinating insights into nature and conservation.

Yes, Davis offers several wheelchair-accessible attractions. The Market Pavillion 🍅 Davis Central Park, home to the Farmers Market, is accessible. The US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis is also wheelchair-friendly. Many of the paved paths within the UC Davis Arboretum and the Davis Greenbelt are generally accessible, offering opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Davis provides several popular running routes. You can enjoy runs around the UC Davis Arboretum or along the Davis Greenbelt. Specific routes include the Lake Spafford loop and the North Davis Farm Lake loop. For more options and details, refer to our guide on Running Trails around Davis.