Davis is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. The Greenbelt offers miles of safe, scenic paths that are great for kids, casual riders, and even dog walks..
Visit this beautiful lavender farm for seasonal blooms, workshops, farm events, and u-pick days. Late spring and early summer are especially lovely when the fields are in full color.
East Davis Greenways
Get to know this 3.4-mile loop trail near Davis, California. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. This is a popular trail for road biking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas
Covell Greenbelt Trail
The Davis Bike Loop is an approximately 12-mile long route through The Greenbelt that passes through most of the major pieces of bicycle infrastructure in town. The route was chosen to be safe and pleasant for walking, jogging, and bicycling, and exists for riders of all levels.
Davis Boke Loop Virtual TourThis is one of our favorite spots for a relaxed walk. The paths along Putah Creek are stroller-friendly and a great place to bring your dog on leash.
The Arboretum GATEway Garden is a connection point between the UC Davis campus and the City of Davis, showcasing local native plants in a striking modernist design. The garden celebrates our local natural and cultural heritage, with plants that are native to our local region (within 20 miles of this site). Look for exhibits about the history of Putah Creek, local wildlife, and the importance of native plants to the Patwin people, the original inhabitants of the area.
Arboretum GATEway Garden
One of the most peaceful spots in the Arboretum, featuring towering coastal redwoods, shaded paths, and quiet benches along the water. A beautiful place to cool off on warmer Davis afternoons or enjoy a slower morning walk.
Visit T. Elliot Weier Redwood Grove
The UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve is a 640-acre natural riparian and grassland ecosystem that runs along the southern edge of the UC Davis campus. Maintained and operated by the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, the campus utilizes the Reserve for teaching and research purposes, wildlife and habitat protection, and community engagement.
Putah Creek Riparian ReserveHeld in Central Park, the farmers market is a must-do. On Wednesday evenings, “Picnic in the Park” adds live music and food vendors, making it especially fun for families.
Seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, and specialty foods from farms and makers around Northern California.
Davis Farmers Market
The popular event is every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m., May through September. A local band plays each night. There’s children’s entertainment, loads of food vendors, and plenty of opportunity to gather as a community. October through April, there’s a traditional farmers market on Wednesdays, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Picnic in the Park
Right next to the Farmers Market, Central Park offers shady lawns, a popular playground, and plenty of room to relax with coffee or snacks from the market. It’s an easy stop for families spending the morning downtown.
Central Park Playground & Natalie's CornerTraveling with your pup? Davis has several great parks with open space to explore, including areas popular with local dog owners.
Visit this beautiful lavender farm for seasonal blooms, workshops, farm events, and u-pick days. Late spring and early summer are especially lovely when the fields are in full color.
Visit Toad Hollow Dog ParkOne of Davis’s best spots for dogs, walks, and sunset views. The park features open grasslands, walking trails, seasonal wildflowers, and a large off-leash dog area that’s popular with locals and visitors alike.
Grasslands Trail & Dog ParkOne of Davis’s lesser-known off-leash areas, Walnut Park offers open grassy space where dogs can run and play under voice control. Because it’s unfenced, it tends to have a quieter, more neighborhood feel than the larger dog parks and is a nice option for well-trained dogs who enjoy open space.
Walnut Park Unfenced Offleash Dog AreaStart your morning with coffee at Mishka's Café or Temple Coffee Roasters. Many downtown spots offer outdoor seating, making it easy to bring your dog along.
A Davis favorite for organic, farmer-owned coffee with a bright, welcoming atmosphere. Great for espresso drinks, pastries, or relaxing with a book before exploring downtown.
Visit Pachamama
A longtime local breakfast and brunch spot known for hearty portions, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and outdoor patio seating. A popular choice for a relaxed weekend breakfast in downtown Davis.
Visit Cafe Bernardo
A beloved local bakery offering fresh breads, pastries, cookies, and breakfast treats made from scratch daily. Perfect for grabbing coffee and pastries before heading to the Farmers Market or Arboretum.
Visit Upper Crust BakeryThe UC Davis campus is beautiful and very accessible. Kids love spotting the Egghead sculptures, and there’s plenty of open space to walk or picnic.
For over 30 years, the Egghead sculptures at UC Davis have elicited joy, protest and conversation. They’re also a fascinating entry point into the broader story of art in California and here at UC Davis.
Eggheads Documentary
A unique UC Davis attraction where visitors can see rescued owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles up close while learning about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. It’s especially popular with families and animal lovers and makes a memorable stop just outside the main campus core.
Visit the Raptor Center
ne of the most striking buildings on campus, the Manetti Shrem Museum features contemporary art, rotating exhibitions, and a dramatic open-air canopy design. Admission is free, and the museum regularly hosts events, talks, and installations connected to UC Davis’s well-known art program.
Visit the Manetti Shrem MuseumBrowse local bookstores, gift shops, and boutiques just steps from the bungalow. It’s an easy, low-key activity between meals or outings.
A beloved independent bookstore in downtown Davis with a thoughtfully curated selection of books, gifts, and local favorites. A cozy stop for browsing, finding a vacation read, or catching an author event.
Visit Mabel's
A classic Davis shop packed with magazines, newspapers, cards, candy, and quirky gifts. It’s the kind of nostalgic downtown store that’s fun to wander through even if you’re just browsing.
Visit Newsbeat
A classic Davis shop packed with magazines, newspapers, cards, candy, and quirky gifts. It’s the kind of nostalgic downtown store that’s fun to wander through even if you’re just browsing.
Visit Armadillo MusicJust a short drive away, Sacramento offers museums, riverfront walks, and plenty of dining options if you want to explore beyond Davis.
A historic riverfront district with wooden boardwalks, museums, candy shops, restaurants, and Gold Rush-era buildings. It’s a fun and walkable area for families, especially in the evenings or on weekends.
Visit Old SacramentoA modern, family-friendly science museum with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, a planetarium, and rotating displays focused on science, space, and technology.
Visit MOSAC
Tour the historic Capitol building or wander through the surrounding gardens filled with trees and plants from around the world. A great mix of history, architecture, and open green space.
Visit California State CapitolJust outside Davis, the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area offers one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the region. Depending on the season, you’ll find wetlands, migratory birds, scenic drives, and famous evening bat tours.
During the warmer months, guided tours allow visitors to watch thousands of bats emerge from beneath the causeway at sunset.
Yolo Basin Foundation Bat Tours
A short distance from the University of California, Davis, and downtown Sacramento, the wetlands and uplands of Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area are a natural haven for numerous species of birds, bats and other Sacramento Valley wildlife. Popular activities here include wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hunting and nature education programs.
Visit Yolo Bypass
Cyclists can ride alongside the bypass via the Yolo Causeway bike route connecting Davis and Sacramento. The ride offers expansive wetland views and is especially popular during cooler spring and fall weather.
Yolo Causeway Bike PathA scenic Yolo County day trip from Davis with lavender fields, olive oil tastings, wineries, farm stands, and seasonal events.
Visit this beautiful lavender farm for seasonal blooms, workshops, farm events, and u-pick days. Late spring and early summer are especially lovely when the fields are in full color.
Visit Capay Valley Lavender
Stop by Séka Hills for olive oil tastings, local wines, pantry goods, and peaceful countryside views. It’s a relaxed and memorable stop in the heart of Capay Valley.
Visit Séka Hills
A relaxed winery and event space known for live music, weekend tastings, and picturesque vineyard views.
Visit Taber Ranch
