How to Spend a Weekend in Davis, California
Although August is already upon us, there’s still plenty of time left for weekend getaways to take in all that summer has to offer. One place to consider is Davis, which has all the makings for a fun and relaxing mini-vacation: great restaurants, art galleries, outdoor attractions, and plenty of things to do.
If you’re looking to plan a weekend getaway to Davis, no need to scramble to come up with the perfect itinerary. We’ve done all the work for you! Following are some suggestions on how to maximize your time and get the most out of your visit. But before you go, be sure to download our Davis Guide and Map to get acquainted with the city. Also, check out hotels in Davis as well as lodging specials in Davis.
Day One
Assuming you’ll begin your visit to Davis on a Friday afternoon, we recommend getting acquainted with the city by taking a stroll through downtown Davis. The areas is home to numerous art galleries, and if you’re there on the second Friday of the month, many stay open late for the 2nd Friday ArtAbout. Downtown Davis also has many charming shops and boutiques, offering everything from clothing and jewelry to antiques and gifts.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, now is the time to kick back, relax, and indulge in one of the many restaurants in Davis. You can also sample local craft beer at spots such as Dunloe Brewing or Three Mile Brewing.
Day Two
One of the best ways to explore the Davis area is on bicycle. It’s considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation, with many hotels offering bikes for guests. Local bike shops also offer rentals. First on the docket for the day: The Davis Farmers’ Market, held year-round, rain or shine, at Central Park. It’s one of the largest farmer’s markets in the state, offering locally grown fruits and veggies as well as wine, eggs, honey and handmade artisan crafts. There are also food vendors onsite, so grab a bite to eat and relax under the trees.
Next, ride to the U.C. Davis Arboretum, a public garden featuring plants, trees and flowers from across the globe. Although bikes are allowed along the arboretum’s waterside path, we recommend parking your bike and going by foot to enjoy the many demonstration gardens flanking Putah Creek. Some highlights are a coastal redwood grove, oak grove and the California native plant garden.
For dinner, you can again take your pick from the many great restaurants in Davis. Afterwards, consider exploring the many performing arts in Davis. The Mondavi Center is a state-of-the-art venue that hosts music, dance, theater, lectures and more. Another option is the Davis Musical Theater Company, which puts on Broadway-style shows such as Oklahoma! and Fiddler on the Roof.
Day Three
Although this is your last day to explore the Davis area, there’s still plenty to see and do. Today, you can take your pick from several options. If you’d like to live like a local, continue your bike riding adventure follow a self-guided historic bike tour past historic homes and buildings. There’s also the Davis Bike Loop, an easily navigable 12-mile route that passes through greenbelts, residential areas and farmland. If you’re feeling ambitious, there are plenty of longer, more challenging bike routes near Davis.
Another option today is to explore the U.C. Davis campus. As a research university, there’s plenty to see and do here. In addition to the arboretum, there’s the Bohart Museum of Entomology, the California Raptor Center, and the Menetti Shrem Museum of Art. Download our U.C. Davis Guide and Map for more information.
Sadly, your weekend in Davis has come to an end. But that doesn’t mean it’s a one-and-done getaway. There are always new restaurants to try, new galleries to check out, and new attractions to explore. Be sure to check the for the most updated lodging specials and book your next trip to Davis today!