Davis, California
A vibrant university town, Davis is known for its great restaurants, unique shops, and art galleries. Its walkable — and bikeable — downtown core truly has something for everyone.
Davis Art Galleries
Davis is home to more than a dozen art galleries featuring the works of local painters, sculptors, photographers, multi-media artists and more. Some galleries to check out include John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, which features high-profile exhibitions and hosts workshops and lectures; Pence Gallery, which showcases the work of local and regional artists; and The Artery, a local artists cooperative. There are also citywide art walks scheduled throughout the year.
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The Best Hotels & Places To Stay In Davis
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Davis, there plenty of choices. Lodging options range from charming inns to budget-friendly hotels with pools to upscale experiences and everything in between. You can even stay on campus or in the heart of all the action in downtown Davis.
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Downtown Davis Shopping
If you’re in need of a bit of retail therapy, Davis has a range of shopping options. Independent shops sell gifts, plants, home décor, vintage clothing, and books — you name it, you’ll find it in Davis! If you’re looking for farm-fresh produce and gourmet pantry items, head to the Davis Farmer’s Market, one of the largest in the state, held every Saturday at Central Park. There, you’ll find not only seasonal fruits and veggies, but also handmade artisan goods, fresh-baked treats, and flowers.
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Visit The UC Davis Arboretum
One of the most popular attractions in Davis is the UC Davis Arboretum, a 100-acre public garden that showcases thousands of species of trees, plants, and shrubs. Following the old north channel of Putah Creek, the arboretum is a habitat for birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the various gardens and ecosystems on a 3.5-mile loop trail along the water’s edge.
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Cycling in Davis
Proudly known as the “Bicycle Capital of America” since as far back as 1964, Davis has long been a leader in getting around on two wheels for school, work, and play. Davis was the first city in the nation to legislate and implement standardized bike lanes, and today more than 100 miles of bike paths and trails wind their way all through town. In 2006, Davis became the first city in America to earn the coveted Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community Award from the League of American Bicyclists—and is even working to achieve “Beyond Platinum” status. Davis is also home to the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, a handsome museum that celebrates the rich history of American cycling accomplishment.
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University of California, Davis
UC Davis is one of the great institutions of learning in the country, as well as a huge economic and cultural engine for the community and region at large. Opened in 1909 as the “University Farm,” UCD has steadily grown over the years to its current enrollment of roughly 30,000 and is considered one of the top research universities in the world, offering degrees in everything from Agricultural and Environmental Education to Viticulture and Enology. Indeed, UCD today produces many of the leading winemakers in the country.For visitors, UCD offers a number of museums to explore, a wide selection of on-campus art, the lovely and diverse Arboretum, and cultural events throughout the year. It is the home of the splendid Robert Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, showing world-class acts, guest speakers, and other events.
For professionals looking to host conferences and meetings, as well as anyone who wants to have a special event such as a wedding, reunion, or other activity, the university has a variety of venues to consider, from the spacious new Conference Center to the more intimate Putah Creek Lodge. To find out everything the campus has to offer and to make your arrangements, contact the Conference and Events Services office.