Things to Do in Davis
Davis is in a category of its own. Do you know another University of California campus town that has twice as many bikes as cars, outlaws big stores and celebrates National Pig Day with a downtown festival where children and adults dress up like pigs and cuddle porkers at a piggy petting zoo?
Didn’t think so! But Davis is also an art town, a music town and a sports town—and your family is likely to fall for it fast. The restaurants and entertainment are affordable and excellent, and the sun shines all summer long. Find your reason to come back to Davis by exploring all the things you can do in this well-rounded city.
Learning Gardens
The Arboretum at UC Davis opened in 1936 as a plant and wildlife laboratory. Although it is still used for research purposes, you can explore its 100 acres for the fun of it. Visit different gardens like the low-water garden, or just jog the tree-lined pathways. A great alternative is the Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven, also on the UC campus. Think of it as a unique outdoor museum where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about bees and the plants they depend on for survival.
Talking Art
Art lovers always think great art talks to them, but, in Davis, you'll find art that actually does speak up. Davis—an art hub for decades, and home to renowned artists like Manuel Neri, Roy DeForest and Wayne Thiebaud—has a huge public art collection. Explore this legacy on the Davis Transmedia Art Walk, where each of the 60 plus pieces on the walk’s map is embedded with a scannable computer chip with interactive features. Use a free cellphone app to scan each chip and discover fascinating facts about the art on display. Pick up a copy of the map at the Yolo County Visitors Bureau.
Cows on Campus
UC Davis may be heaven for serious students of agriculture or viniculture, but it's lovely for anyone to explore, especially in summer when you have the place to yourself. Zip along the edge-way bike path or stroll through different gardens. No cars are allowed on campus, but cows are—visit them in the agriculture school. Then check out the Good Life Garden teaching lab, the vineyards, wineries and beer-making facilities. Don't miss the whimsical egghead sculptures, Yin and Yang, in front of the art complex, or the Salad Bowl Garden, an edible landscape where you can harvest fresh herbs.
Fine Eating at Student Prices
Downtown Davis is teaming with great, affordable restaurants. One that stands out is the cool, dimly lighted Kathmandu Kitchen (234 G St., Davis), with great prices on top-notch Indian and Nepali food served buffet style. The buffet's a deal, but if you're going to order one item, make it the fantastic chicken tikka masala. Burgers and Brew (403 3rd St., Davis) is just the sort of bar college kids would like, but it's far more than a place to hang out after a day of studying. Sit on the outdoor patio and order one of their unforgettable burgers—lamb, spicy guac, buffalo, veggie—the choices are just endless. Don’t forget to add a side of their fantastic garlic fries.
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