In Davis, you'll find lots of fun and interesting things to do without ever leaving the city limits. There truly is something for everyone.
A Vibrant College Town
Davis residents are active in political causes, the arts and community organizations. Much of their attention goes to enhancing the quality of life in a true campus town whose charm is enhanced by over 100 miles of bicycle paths. You won't have to confront traffic, crowds or the other hassles of big-city life. The city has a centralized downtown which offers shops, entertainment and social activities. With a population of over 66,000, the city has a reputation for controlled growth, environmental awareness, energy conservation, excellent schools and exceptional parks and recreational programs.
Conveniently Located
Davis is located only 15 minutes from downtown Sacramento, the capital of California, and about an hour from the Berkeley-Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area. This proximity gives Davis access to large metropolitan cities with thriving business, financial and legal communities and a range of social and recreational activities. The region's mild, temperate climate means students have the chance to enjoy themselves outdoors all year long. Whether you participate in organized sports or cycling with a few friends is more your speed, Davis' plentiful parks and open spaces mean you'll always have plenty of room to roam. Challenging ski slopes are just a short drive away, and nearby lakes and rivers provide great opportunities for kayaking, waterskiing and more.
Arts and Entertainment
If you enjoy the nightlife, you'll find plenty of opportunities to indulge yourself here, too. Coffeehouses, restaurants and dance clubs give you the chance to stay up until all hours. You’ll find two movie theaters downtown, and an on-campus theater. In Davis, the sky is the limit when it comes to food. Davis is home to several art galleries, including the John Natsoulas Gallery and the Pence Gallery, representing internationally known artists. Top entertainers perform nearly every night in nearby venues. Whether you prefer the grand experience of the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts or the more intimate setting of one of the Varsity Theater, you'll have the chance to hear great live performances without making a long drive.
Farm-to-Fork Culture
Though the actual farm-to-fork capital is a few miles away in Sacramento, Davis’s food scene is just as fresh. Located in Central Park, the Davis Farmer's Market meets on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is a place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods, as well as socialize with friends, listen to live music and, of course, eat. It was recently voted "America's Favorite ‘Large' Farmers Market." Foodies will find everything from pizza parlors and juice bars to authentic restaurants featuring Mexican, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Indian and Thai cuisine just to name a few.
Special Events and Fairs
Both on- and off-campus, you’ll find plenty of festivals and fairs to attend year round. A few of our favorites are:
- Picnic Day: Held in April each year, Picnic Day is the largest student run event in the United States and is the annual Open House for the University of California, Davis.There are more than 150 events throughout campus including a parade, sheep dog trials, dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier races, live music, food and a wide variety of fun and interesting exhibits.
- Whole Earth Festival: For more than 30 years the UC Davis campus and community have come together each May to celebrate the Whole Earth Festival. 20-30,000 students, families and followers of a dream come to Davis each year to celebrate spring and enjoy the two music stages, a dance stage, several speakers areas, workshop spaces for natural crafts and personal growth, vegetarian (and often organic) food booths, educational booths and tables, massage booths, spiritual ritual, and booths selling handmade natural and/or recycled goods.
- Black Family Week: Black Family Week is a time to celebrate the essence of the Black culture. This celebration consists of food, entertainment, vendors, art, and an overall fellowship all geared towards reviving the Black community on the UC Davis campus. Not only is it beneficial for students, but it also is an opportunity to invite friends and family to come celebrate and enjoy the festivities.
- Fairs of Various Sizes: Just outside of Davis, you can enjoy the Yolo County Fair in August, the California State Fair in Sacramento, and the Dixon May Fair. Each fair has slightly different vibes, but they are equally as fun!
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