By The Wayfarer
Start the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems Tour
Say “Yolo County” out loud, and you’ll probably get a smile—or at least a raised eyebrow. But spend a day here, and you’ll get something else entirely: space to breathe, taste, explore, and reconnect with what California looked like before it was crowded, paved, and overbooked.
Just west of Sacramento and east of Napa, Yolo County isn’t trying to be trendy. That’s its charm. It’s farm country, wine country, and river country all in one—and full of small towns, real people, and landscapes that beg you to slow down.
Here’s your guide to things to do in Yolo County—plus a self-guided audio tour that will take your trip from “pleasant” to “we should’ve done this years ago.”
1. Take the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems Audio Tour
If you’re starting from scratch—or even if you’ve driven these backroads before—the best way to explore Yolo is with the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour.
This self-guided, GPS-triggered audio tour brings the landscape to life through storytelling, music, and insider tips. You’ll visit:
- Family-owned wineries and olive oil producers
- Lavender fields, almond orchards, and farm stands
- Historic sites and hidden river bends
- Walkable towns like Winters, Woodland, and Esparto
Along the way, you’ll hear the voices of farmers, historians, and locals—and gain a deeper understanding of the land’s indigenous past, agricultural innovations, and vibrant small-town culture.
Whether you start in Davis, Woodland, or Sacramento, the tour makes a perfect day trip or weekend centerpiece.
Click here to begin your journey.
2. Visit Capay Valley Lavender (Seasonal)
One of the most photogenic spots in the county, Capay Valley Lavender bursts into bloom from May through July. Walk the rows, breathe deep, and visit the small farm shop for lavender soaps, teas, and oils.
You can call ahead or check the farm’s calendar for u-pick days and distillation demos.
It’s peaceful, it smells amazing, and it’s a great pairing with wine tasting in the same valley.
3. Wine Tasting (Without the Napa Scene)
Yolo County has quietly become one of Northern California’s best-kept wine secrets. The winemakers here aren’t chasing magazine covers—they’re chasing balance, sustainability, and good conversation.
Favorites include:
- Great Bear Vineyards (Davis): Beautiful gardens, occasional live music, and a lovely atmosphere
- Turkovich Family Wines (Winters): Great reds, friendly staff, and an optional cheese pairing from their dairy
- Seka Hills Olive Mill & Tasting Room (Brooks): Both wine and olive oil tastings, plus local honey and picnic supplies
Bonus: You’ll rarely need a reservation, and tastings are still affordable.
4. Explore the Town of Winters
Winters is everything you want in a day-trip town: historic architecture, friendly shops, great food, and walkable streets.
What to do:
- Brunch or lunch at Putah Creek Café or Preserve
- Shop at The Buckhorn Vintage, Winters Cheese Company, or the seasonal farmers market
- Walk the Putah Creek Trail or kayak the creek if the water’s high enough
Winters also makes a fantastic base if you’re staying overnight. The boutique Hotel Winters is stylish and central, while the Abbey House Inn offers cozy, bed-and-breakfast charm.
5. Discover Downtown Woodland
Woodland blends Old West vibes with a revitalized downtown that’s quietly blooming with energy.
Don’t miss:
- The Woodland Opera House, a beautifully restored venue that hosts plays and performances
- The California Agriculture Museum, for a deeper dive into the region’s farming heritage
- Dinner and drinks at Morgan’s on Main or Father Paddy’s Irish Pub
You’ll also find plenty of antique shops, local cafés, and murals that make for a pleasant afternoon stroll.
6. Picnic and Paddle at Cache Creek
For a dose of nature, Cache Creek is perfect for kayaking, swimming (when safe), or just laying out a blanket beside the water. There are public access points in Esparto and along Highway 16 through Brooks and Capay.
In the spring, the hills above the valley turn a soft green with bursts of wildflowers. In the fall, golden grasses stretch under wide skies.
Bring your own gear or check seasonal outfitters for rentals.
7. Eat and Shop at Davis Farmers Market (Saturdays & Wednesdays)
If you’re near Davis, don’t skip the Davis Farmers Market in Central Park—open Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. You’ll find:
- Farm-fresh produce, honey, cheese, bread, and flowers
- Ready-to-eat tamales, crepes, wood-fired pizza, and local snacks
- Live music and an unmistakably friendly community vibe
After the market, walk through downtown Davis for indie bookshops, local galleries, and one of California’s best public bike networks.
Final Thoughts
Yolo County isn’t trying to impress you—and that’s what makes it so easy to fall for. It’s a place where the fruit is grown nearby, the wine is poured by someone who helped make it, and the roads ask you—politely—to slow down and notice.
If you want to explore with purpose, start with the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour. It’s an open-window kind of experience—designed to give you the space, stories, and scenery that make travel feel like something again.
Because in Yolo County, the best thing to do isn’t just what’s on the list.
It’s how you choose to move through it.
by xotatech.com