By The Wayfarer
Discover the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour
Planning a weekend in Davis, California? You’re in luck. This bike-friendly university town knows how to keep things interesting—especially when Saturday rolls around and the local pace slows just enough to notice the small delights.
With a walkable downtown, a bustling farmers market, and easy access to wine country and countryside, Davis offers a blend of culture and calm that’s rare in California. Whether you’re coming from Sacramento, San Francisco, or just down the road, here’s your guide to what to do in Davis this weekend—plus one unforgettable audio tour through the nearby Yolo countryside.
1. Stroll Through the Davis Farmers Market (Saturday Morning)
Let’s start your weekend the Davis way—outside, with a basket of produce and the smell of kettle corn in the air.
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Central Park hosts the legendary Davis Farmers Market, where you’ll find:
- Organic fruits and veggies from local farms
- Fresh bread, tamales, and pies
- Live music and picnic tables under the sycamores
- Kids playing in the nearby splash pad or climbing the “dragon” play structure
It’s not just shopping—it’s a full community hangout. Grab a coffee from Cloud Forest Café or fresh-squeezed juice from a vendor and soak up the morning vibe.
2. Explore the UC Davis Arboretum
Right next door to downtown, the UC Davis Arboretum offers over 100 acres of curated gardens and walking paths along the Putah Creek channel. This is one of the best free activities in Davis, and it’s gorgeous year-round.
What to look for:
- The redwood grove (cooler in summer)
- Native California plants in bloom (great for birdwatching)
- Art sculptures and quiet benches to linger
Early morning or late afternoon walks here are especially peaceful—and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot wild turkeys roaming the edges.
3. Bike Around Town (It’s What Davis Does)
Davis is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America—with more than 100 miles of bike lanes and paths. Don’t just admire the racks—join the two-wheeled fun.
Rent a cruiser from a local shop or borrow one from your hotel, and try these loops:
- Downtown to West Davis loop: A flat, leafy ride through residential neighborhoods
- South Davis bike path: Scenic and quiet, great for an out-and-back
- Campus loop: Bike through the UC Davis grounds, past the eggheads and into the Arboretum
Bonus: no hills. None. Your legs will thank you.
4. Visit the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
Located on the UC Davis campus, the Manetti Shrem Museum is a sleek, award-winning building with a focus on modern and experimental art—much of it from faculty and alumni (hello, Wayne Thiebaud).
Admission is free. Exhibits rotate frequently, and the architecture alone is worth the visit. This is a perfect mid-morning stop or a quiet place to wander after lunch downtown.
5. Catch a Show or Movie
For a small town, Davis offers plenty of weekend entertainment:
- The Varsity Theater (downtown) shows indie films and classics in a beautifully restored Art Deco building.
- Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts (on campus) hosts live music, theater, dance, and speakers. Check their weekend lineup—you might catch something truly world-class.
- Davis Musical Theatre Company or Acme Theatre often stage Friday/Saturday night productions with local flair and lots of heart.
If you’re with kids, check out community events at the Explorit Science Center or local parks.
6. Sip Local Wine and Craft Beer
Davis isn’t technically in Napa, but that’s no reason to skip the vino. In fact, the Yolo countryside offers something more personal—small-batch wineries, lavender farms, orchards, and roadside farm stands. And you can access all of it with the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems audio tour.
This self-guided driving tour (just a few minutes west of Davis) takes you through rolling farmland and charming stops where you’ll learn the stories behind:
- Family-owned vineyards and olive oil producers
- Indigenous land stewardship and water history
- The roots of the farm-to-fork movement
- Roadside gems like Capay Valley Lavender, Great Bear Vineyards, and more
It’s like having a local guide in your passenger seat—and it’s perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon drive or a Sunday morning wind-down before heading home.
7. Eat Well, Shop Local
Finish your day (or kick it off) with some good local food and a little retail therapy:
- Burgers and Beer: Outdoor seating and plenty of local taps
- Mikuni or Zen Toro: Sushi lovers, take note
- Temple Coffee or Mishka’s: Two of the best cups in town
- The Artery: Local artisan gallery and shop
- Avid Reader: Independently owned bookstore full of Davis charm
Davis shops are independently owned, full of character, and usually staffed by locals who are more than happy to give tips on what else to see and do.
Final Thoughts
Davis isn’t flashy—and that’s the point. It’s for people who like to walk slower, eat fresher, and maybe ride a cruiser bike to dinner.
This weekend, unplug a little. Shop the market. Read under a redwood. Sip something local. And when you’re ready to hit the road, make the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour part of your route.
Because sometimes, the best weekends are the ones you didn’t rush.
by xotatech.com