By The Wayfarer
Explore Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems
If you’ve landed in Davis, California, and are wondering what you can do today—don’t worry. Whether you’ve got a few hours between meetings or a full day to play with, Davis serves up just enough charm, culture, and countryside to keep things interesting without overwhelming you with options.
This is a town that invites you to slow down. Ride a bike. Chat with a barista. Browse books, eat fresh, and maybe follow a scenic road out into Yolo County farmland before sunset.
Here’s your go-to guide for things to do in Davis, CA today—from quick stops to mellow strolls and one audio-guided detour that might just become the highlight of your day.
1. Morning Coffee and a Stroll Through Downtown
Start your day (or reset your afternoon) in downtown Davis, where tree-lined streets host local shops, bookstores, and coffeehouses that don’t rush their pour-overs.
Top stops:
- Temple Coffee Roasters – Hip, bright, and serious about espresso
- Mishka’s Café – A cozy institution for coffee, tea, and quiet writing
- Avid Reader – Davis’s beloved independent bookstore (also a great place to buy local gifts)
From there, take a quick walk through the E Street Plaza, pop into the Davis Commons, or grab a bench in Central Park and just let the town do its thing around you.
2. Ride the Davis Loop (No Spandex Required)
Davis is one of the most bikeable cities in America—and yes, even if you didn’t bring a bike, it’s easy to join the party.
Rent a cruiser at:
- Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board or B&L Bike Shop downtown
Then roll out on a loop through the UC Davis campus, across the Arboretum, or out into South Davis on wide, separated bike paths. Davis is almost entirely flat, and nearly every trail has shade, signage, and space for a casual ride.
Got an hour? Try the campus-to-Arboretum loop. Got more time? Head toward West Davis and loop back for lunch.
3. Visit the UC Davis Arboretum
If you’re not biking, walk. The UC Davis Arboretum is a hidden-in-plain-sight gem: 100+ acres of gardens and native plant collections winding alongside a small waterway. It’s open year-round, free to the public, and a favorite spot for birdwatchers, readers, and picnickers alike.
Highlights:
- Redwood grove
- California native meadow
- Public art installations along the path
It’s beautiful in the morning and peaceful in the late afternoon. If you’re here in spring or fall, the light is especially good for photos.
4. Grab Lunch Like a Local
Hungry? You’re in the right place. Davis is full of low-key but delicious options for lunch—many of them walkable, bikeable, or park-and-eat friendly.
Favorites today:
- Burgers & Brew – For elevated pub food and local taps
- Taqueria Guadalajara – For fast, authentic tacos and burritos
- The Hotdogger – Retro charm and veggie-friendly sausages
- Zia’s Delicatessen – A sleeper hit for sandwiches
Take your lunch to-go and find a shady bench at Central Park or the Arboretum, and you’ve got yourself a very Davis-style midday break.
5. Do a Quick Culture Stop
If you’ve got an hour to fill and want a little mind-food:
- Manetti Shrem Museum of Art – Contemporary exhibits, outdoor sculpture garden, and dramatic architecture. Admission is free and it’s open most afternoons.
- Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art – Yes, that’s the full name. Yes, it’s worth the walk.
- Hattie Weber Museum – Small but packed with Davis history, right by Central Park (call ahead for hours).
Even a quick loop through one of these gives you a better feel for what Davis is all about: curiosity, creativity, and community.
6. This Afternoon: Hit the Road with Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems
Have a few hours free this afternoon or evening? Want to do something beyond town but not far?
Hop in the car, roll down the windows, and cue up the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour. This self-guided audio tour (streamable from your phone) takes you through the rural backroads just west of Davis—through orchards, vineyards, lavender farms, and stories that tie it all together.
Stops may include:
- Great Bear Vineyards
- Capay Valley Lavender
- Rodin Ranch fruit stand
- Historic town of Winters
It’s the kind of experience you won’t find on TripAdvisor: beautiful, unscripted, and hyper-local. And yes—it’s available today. Just download the tour, start your car, and go.
7. Wind Down in the Village
Back in Davis for the evening? Head to 3rd Street or G Street and choose your flavor: beer gardens, wine bars, ramen joints, gelato, or a quiet cup of tea.
Live music is common at spots like:
- Sophia’s Thai Kitchen (rooftop)
- G Street WunderBar
- Sudwerk Brewing Co. (if you’re up for a short drive)
Or take it slow—sit outside with something cold, toast the sunset, and let the town ease into night.
Final Thought
Davis isn’t a city that demands your attention. It rewards your curiosity.
So whether you’re here for a few hours or a full day, you’ve got options: walk the Arboretum, browse a bookstore, rent a bike, or point your car toward the horizon and let the Yolo: Vineyards, Farms & Cultural Gems tour reveal the stories just beyond the fields.
Because today isn’t just another day in Davis.
It’s yours to explore.
by xotatech.com