Hotels Near Universities and Colleges

University of California Davis - - What To Do And See

Attractions & Recreational Activities

>> Visit Pence Gallery located in the downtown area and see art works from more than 50 talented artists, such as Robert Arneson and Wayne Thiebaud.

>> Explore the California Raptor Center on Shields Avenue and find out more about the fascinating raptor biology and ecology for free or take a closer look at the caged bald eagles.

>> Take gardening classes from the staff at the UC Arboretum or takes the kids there to learn about the Californian native plants.

>> Try your rock-climbing skills at the Rocknasium or see if you're bold enough to sky dive at the SkyDance Skydiving.

>> Get a taste of Davis City's history at the The Hattie Weber Museum, located at 455 C Street, and see exhibits that show how the town was founded.

Sports & outdoor events

Davis has many outdoor options for fun activities such as camping, hunting and fishing. It is home of the Outdoor Adventures, considered to be one of the largest university outdoor programs in USA.

Trips are organized and anyone can participate by paying the admission fee, however students have discounts, as well as ARC (Activities and Recreation Center) members.

Outdoor Adventures offers a wide array of outdoor activities, such as rafting, sailing, backpacking and rock climbing, in various outdoor programs, such as the Water Program, Sailing, Sea Kayaking, and Wilderness Program.

Visitors can also find outdoor activities by themselves, without having to pay for them. They may choose to take a relaxing walk in one of Davis City's parks, have a picnic with the family, skate, ride their bicycles or start a friendly water fight with the kids, during summer.

Festivals

Numerous fun events are happening annually in Davis, in spring, summer, fall, as well as during the winter.

For example, during spring, locals and visitors, alike, are celebrating Pig Day, Pi Day, Picnic Day and the Whole Earth Festival.

On the 1st of March, the people of Davis City celebrate the National Pig Day, featuring a piggy petting zoo for the little ones, sweets shaped like pigs and even bacon.

The Pi Day is also happening in March, but on the 14th day, considered to be a popular event among scientists and universities.

UC Davis hosts the Picnic Day, being known as the oldest tradition in Davis, taking place in April. This event is held in order to highlight the history, talents and achievements of the university.

Always coinciding with Mother's Day, the Whole Earth Festival is an eco-friendly, family, 3-day educational and music-filled festival, consisting in music performances, art&craft tents, food, massage tables and a child care area.

During summer, visitors can participate at the annual 4th of July Fireworks show or taste delicious food creations during the Yolo County Fair.

The Halloween Caroling and the Winter Concert events are just a small part of the celebrations held in Davis during fall and winter.

Nightlife

Davis has developed a small nightlife scene over the past few years, mostly along G Street. Below 3rd Street, locals and students are present in the bars almost every night. Sophia's Thai Bar located downtown is extremely popular and some of the restaurants are open until late in the night, such as the Little Prague and Soga's, in hope to attract more customers.

The G Street Pub has been serving customers since 1980 and it is very much appreciated by the locals. It is often visited by students and local youngsters, who come here to play pool or use the dart boards as entertainment, while they have refreshments or a cold beer.

The Graduate or "The Grad", as it is known among the regular crowd, is considered to be a great place to have a beer with friends, while watching a game on one of the TVs provided. Even though it is a popular and appreciated meeting place for sports lovers, customers say that the food seems to be a little overpriced.