Before you book your summer getaway, be sure to check out the many hotels in Davis. Many offer special amenities that will enhance your stay, such as swimming pools to keep you cool and bikes to borrow to explore the town.
So, without further ado, consider our suggested itinerary for spending three perfect days in Davis, California.
Day One
Your first night in Davis, settle into your hotel and consider taking a stroll through the downtown area to get the lay of the land. The area is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, and live music venues, and there always seems to be something going on!
Summer in Davis is all about the music, so today is a great day to seek out the best local bands. Depending on when you schedule your trip, you may be in town during the Davis Music Fest, held each June. The event features music from across genres, from country to punk, bluegrass to jazz and everything in between.
Another popular music-related event in Davis is the summertime Picnic in the Park. Held Wednesday evenings May through September in conjunction with the Davis Farmers’ Market, the free event features local bands, children’s entertainment, and food vendors.
Summer is also a great time to explore the many craft breweries in Davis. All of them are family- and dog-friendly, and many host special events such as trivia nights and live music. Some to consider include Three Mile Brewing, which produces award-winning IPAs and fruity saisons; Dunloe Brewing, which has two locations and a large beer garden; and Super Owl Brewing, known for their oversized flights and IPAs.
If you’re looking for dinner and a show (show as in live music!), head to Sophia’s Thai Kitchen. They serve traditional Thai dishes and offer live music on their lovely outdoor patio. Another top spot for live music is Sudwerk, a German-inspired brewery and restaurant that puts on a summer concert series.
Day Two
Today is a great day to explore the many community events held in Davis throughout the summer. If you’re here in June, be sure to come out for Davis Pride, a multi-day celebration with live music, roller skating, a fun run, family activities, and food and beverages.
Speaking of free events, you can also revel in the warm summer nights during outdoor movie screenings held throughout Davis. Pack a blanket, bring some snacks and spread out under the stars. The City of Davis hosts the family-friendly screenings in Central Park.
You’d probably need a bite to eat by now as well. There’s nothing better on a warm summer night than dining al fresco, and Davis has plenty of restaurants offering lovely outdoor patios where you can relax and have a great meal. Some to consider include Village Pizza & Pints, a casual pizzeria with a spacious patio complete with misters to keep you cool. Or, if you’re craving sushi, head to Mikuni, which serves its creative rolls and Japanese specialties on its outdoor patio.
Day Three
Your third day in Davis is designed for nature lovers! Summer in Davis means sunflower season, and you can spy the yellow blossoms along Interstate 80 west of town or along the many backroads that surround Davis. There are also sunflowers near Great Bear Vineyards, which makes a great pitstop for a glass of wine.
Curious about bats? During summer, you can see thousands of bats fly out from beneath the Yolo Causeway during the annual Bat Talk and Tour, hosted by the Yolo Basin Foundation. You’ll learn about these fascinating creatures and watch them form into long ribbons as they emerge to hunt.
If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs, pay a visit to the Davis Craft & Vintage Fair, which is held on select Sundays at Central Park. The event showcases the work of local artisans and crafters as well as vintage items. You’ll find everything from knitted apparel to organic body products, handmade bags to leather journals, plus vintage and upcycled items. There’s live music as well!
Before you go, be sure to grab some lunch. Zia’s Delicatessen serves up hearty Italian-inspired sandwiches. Another option is Guads Tacos and Beer, which offers a variety of tacos, burritos, and Mexican-inspired breakfast items.
Book Your Summer Getaway to Davis Today!
Whether you’re enjoying a local festival, listening to live music, or exploring the many natural wonders of Davis, there truly is something for everyone in this friendly college town. Check out the many lodging specials in Davis and book your trip today!
