It’s no secret that Davis, CA is a bike-lover’s paradise. It’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation, with miles and miles of dedicated bike paths and lanes and plenty of bike parking. In fact, it was one of the first cities designed with biking in mind, so it comes as no surprise that it’s been named the Bicycle Capital of America.
Bicycling is a way of life in Davis, so if you’re a bicycle enthusiast who’s looking for a bike-centric getaway, there’s no better place to visit. Here, you can explore the town on two wheels, go for a mellow ride through nature, or even take on a challenging route on the rolling country roads outside of town. Spring is a particularly great time to explore on two wheels, especially May, which is National Bike Month.
No bike? No problem. There are several bike shops in Davis that offer rentals and can help you map out your ride. Even better, some lodging options in Davis offer bicycles for guest use, including the following:
- Aggie Inn
- Hyatt House
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Holiday Inn Express
Not sure where to start? No worries. We’ve designed a suggested bike-centric itinerary so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about the little details. Following are some ideas.
Day One. Assuming you’re arriving in Davis on a Friday, you should start by getting the lay of the land. Whether you bring your own bike, borrow one from your hotel, or rent one at a local bike shop, there’s no time like the present to start your journey. Consider a mellow ride around Downtown Davis. There are plenty of spots to park your bike, so you can explore the local shops without worry.
Consider a stop at one of Davis’s craft breweries; in Downtown Davis, you’ll find Dunloe Brewing Company and Three Mile Brewing Company. Afterwards, enjoy a meal at Sudwerk Brewing Company, a longstanding craft brewery with a full kitchen and expansive beer garden.
Day Two. If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Saturday, consider a ride to the Davis Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find stall after stall of fresh produce, gourmet food products, and handicrafts. You can pick up a prepared meal to go and enjoy a picnic in the park before heading out on the day’s ride. But before you go, consider a visit to the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame, which depicts the history of the sport and displays historic bicycles from throughout the decades.
There are numerous bike rides near Davis to consider today, ranging from leisurely rolls to more strenuous rides. For beginners, consider the Davis Bike Loop, a 12-mile ride that passes through green spaces, neighborhoods, and much of the city’s bicycle infrastructure. There’s also a self-guided historic tour of Davis that takes you to some of the city’s most notable structures, including historic homes and commercial buildings. More serious riders can consider rides that begin in Davis and extend into the Yolo County countryside as far north as Winters or the Capay Valley. Along the way are scenic orchards and farmlands, fields of sunflowers, and quaint farmhouses.
Day Three. This morning, fuel up at one of Davis’s many cafes. Cloud Forest Café is a good bet, offering locally roasted brews, breakfast panini, and avocado toast; and Mishka’s Café, a laid-back spot for coffee and decadent pastries.
Before you head home, pay a visit to the U.S. Davis Arboretum. The demonstration gardens showcase trees, plants, and flowers from across the globe, as well as native species. Best of all, it can be enjoyed via a 3.6-mile loop trail that is bicycle friendly.
Plan Your Bike-Lover’s Getaway to Davis Today
With its extensive bike paths, vibrant downtown, and easy access to scenic countryside cycling routes, it’s easy to see why Davis, CA is the Bicycle Capital of the Nation. You can enjoy its restaurants, coffee shops, and craft breweries all on two wheels. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned rider, Davis offers a bicycling experience for everyone. Check out the many lodging options in Davis and book your bike-friendly getaway today!
