The city of Davis, CA is known for many things. For starters, it’s a vibrant college town, home to the University of California at Davis. It’s also the bicycle capital of the nation, with miles of dedicated bike paths. It’s also one of the most art-centric spots in the state, with numerous art galleries and museums. But there’s one other draw to Davis: its robust craft beer scene.
Davis is a town that takes its craft brews seriously. The craft breweries in Davis turning out everything from ale to lager, pilsner to stout. These locally owned and family-run spots offer up hand-crafted brews, many made with locally sourced ingredients. Best of all, they offer more than just beer. Some offer food, live music, game nights, and a welcoming atmosphere for both adults and kids alike.
So, if you’re a beer lover who would like to explore everything Davis has to offer, consider the following itinerary for spending a weekend in Davis. But before you do, be sure to check out the many lodging options in Davis, where you’ll find plenty of cozy places to rest your head after a day of sipping.
Davis Beer Lover’s Itinerary: Day One
Assuming you’re arriving in Davis on a Friday evening, you might as well jump right in. A good place to start is Sudwerk Brewing Company, one of the longest standing breweries in Yolo County. Sudwerk has been producing German-style beers for more than 35 years, including pilsners, hefeweizen, and Kolsch. They’ve since expanded their offerings to include IPAs and sours with flavors like blackberry and POG (passionfruit, orange, and guava).
Sudwerk also has a full-service restaurant featuring German pub fare like pretzels and sausages alongside American dishes such as burgers and sandwiches. In true German style, they have an expansive outdoor beer garden, and they host special events like live music and trivia.
Davis Beer Lover’s Itinerary: Day Two
The next morning, you may as well explore Davis like a local: by bike. Many hotels in Davis offer bikes on loan, or you can rent one at one of the many shops in town. Another quintessentially Davis thing to do on a Saturday morning is to pay a visit to the Davis Farmers Market. Here, you can browse the stalls of fresh produce, gourmet pantry items, and handicrafts. Hungry? Grab some pre-made food to go from one of the food vendors and claim a spot in the park for a morning picnic.
Afterwards, consider a ride through town, stopping at Davis craft breweries along the way. Head to Downtown Davis, a quaint, walkable (err, rideable) area with shops, restaurants, galleries, and of course, breweries. One spot to consider is Dunloe Brewing, which has a lively downtown tasting room. They also host special events, such as a beer-and-cheese pairing, comedy nights, and pet adoptions. Another good bet is Three Mile Brewing, which serves up IPAs, pilsners, and stouts. They also host special events, such as live music and karaoke.
For lunch, consider a stop at Bull ’n’ Mouth, a bustling spot for hearty American fare such as burgers and barbecue. Best of all, they serve local beers produced in Davis and other parts of Yolo County.
Afterward, you can burn off your lunch with a ride through the greater Davis area. Consider following the Davis Bike Loop, a 12-mile-long route along greenbelts, parks, and quiet residential streets. Or, you can explore the UC Davis Arboretum or Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.
For dinner, consider a stop at the aptly named Burgers & Brew, which, unsurprisingly, specializes in every type of burger imaginable including lamb, buffalo, chorizo, and turkey. They also have sandwiches and loaded fries. In the beer department, you’ll find both local and international selections. For dessert, you can even order a float made with vanilla ice cream and Guinness.
Beer Lover’s Itinerary: Day Three
Sadly, you’ve come to your last day in Davis. On your way out of town, consider stopping by another Davis craft brewery: Super Owl Brewery. They make pale ale, blonde ale, and lagers, and you can order a tasting flight to sample them all.
Another unique experience is a visit to Hooby’s Farm. Open seasonally, the working farm offers pints in its rustic tasting hangar. You can visit with pigs, goats, and other farm animals, explore the farm and orchards, or relax and take in sweeping views of the Yolo countryside. They have a food truck onsite most days, otherwise, you can bring your own food and have a picnic.
Book Your Beer Lover’s Getaway to Davis Today
From modern downtown tasting rooms to rustic country farms, the city of Davis, CA offers every type of craft beer experience. Whether you prefer lagers or ales, stouts or sours, the locally owned, family-run breweries in Davis produce a variety of beers that are sure to wet your whistle. Plus, you can explore any or all of them by bicycle! Check out the many lodging specials in Davis and book your beer-centric escape to Davis today.
