It’s always a great time to visit Davis, California. But in fall, turning leaves and mild weather make it especially enticing. Home to the University of California at Davis, the city is a college town at heart. In fall, when students return to school, the entire city is abuzz with a vibrant energy.
But Davis is much more than just a college town. It’s a family-friendly destination with a quaint downtown, a thriving art scene, a renowned farmers’ market, and farm-to-fork restaurants. As the “Bicycle Capital of America,” it has a bike-friendly infrastructure that includes more than 100 miles of bike paths.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, there are plenty of hotels in Davis to choose from, each with its own unique personality. Many have swimming pools and hot tubs, some have free breakfast, and others offer bikes on loan so you can explore the area on two wheels.
Whether you’re into outdoor activities, art galleries, farm-to-fork cuisine or craft beer, Davis truly has something for everyone. So, without further ado, following is our suggested itinerary for spending a fall weekend in Davis, California.
Day One
Assuming you’re arriving on a Friday, today is the day to relax and settle in. Kick off your weekend in Davis by strolling around the downtown area. There are numerous shops to explore, including indie bookstores, clothing boutiques, and one-of-a-kind gift shops. Downtown Davis is also home to several notable art galleries, including the Pence Gallery, the Artery, and the John Natsoulas Gallery. If you’re here the second Friday of the month, consider participating in the 2nd Friday ArtAbout, in which local galleries are open late and offer live music, receptions, and demonstrations.
Tonight is also a great time to try one of the many restaurants in Downtown Davis, and there’s no shortage of spots to choose from. If you’re looking for farm-to-table cuisine with an upscale vibe, consider The Mustard Seed, which offers meat and seafood dishes and wine pairings. Or, if you’re craving hearty Italian fare, head to Osteria Fasulo for pasta and grilled meats. A more casual pick is My Burma, which offers Burmese stir-fries, noodles and rice dishes.
Day Two
Saturday mornings mean one thing in Davis: the Davis Farmers’ Market. As one of the first farmers’ markets in the state, they have aisle after aisle of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as locally produced cheese, meats and seafood, nuts, honey, wine, jams and jellies, and just about every gourmet food product under the sun. They also have an expansive artisan market, where locals offer up their handcrafted pottery, woodworking, original art and more. They also have vendors offering ready-made food to go, so you can pick up a coffee and a pastry to munch on while you browse. The weather is just about perfect in the fall, so you also grab lunch and have a picnic in the park.
Afterwards, head over to the U.C. Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. The historic arboretum has a 3.5 mile trail that hugs the banks of Putah Creek. There are three suggested loop trails that take you past demonstration gardens, native landscapes, and collections from across the globe. There’s something blooming at the arboretum in every season; in fall, keep your eyes peeled for butterfly bush and California fuchsia. Also in fall, they offer plant sales, so you can bring home a bit of the garden with you!
If you have time in the afternoon, consider a visit to Great Bear Vineyards. Located on the edge of Davis just two miles from downtown, the winery offers tastings, tours, and food pairings on their bucolic country estate. They also host special events such as farm-to-table dinners, live music, and yoga classes. There’s nothing that says “autumn” more than sipping a glass of wine on an outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards!
For dinner, consider taking advantage of Davis’ robust dining scene. Spots to consider include Hikari Sushi & Omakase, which offers the full omakase experience, in which specially trained chefs present their seasonal selections of fish, meat and vegetable plates. If you prefer something more laid back, Bull ’n’ Mouth has hearty burgers, sandwiches and barbecue.
Day Three
On your third day in Davis, it’s time to get up early to make the most of the time you have left! First up: breakfast. Davis has dozens of options when it comes to breakfast restaurants. Some to consider include Cloud Forest Café, which has avocado toasts and breakfast panini. Another option is Café Bernardo, a local favorite that serves up traditional breakfasts with an international twist, such as kimchi fried rice and chilaquiles. If you’d rather just grab a quick bite, head to one of the city’s many coffee shops, such as Mishka’s Café, Temple Coffee Roasters, or Pachamama Coffee.
Considering that Davis is such a bicycle-friendly place, it makes sense to explore the city on two wheels. Doing so is especially lovely in fall, when the leaves are turning colors and there’s a slight chill in the air. Several hotels in Davis offer loaner bicycles, or you can rent a bike from one of the many bicycle shops in Davis. You can follow a self-guided historic tour that takes you past some of the town’s historic buildings, such as the Hattie Weber Museum and Southern Pacific Depot. You can also make a stop at the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame to learn all about the history of the sport. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, consider one of the longer routes that takes you into the surrounding countryside.
Before you head home, stop by one of the many local breweries in Davis and enjoy a craft beer (and a bite to eat!) One of the longest-standing breweries in Davis is Sudwerk, which produces German-style pilsners and hefeweizens and has a full kitchen turning out fare such as burgers and brats. Other craft breweries include Three Mile Brewing, Dunloe Brewing and Super Owl Brewing, all of which have family-friendly tap rooms and host special events such as trivia and live music.
Plan Your Fall Getaway to Davis Today
For the ultimate fall getaway, there’s no better place than Davis, California. From scenic nature walks to urban biking, sipping wine or browsing a farmers’ market, there’s nothing better than a fall weekend in Davis. Its small-town charm and vibrant local culture make it an ideal destination for a fall weekend getaway, so check out the many lodging options in Davis and book your trip today.
