Winter is long behind us, making the way for the sunny days and colorful landscapes of spring. Naturally, many people want to spend as much time outside as possible this time of year, especially before the heat of summer arrives. There are many places to enjoy spring in Northern California, but one of the best is the city of Davis, CA.
Come spring, Davis is awash in color. Its many natural spaces — including parks, greenbelts, and nature preserves — come alive when the temperatures rise and the clouds clear. Picnics and bike rides are popular activities, and Davis even has several outdoor festivals that celebrate spring!
Explore the UC Davis Arboretum
One of the best spots to take in spring in the US is Davis Arboretum, a 100-acre public space that runs along the banks of Putah Creek. It has demonstration gardens from around the world as well as native gardens. In spring, the arboretum comes alive with wildflowers like poppies and lupine, roses, and blossoming trees including redbud. UC Davis also offers plants for sale during the spring so you can take a piece of the arboretum home with you!
Hike the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
Another outdoorsy adventure in Davis is a visit to the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve. This natural ecosystem is a protected ecosystem that’s open to the public for exploration. There are miles of trails for hiking and biking, and visitors can fish, boat, paddle, and swim in Putah Creek. It’s a popular spot for bird watching and it’s common to spot wildlife like turtles, beavers, river otters, and bobcats.
Enjoy a Bike Ride Through Davis
As the Bicycle Capital of America, enjoying a bike ride on a spring day is a must-do activity in Davis. You can roll through town or explore one of the many suggested Davis bike routes in Davis, including a 12-mile route along the Davis greenbelt and another that focuses on historic landmarks. If you’re looking for something more challenging, you can explore the countryside outside of Davis proper — some take you all the way to the lovely Capay Valley or the Dunnigan Hills in northern Yolo County.
Have a Picnic
Picnicking is a quintessential springtime activity, and there’s no better place to do it than Davis. It’s especially popular on Saturday mornings, when many locals pay a visit to the Davis Farmers’ Market, grab some prepared bites from the local food vendors, and claim a spot at Central Park to relax and enjoy the mild weather. Central Park also has its own gardens to explore, including a rose and flower garden designed to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. There are also meadows of native grasses and wildflowers that put on stunning displays of color come spring.
Attend a Spring Event in Davis
There’s nothing like attending a community event. And Davis has no shortage of them! In spring, there are several great events to consider. One is UC Davis Picnic Day, which is typically held in mid-April. The annual event began in 1909 as an open house for prospective students, but it has since expanded to become a showcase for the greater community. Attendees can watch the opening parade, visit animals, and see live music and performances. There are numerous food trucks, or you can bring your own picnic. University departments put on demonstrations and there are hands-on activities for adults and kids alike.
Another popular event in Davis in the spring is the Whole Earth Festival. Held each year on Mother’s Day weekend, the event promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability. There are educational booths and hands-on workshops. Plus, you can catch live music and dance performances, view (and make) art and crafts, and browse local vendor stalls.
Explore Davis This Spring!
If you’re ready to get outside and take in everything spring has to offer, a great place to do so is Davis, CA. From hikes and bike rides to colorful gardens and community events, Davis has everything you need for a great springtime getaway. Check out the many lodging options in Davis and book your Davis getaway today.
