Winter is one of the most popular times for weekend getaways in Northern California — after all, we have world-class skiing and quaint mountain towns. But the snow and the crowds aren’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a snow-free getaway away from the hustle and bustle, consider a visit to Davis, California
Davis truly is a hidden gem when it comes to the winter season. There’s a magical spirit in the air and the city comes to life with holiday events, performing arts, and plenty of spots to find one-of-a-kind gifts, minus the crowded shopping malls.
There are also numerous hotels in Davis, each with its own unique personality. Many offer lodging specials during the holiday season, and some even have hot tubs and fire pits to keep you cozy on chilly winter nights.
So, if you’re thinking of paying a visit to Davis in the winter, the following is our suggestion for the perfect itinerary.
Day One
Assuming you’re arriving in Davis on a Friday night, unpack your bag and prepare for a night out. Consider a visit to the Mondavi Center, a state-of-the-art performing arts venue that hosts a variety of world-class performances, including musicals, concerts, dance, and more. Part of the University of California at Davis, the Mondavi Center also hosts performances by student musicians such as the U.C. Davis Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Choir.
Another option for the performing arts is the Davis Musical Theatre Company. Founded in 1984, the company produces nearly a dozen musicals each year, including children’s theater. The season runs through the winter, featuring classic musicals such as My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music. They also put on a special holiday cabaret featuring youth and adult performers singing all the classic holiday tunes.
Before the show starts, consider grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in Davis. If you’re craving Japanese, consider Zen Toro Japanese Bistro, which offers sushi as well as ramen and udon to warm you up from the inside out. Another option is Yang Kee Dumpling, which serves every variety of Chinese dumplings, including soup dumplings and dumpling noodle soup.
Day Two
If you’re in Davis on a Saturday morning, there’s no better spot to explore than the Davis Farmers’ Market, even in the winter. Open year-round, rain or shine, the (covered) market has stall after stall of fresh produce, plus local foodstuffs such as honey, wine, nuts, cheese, and chocolate, as well as prepared foods and baked goods. If you’re looking for a one-of-a kind holiday gift, the farmers’ market also has dozens of local artisans selling jewelry, clothing, candles and more. The market also offers free gift basket wrapping during the holiday season!
Speaking of shopping, this afternoon would be a great time to explore the many unique shops in Davis. The city has a number of locally owned spots, including indie bookstores, clothing boutiques, and gift shops. Plus, downtown Davis is aglow with holiday lights and impressive holiday window displays from local merchants so you can surround yourself with holiday vibes while you shop!
Following are some local shops in Davis to check out.
- Bella Luna Jeweler. Bella Luna specializes in fine jewelry as well as Native American and Southwest jewelry. They also have gift items such as housewares, pottery, and textiles.
- Pinkadot. This unique women’s fashion boutique has great gifts for the special woman on your list. In addition to clothing, you’ll find jewelry, candles, bath products and more.
- The Candy House. Who doesn’t like a sweet treat this time of year? The Candy House offers gourmet truffles in flavors like champagne, passion fruit, and cappuccino, plus fudge, toffee, and other chocolatey delights.
- The Paint Chip. If you’ve got an aspiring artist on your list, you’ll find everything you need at this artist supply store. In addition to paint, brushes, canvases, and easels, they also have clay, books, and crafting kits for kids.
- The Avid Reader. This indie bookshop features the latest bestsellers and new releases, plus book-related merchandise and gifts. They also have an adjacent toy store, Avid & Co.
If you time your visit right, you may be able to participate in Davis’s signature holiday event, the annual Holiday Candlelight Parade and Tree Lighting, which includes live music, photo ops with Santa, and carriage rides. Another holiday tradition is the Davis Children’s Nutcracker, which, since 1977, has welcomed the youngest members of the community to appear in the performance.
For dinner tonight, consider warming up with a hearty meal from one of Davis’s many restaurants. Some popular spots to try are Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, which offers traditional Thai cuisine and has an adjacent bar with live music. Another option is Woodstock’s Pizza, a long-standing pizzeria with a full bar.
Day Three
All good things must come to an end, and on your last day in Davis, you might as well go out with a bang! First, fill up on a hearty breakfast that will get you through the day. A great place to check out is Crepeville, which offers both savory and sweet crepes along with traditional breakfast offerings. Or, if you’d prefer a quick, grab-and-go bite, head to the Posh Bagel, which has breakfast bagel sandwiches.
No trip to the Davis area would be complete without taking in a bit of nature. Winter is the prime season for birding, and the wetlands and grasslands that surround Davis are the ideal locations to spot migrating birds. On the first Sunday of the month, the Yolo Basin Foundation offers guided tours of the Davis Wetlands, which includes more than 400 acres of native ecosystems. On the third Sunday of the month, you can take a tour of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, home to hundreds of species of birds. You can also view owls and hawks at Grasslands Regional Park or get up close and personal with rescued birds at the U.C. Davis California Raptor Center, which is open from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. on weekends for self-guided tours.
Book Your Winter Trip to Davis Today
Whether you prefer wildlife or performing arts, shopping or dining, there’s always plenty of things to do in Davis, California during the winter. Check out the many lodging options in Davis and book your winter getaway today!
