Davis
Easygoing college-town fun with nature, science, and great food
Highlights
Cruise miles of shaded, family-friendly paths linking parks and neighborhoods across town.
Stroll riverside gardens packed with labeled plants, birds, and peaceful walking loops.
Spark curiosity at the California Raptor Center and other kid-friendly campus museums.
Sample peak-season produce, local snacks, and live-music vibes at Central Park.
Mix casual kid-pleasers with elevated, farm-focused restaurants and bakeries.
Car-free exploring with bookstores, ice cream, and an indie cinema all in a few blocks.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Hyatt Place UC Davis
Modern hotel on the UC Davis campus with spacious rooms, pool, complimentary breakfast, and easy walking/biking access to the Arboretum and downtown.
Hilton Garden Inn Davis Downtown
Contemporary hotel in the heart of downtown with comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and quick access to shops, Central Park, and the Farmers Market.
Where to Eat
6 picks
Crepeville
Casual café with big sweet and savory crêpes, scrambles, and kid-approved breakfasts; order a shared sweet crêpe for the table.
Burgers and Brew
Gourmet burgers, fries, and a strong craft beer list with outdoor seating right by Central Park.
Seasons Kitchen & Bar
Seasonal Californian fare with an upscale but relaxed dining room; focus on local produce and thoughtful mains.
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
Lively sushi spot with rolls, teriyaki, and plenty of cooked dishes; kids can stick to simple rolls or rice bowls.
Thai Canteen
Modern Thai with noodles, curries, and shareable appetizers in a casual setting near campus.
The Baking & Deli Co. (formerly The Mustard Seed, check local listing)
Cozy downtown spot for sandwiches, salads, and baked goods; a nice lighter meal before driving home.
What to Do
8 picks
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
Walk the paved riverside loops, stop at labeled plant collections, and let kids spot birds, turtles, and other wildlife along the water.[3][4][7]
Central Park
Downtown green space with playgrounds, open lawn, and the famous Davis Farmers Market on select days.[3][7]
The Varsity Theater
Historic indie cinema on 2nd Street showing a mix of mainstream and independent films in a classic movie-house setting.[1]
Davis Farmers Market
Browse stalls of produce, baked goods, and hot foods with live music and a community atmosphere in Central Park.[3]
Davis Greenbelt
Network of lighted paths for biking and walking that connect parks and neighborhoods around town.[3][7][10]
California Raptor Center
Small science center where you can see large birds of prey up close and learn about rehabilitation efforts.[2][4]
Häagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven
Compact outdoor bee garden showcasing pollinator-friendly plants with interpretive signs and buzzing activity to observe.[2][4][7]
The Artery
Artist-run gallery featuring local and regional art and crafts, right in downtown Davis.[2]
Good to Know
5 picks
Leverage Davis’ Bike Culture
Davis is designed around bikes, with extensive lanes and paths; renting bikes or bringing your own lets the family move easily between campus, downtown, and parks without dealing with parking.
Plan Around Heat and Shade
In warmer months, aim for outdoor walks like the Arboretum and Greenbelt in the morning or early evening, leaving indoor or shaded stops for midday.
Check Campus Attraction Hours
UC Davis museums and centers such as the California Raptor Center and Bee Haven can have limited or weekday-focused hours, and sometimes special events.
Use Downtown as Your Hub
Most family-friendly restaurants, Central Park, and the indie theater sit within a compact downtown grid that’s highly walkable and bikeable.
Book Dining and Lodging Early for Weekends
Davis fills up on university event weekends, especially move-in, graduation, and big game days, and popular restaurants can book out.
Map
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