Discover destinations beyond Davis
A range of well-known destinations surround the Davis–Sacramento area, making it easy to experience many different landscapes, activities, and communities. Travel times vary, but many are within reach for a day trip or weekend outing.
Wine Country
Napa Valley and Sonoma County are shaped by a Mediterranean climate that supports extensive vineyard agriculture and wine production. The region includes vineyards, winery estates and small towns and the area is widely visited for wine tasting, dining, hiking and landscape views.
Pacific Coast
Coastal areas such as Point Reyes, Bodega Bay, Santa Cruz, and Mendocino offer a range of shoreline experiences, from rugged headlands and quiet beaches to marine sanctuaries and hiking trails.
Mountains
Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada provide year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding and lake activities. Further north, Mount Shasta offers alpine terrain, forests and volcanic landscapes.
National Parks and Public Lands
Yosemite National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Redwood National and State Parks are all within reach and offer extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation.
Nearby cities
Sacramento, San Francisco, and communities across the broader Bay Area offer cultural, entertainment, and dining experiences. Sacramento is the closest major city to Davis, with museums, music venues, sports, dining and nightlife. Further west, Oakland and Berkeley offer arts and food cultures, while San Francisco provides major cultural institutions, events, and neighborhood experiences.
Explore the region's food and agricultural heritage
Fresh produce and locally grown food are part of everyday life here because our campuses sit within California's Central Valley — a major agricultural region in the United States.
Farmers markets are a regular feature in many communities. The Davis Farmers Market is held year-round in Central Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the Midtown Farmers Market in Sacramento is another market with a wide range of local vendors. Local farms and food producers also offer seasonal food festivals and events, roadside produce stands, and public tours. Many restaurants incorporate regional produce into their menus, with offerings that change throughout the year.
To learn more, these agritourism listings from Visit Yolo can help you find local farms, markets, events and agricultural experiences.
Finding things to do
These resources are a starting point for finding local and regional activities and entertainment.
- Sacramento365 — Events across Sacramento and the surrounding region.
- Visit Sacramento Events Calendar — Festivals, performances, and seasonal events.
- Davis Dirt — Local events and updates in Davis.
- Visit Yolo Events — Markets, festivals, and community events.
- Yolo Basin Foundation Events — Guided walks, talks, and nature programs.
- Sacramento Audubon Society Calendar — Birding walks and outdoor activities.
- California State Parks — Protected natural and historic places open for public recreation.
- Visit our page on local culture for additional things to do.