Davis, CA
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Museums and Art
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Sports and Sporting Legends
- Healthcare Institutions
Davis, located in Yolo County, is a unique college town in Northern California's Sacramento Valley. Best known as the home of the University of California, Davis, and famously dubbed the "Bicycle Capital of America," the city is defined by its flat terrain, extensive bike path network, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: City of Davis (Russian: Дэвис).
- Administrative Role: Davis is a general law city incorporated under the laws of the State of California. It operates under a Council-Manager form of government . It is the most populous city in Yolo County but is not the county seat (which is Woodland) .
- Country and Region: The city is located in the United States, in the state of California, within Yolo County. The region, Northern California's Sacramento Valley, is a major agricultural area known for its farms, university research, and as a gateway to the state capital, Sacramento .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Historical Names: The area was originally known as Davisville, named after prominent local farmer Jerome C. Davis. It became a depot on the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1868 under this name . The name was officially shortened to Davis in 1907 .
- Nicknames: Davis is globally famous as the "Bicycle Capital of America" (or "Bicycle Capital of the United States") due to its unparalleled per-capita rate of bicycle ownership and usage, facilitated by its flat topography and extensive network of bike lanes and paths .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Foundation Date: The settlement was established as a railroad depot in 1868 . The city was officially incorporated on March 28, 1917 .
- Age: As of 2026, the incorporated city of Davis is 109 years old. The original settlement is over 158 years old.
- Founder: The city is named after Jerome C. Davis, a prominent farmer who owned a large ranch in the area .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 38°33′14″N 121°44′17″W (as provided: 38.5553; -121.737) .
- Location: Davis is situated in the Sacramento Valley, the northern part of California's vast Central Valley. It is located 11 miles (18 km) west of Sacramento, 70 miles (113 km) northeast of San Francisco, at the intersection of Interstate 80 and State Route 113 . The topography is notably flat .
- Elevation: The center of the city is at an elevation of approximately 52 feet (16 meters) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: Davis is a classic college town situated on a flat valley floor, functioning as both a residential community and a major educational and research hub.
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Primary Type: Davis is overwhelmingly defined as a college town and educational and research center. The University of California, Davis, is the city's largest employer and central economic and cultural force .
- Secondary Specialization: It serves as a residential community for many who work in the Sacramento region and is a hub for agricultural policy, veterinary medicine, and environmental science . It is also a transportation node, with a busy train station and its famous bicycle infrastructure .
Population and Demographics
- Population: The city proper had a population of 66,850 in the 2020 census . This number does not include the significant on-campus student population.
- City Classification: Based on its population, Davis is classified as a small city.
- Demographic Features: Davis is known for being a highly educated community, historically ranked as one of the most educated cities in the U.S. due to its association with the university . The population is diverse, with a large Asian community and a significant Hispanic/Latino population .
"Visiting Card" (Brief)
Davis, California, is the "Bicycle Capital of America," a charming and progressive college town where life revolves around the prestigious University of California. Visitors and residents are drawn to its eco-conscious ethos, vibrant downtown with a famous farmers market, and unique ability to blend small-town friendliness with world-class research and cultural activity, all while getting around on two wheels.
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
While Davis itself is flat, it serves as a gateway to several major mountain ranges. The city offers views of the Coast Ranges to the west. More significantly, the Sierra Nevada mountains are located about a 2.5-hour drive to the east. This range is home to world-famous destinations like Lake Tahoe and numerous ski resorts .
Water Bodies
- Nearby Rivers: The region's hydrology is dominated by the Sacramento River, which flows past the nearby city of Sacramento and is crucial for the area's agriculture and wildlife . The Putah Creek, a key local waterway, runs through the UC Davis campus and is an important natural and recreational area .
- Lakes Nearby: For water-based recreation, Lake Berryessa, a large reservoir in the Vaca Mountains to the west, is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping .
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
The flat urban and agricultural landscape of Davis contrasts with dramatic landscapes within a few hours' drive. These include the wineries and oak-studded hills of Napa and Sonoma Valleys and the high alpine terrain of the Sierra Nevada, but there are no deserts or canyons within the immediate vicinity.
National and Natural Parks
Davis itself does not contain a national park, but it is a strategic starting point for exploring several.
- Nearby: The city is about a 1.5-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, which includes the Muir Woods National Monument, home to magnificent old-growth coast redwood forests .
- Further Away: About a 2.5-hour drive leads to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, one of the closest locations to see giant sequoias, and the Lake Tahoe Basin, a stunning area of alpine lakes and mountains designated as a National Natural Landmark .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Davis has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen classification Csa) . It is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The flat topography allows for the "Delta Breeze," a cooling wind from the Pacific Ocean that often provides evening relief from summer heat .
Average Temperatures by Month
The hottest months are July and August, with average daily highs around 93°F (34°C) and lows near 59°F (15°C) . The coolest months are December and January, with average daily highs around 56°F (13°C) and lows dropping to 38-40°F (3-4°C) .
- Warmest Month: July (Average High: 93°F / 34°C) .
- Coolest Month: December (Average High: 56°F / 13°C; Average Low: 40°F / 4°C) .
- Record High: 116°F (47°C) on July 17, 1925 .
- Record Low: 12°F (-11°C) on December 11, 1932 .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 20 inches (510 mm), with the vast majority falling between November and March .
- Wettest Month: February, with an average of 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain .
- Driest Months: July and August, which are typically completely dry .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are generally low, especially during the summer, which makes the heat more bearable . The "Eden Index" notes average humidity around 78% , though this is likely a yearly average and higher in winter.
Sunny Days and UV Index
Davis enjoys a high number of sunny days. The clearest month is July, with the sky clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 90% of the time . Conversely, January is the cloudiest month . The UV index in the summer is typically very high, requiring sun protection.
Seasonality and Best Time for a Visit
- Spring (March-May): Weather is mild and pleasant, with warming temperatures and blooming landscapes. It's an excellent time for biking and outdoor exploration before the summer heat arrives.
- Summer (June-September): Characterized by long, hot, and sunny days. It's ideal for poolside relaxation and attending outdoor events, but the heat can be intense for strenuous activity. The lack of humidity is a plus.
- Fall (October-November): Similar to spring, fall offers comfortably warm days and cooler nights. It's another prime time for outdoor activities.
- Winter (December-February): Cool and wet, with occasional frost and characteristic tule fog, which can be dense and reduce visibility . It's a quiet time of year.
- Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Davis for pleasant weather and outdoor activities like biking and visiting the Arboretum are during the spring (April to May) and early fall (September to October) .
Landmarks and Attractions
UC Davis Arboretum
This is one of Davis's most beloved landmarks. The UC Davis Arboretum is a 100-acre public garden with a collection of plants from around the world. It features 17 different gardens, including a redwood grove and a California native plant section, and is free and open to the public every day .
Southern Pacific Railroad Depot
Located at 840 Second Street, this historic train station is a symbol of the city's origins. Built in 1914 in the Mission Revival Style, it replaced the original 1868 depot. Still in active use by Amtrak, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 .
Hattie Weber Museum
Housed in Davis's first public library (built in 1911), this museum is named after the city's first librarian. It offers exhibits on local history, including the Patwin Native Americans, the Davis Ranch, and the early days of the town .
Downtown Davis and the Farmers Market
Downtown Davis, centered around G Street, is a vibrant, walkable area filled with local restaurants, shops, and bookstores. A key attraction is the Davis Farmers Market, held year-round in Central Park. The Saturday market draws thousands, while the Wednesday evening "Picnic in the Park" is a cherished community tradition with live music and food .
The Bicycle Culture
While not a single monument, the city's extensive bike loop and network of greenbelts are a landmark in themselves. The 12-mile Davis Bike Loop circles the city via dedicated paths, tunnels, and bridges, offering a unique way to experience the town's famous bicycle-friendly infrastructure .
Historic Homes and Buildings
The city has several historic structures, many of which are on a self-guided walking tour. Notable examples include the Dresbach-Hunt-Boyer House (early 1870s), an Italianate-style home on the National Register; the Davis Community Church (1926), a prime example of Spanish Colonial style; and the Anderson Bank Building (1914) .
Transport
Main Airports and Access
The closest and most convenient airport is the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) , located approximately 20 miles from Davis . It offers a straightforward and relatively inexpensive ground transfer.
Other options in the San Francisco Bay Area are further away:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) : ~85 miles .
- Oakland International Airport (OAK) : ~77 miles .
Ground Transportation from Airports
- Bus: The most economical option is Yolobus route #42B, which connects SMF to the UC Davis campus and downtown Sacramento for a low fare .
- Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and Lyft rides from SMF to Davis cost approximately $50 .
Main Railway Station
Davis is a significant stop on the Amtrak system. The historic Davis Station (code: DAV) is served by three lines: the Capitol Corridor (frequent service between the Bay Area and Sacramento/Auburn), the California Zephyr (to Chicago), and the Coast Starlight (between Seattle and Los Angeles). It is one of the busiest stations in the region and a primary transit hub for UC Davis students and faculty .
Public Transportation
- Unitrans: The student-run transit agency provides bus service throughout Davis and the UC Davis campus using a fleet of iconic, brightly-colored double-decker buses imported from London .
- Yolobus: Operates regional service connecting Davis to Sacramento, Woodland, and other parts of Yolo County .
The Bicycle Network
The primary mode of transport for many residents is the bicycle. Davis features an unparalleled network of dedicated bike lanes, paths, and bicycle-activated traffic signals. Bikes can be rented from several local shops, including the UC Davis Bike Barn on campus .
Major Highways
Davis is situated at the junction of two major California highways:
- Interstate 80 (I-80): A major transcontinental highway that connects Davis directly to Sacramento to the east and the San Francisco Bay Area to the west .
- State Route 113 (SR 113): A north-south highway that links Davis to Woodland to the north and Dixon to the south .
Universities and Educational Institutions
University of California, Davis
The heart and soul of Davis is without a doubt the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) . Founded in 1905 as the "University Farm" and officially becoming a UC campus in 1959, it has grown into a prestigious public land-grant research university and a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) .
UC Davis is globally renowned for its programs in agricultural sciences, veterinary medicine, and environmental science and ecology, consistently ranking among the top in the world in these fields . The university's research impact is immense, with over $1 billion secured in research funding for the 2021-22 academic year . Key research facilities include the UC Davis Genome Center, the Center for Watershed Sciences, and the Center for Neuroscience, which drive innovation across multiple disciplines .
The university's main campus in Davis is home to over 40,000 students and is known for its bicycle-friendly layout and sustainable ethos . It boasts six professional schools, including a renowned School of Veterinary Medicine with a large teaching hospital .
Beyond academics, UC Davis has a vibrant campus life with over 800 student clubs and famous traditions like Picnic Day, an annual open house since 1909 that attracts over 70,000 visitors with more than 200 events . Another notable student-run event is the Whole Earth Festival . The campus is also home to unique cultural venues such as the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art and the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science . In athletics, the UC Davis Aggies compete in 17 intercollegiate sports at the NCAA Division I level, with most teams in the Big West Conference and the football team in the Big Sky Conference .
Museums and Art
Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, which opened in November 2016 at UC Davis, has quickly become an architectural and cultural landmark . Its signature feature is the sweeping "Grand Canopy," a stunning, perforated steel structure that creates an ever-changing play of light and shadow over the entrance plaza. This design has earned the museum numerous awards and a spot on ARTnews's list of the 25 Best Museum Buildings of the Past 100 Years . The museum is dedicated to making contemporary art accessible and builds on UC Davis's rich legacy of artistic innovation.
The Davis Transmedia Art Walk
Davis boasts one of the largest public art collections per square mile in the nation, showcased in the Davis Transmedia Art Walk . This free, self-guided tour weaves through downtown and the UC Davis campus, featuring over 20 public murals and numerous sculptures . The art walk celebrates Davis's deep roots in the California Art scene, which has been a hub for pioneers like Robert Arneson, Wayne Thiebaud, and Roy DeForest since the 1950s . Arneson's world-famous "Eggheads" sculptures are a must-see public art installation on campus . Maps for the walk are available at the Yolo County Visitors Bureau and the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts .
Other Notable Art Venues
The city's art scene is further enriched by venues like the artist-owned and operated Artery cooperative, a cultural magnet since 1974, and the Pence Gallery . The Gorman Museum of Native American Art at UC Davis also offers a significant collection .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
The Davis Farmers Market
The iconic Davis Farmers Market is a cornerstone of local culinary culture and one of the first in California . Held every Saturday year-round (and Wednesday evenings for "Picnic in the Park" during daylight savings), it's where dozens of local farmers, food artisans, and restaurateurs gather. Voted the "best place in Yolo County to take an out-of-towner," it's the perfect spot to sample the region's fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal goods .
Local Food Icons
Several eateries have become local institutions:
- Davis Creamery: This family-owned shop crafts all its ice cream fresh daily in small batches, offering creative rotating flavors like honey lavender, matcha, and Thai tea alongside the classics .
- Village Bakery: Well-known regionally, it is revered for its artisanal pizzas and its buns, which are even used by the legendary local hot dog stand, The Hotdogger .
- Ali Baba: A community staple for nearly two decades, this casual Middle Eastern eatery on 3rd Street is famous for its shawarma and sandwiches .
- The Mustard Seed: A quaint bistro that has been serving Davis for 25 years, offering an innovative and fresh menu in a cozy yet elegant setting .
A Diverse Dining Scene
Davis offers a wide array of dining experiences. For sushi lovers, I Love Sushi offers an affordable all-you-can-eat option . Paesanos serves up affordable Italian classics with a large selection of gluten-free options . Guads Tacos and Beer provides a vibrant atmosphere for Mexican food and craft beer . For those wanting variety, Local Kitchens is a food hall featuring a rotating lineup of restaurant concepts . The craft beer scene is thriving with local spots like Three Mile Brewing Co. and Sudwerk Brewing Co., a Davis icon . Just outside Davis in the nearby town of Winters, you can find Berryessa Gap Winery and Berryessa Brewing Company, popular destinations for cyclists and weekend crowds .
Sports and Sporting Legends
The Yolo High Wheelers: Davis's First Pro Team
In a historic move for local sports, Davis became home to its first professional sports team in 2024 with the launch of the Yolo High Wheelers . The High Wheelers are a professional baseball team in the Pioneer League, an MLB Partner League. Their name is a tribute to Davis's status as the "Bicycle Capital of the U.S.," inspired by the high-wheeled bicycles of the past . They play their home games at the 3,500-seat Phil Swimley Field at Dobbins Stadium on the UC Davis campus, offering a fun, family-focused, and community-driven baseball experience .
UC Davis Aggies
The UC Davis Aggies are the primary source of collegiate sports in the city. The athletic program fields 17 intercollegiate teams that compete at the NCAA Division I level . The Aggies have a strong rivalry with nearby California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State) . The UC Davis women's gymnastics team, for example, regularly hosts dual meets, showcasing the competitive spirit on campus . Key athletic facilities include the aforementioned Dobbins Stadium and the University Credit Union Center for basketball and other indoor sports.
The Bicycle Capital of the U.S.
Davis's most defining sporting identity is its legacy as the bicycle capital. In 1967, Davis created the first official bike lane in America . Today, there are over 100 miles of designated bike lanes throughout the city and campus, with more than 40,000 bikes in a city of its size . In recognition of this, the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame moved to Davis in 2009 and is located in downtown's Central Park, housing one of the most extensive bicycle collections in America .
Healthcare Institutions
UC Davis Health Clinics in Davis
Residents of Davis have access to primary and specialty care through the renowned UC Davis Health system. There are two main clinic locations within the city :
- 2660 W. Covell Blvd., Suites A, B & C: This clinic offers family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and specialty care.
- 684 Hutchison Drive (UC Davis Campus): This clinic provides family medicine and internal medicine with pediatrics, conveniently located for students, faculty, and staff.
UC Davis Health in the Region
For more comprehensive or specialized medical needs, UC Davis Health's main medical center is located in nearby Sacramento, approximately 20 miles away . This is a major academic medical center with a 625-bed teaching hospital, a Level I trauma center, and the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only 52 centers in the U.S. to hold the prestigious "comprehensive" designation . In 2025, UC Davis Health also opened a large new Folsom Medical Care Clinic, a 114,000-square-foot facility offering primary and specialty care, including infusion and radiology services, which serves the broader region including Davis residents .