Davis, California

Davis, California is a hidden gem. Located about 25 mins away from Sacramento, about 1 hour away from Napa, about 1 hour 30 mins away from San Francisco, and about 2 hours away from Lake Tahoe, it is close enough to all the Northern Cali hotspots while being far enough way from the city lights and noise.

Davis is a college town (s/o to UC Davis!), so summers are literally quiet, there. It’s not dead when school is not in session – because the residents of Davis are an active bunch! – there’s just a different kind of lovely, lazy yet refreshing and chill summer energy. Davis is an outdoor-active place – so if you’re into riding bikes, taking walks, running, roller skating, hiking, etc. – you will fit right in. Also, if you’re into nature, farmers markets, craft fairs, community sponsored and community building events and activities – you’ll fit right in.

I spent two months in Davis this summer (2023), and I was never bored or without something to do.

Drives between Davis and the bigger cities will be on multi-lane highways or on small 2-lane roads – most likely a combo of both. I never felt out of place when driving in or around Davis – during the day or at night. Davis is spread out and surrounded by a lot space and farmlands, even a little bit of wetlands. This makes views from the road gorgeous!

It absolutely helps to have a car when in Davis, yet not necessarily a necessity. The public transport throughout the city, by way of bus, appears to be available and reliable and true to the schedule posted.
Also, circling back to the part about riding bikes: people in Davis love their bikes!

Davis is very dog-friendly. If you love dogs and/or your dog loves other dogs and people, this is a place for you. Davis is so dog-friendly, there are literally stocked dog-poop bag + mini-trashcan stations located convenietly throughout the city, at every park (most often more than 1!), and some places you might not even think it is needed/necessary – yet it is. It’s actually really cool and nice. There’s literally no excuse for a dog owner to not pick up after their dog in Davis – unless they are just a horrible human being. Lol

Because Davis is in the middle-ish part of the northern part of the state – in comparison to a city being on the coast – the weather temperatures can feel extreme. If you happen to be a mosquito magnet (like me. Booo), def please invest in all OFF! or other such mosquito-repellents to be sure you can have a comfortable existence while visiting or staying a while in Davis. Also, for peace of mind, it is a good idea to check and double check that where you decide to stay in Davis has working air conditioning and/or heating (depending on what season you may be visiting).

Lastly, I have to say that I really enjoyed the people of Davis. There’s something really mindful, lovely, and special about acknowledging the existence of another person when you’re just out and about. I’m a huge fan of this, in general, and the people of Davis did not disappoint! Saying hi to someone that you pass on the sidewalk, normal. Chatting briefly about whatever in the aisle of a store with a stranger, normal. Sharing pro-tips and exchanging stories about pets and how training is going, normal. Finding a spot to admire the sunset and more people roll up to that same spot and everyone begins to connect, normal. Davis will get you thinking that everyone wants to be your friend! Lol Whether that’s true or not is def up to you to decide, yet if you’re an extrovert like me and really enjoy short, positive exchanges like this, Davis is def worth a visit for you.