Thinking of escaping the city for a day? While Sacramento is buzzing with excitement, recently landing on Travel + Leisure’s prestigious list of top 50 travel destinations for 2025, one of its best-kept secrets is just a short train ride away. Enter Davis, a charming, bike-friendly college town that offers a complete and refreshing change of pace.
Is a day trip from Sacramento to Davis worth it? Absolutely! In just 20 minutes, you can trade city streets for leafy greenbelts, explore a world-class farmers market, and soak in the laid-back, intellectual vibe. This guide has everything you need to plan the perfect, easy getaway in 2025.
Sacramento to Davis Day Trip: At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~15 miles (24 km) |
| Travel Time | 20-30 minutes by car or train |
| Estimated Cost | $25 – $90 per person |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October), especially on a Saturday |
| Known For | UC Davis, Bicycles, Farmers Market, Laid-back Vibe |
How to Get from Sacramento to Davis
The short journey between Sacramento and Davis is incredibly straightforward. With several convenient options available, you can choose the one that best fits your travel style and budget. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Transportation Mode | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Train (Recommended) | 15-25 minutes | $10 – $20 | Fast, scenic, relaxing, arrives downtown, no parking hassle. | Less flexible schedule than driving. |
| By Car | 20-30 minutes | Varies (Gas) | Maximum flexibility for schedule and side trips. | Potential traffic, finding and paying for parking can be a challenge. |
| By Bus | ~1 hour | ~$2.25 | Most affordable option by far. | Slowest route with multiple stops. |
5 Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Davis
Davis packs a surprising amount of charm and activity into a compact, walkable area. Here are the top five experiences you won’t want to miss on your day trip.
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Explore the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
This is the heart and soul of Davis. The Arboretum is a stunning 100-acre “living museum” that stretches along the old north fork of Putah Creek. You can wander through diverse gardens, find shade in a majestic redwood grove, and enjoy the serene walking paths. Best of all, it’s completely free and open 24/7, offering a peaceful escape any time of day.
Pro Tip: Start your walk at the east end near the Manetti Shrem Museum and downtown. This section is beautifully maintained and provides easy access to other attractions.
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Experience the Davis Farmers Market
If you visit on a Saturday, this is an absolute must-do. The Davis Farmers Market is legendary and much more than a place to buy produce. It’s a vibrant community gathering with live music, a fantastic array of food stalls perfect for breakfast or lunch, and an incredible selection of local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and crafts. The atmosphere is electric and perfectly captures the spirit of the city.
Pro Tip: Grab breakfast or lunch from one of the amazing food vendors! Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag for any goodies you decide to take home.
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Wander Through Downtown Davis
The core of Davis is a walkable collection of unique shops, independent bookstores, cozy cafes, and fantastic restaurants. It’s the perfect place to browse, grab a coffee, and people-watch. The downtown area is also dotted with vibrant public art, including murals and sculptures, making a simple stroll feel like a treasure hunt.
Pro Tip: Be sure to look for the many murals and public art installations hidden in the alleys and on the sides of buildings. The famous “Egghead” sculptures are scattered around the UC Davis campus, just a short walk from downtown.
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Get Inspired at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
You can’t miss the stunning architecture of this museum, with its iconic “Grand Canopy” roof. Located on the edge of the UC Davis campus, the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art offers free admission and showcases the incredible legacy of UC Davis’s influential art faculty. It’s a modern, bright space with thought-provoking exhibitions.
Pro Tip: Check their website for current exhibitions before your visit. It’s also a fantastic, air-conditioned spot to escape the midday heat in the summer.
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Embrace the Bike Culture
Davis is proudly known as the “Bicycle Capital of the USA,” and you’ll see why immediately. The city is crisscrossed by an extensive network of bike paths, and two-wheeled transport reigns supreme. To truly experience Davis like a local, rent a bike for a few hours and explore the campus, the Arboretum, and the surrounding greenbelts with ease.
Pro Tip: If you don’t feel like renting a bike, a visit to the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame (located downtown) is a great alternative. Be sure to check their hours and admission fees online.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect Day in Davis
Here’s a simple, walkable itinerary to help you make the most of your day trip, assuming a Saturday visit.
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) | Arrive via train, walk to the Davis Farmers Market. | Grab a coffee and a pastry, browse the vibrant stalls, and enjoy the live music. |
| Mid-Day (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) | Have lunch at the market or a downtown restaurant. | After eating, wander through the unique downtown shops and bookstores. |
| Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | Stroll through the UC Davis Arboretum, then visit the Manetti Shrem Museum. | Enjoy the nature of the Arboretum before cooling off with some world-class art. |
| Evening (5:00 PM onwards) | Enjoy an early dinner and catch the train back to Sacramento. | Choose from one of the many great downtown restaurants before your relaxing ride home. |
Where to Eat: Best Restaurants in Davis for Every Budget
From quick bites to celebratory meals, Davis’s food scene has something for everyone.
Budget-Friendly Bites ($)
- The Hotdogger: A Davis institution serving classic and creative hot dogs.
- Sam’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Delicious and affordable gyros, falafel, and shawarma.
- In-N-Out Burger: The iconic California burger chain, conveniently located.
Mid-Range Meals ($$)
- Burgers and Brew: A popular spot for gourmet burgers and an extensive craft beer list.
- Paesanos: Lively Italian restaurant known for its pizzas, pastas, and salads.
- Sophia’s Thai Kitchen: A local favorite with a beautiful patio and authentic Thai dishes.
A Special Occasion ($$$)
- Seasons Kitchen & Bar: Upscale farm-to-fork dining with a seasonal menu and elegant atmosphere.
- Osteria Fasulo: Authentic, high-end Italian cuisine in a charming, intimate setting.
Insider Tips for Your Davis Day Trip
- Take the Train: We can’t say it enough! The Amtrak Capitol Corridor is the most convenient and stress-free way to visit, dropping you right at the edge of downtown and eliminating all parking worries.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Davis is made for exploring on foot. You’ll be doing a lot of walking between downtown, the campus, and the Arboretum.
- Check the Calendar: Be aware of major university events like Picnic Day (April) and Whole Earth Festival (May). The city becomes extremely crowded, so unless you’re attending the event itself, it’s best to choose another weekend for a casual visit.
- Stay Hydrated: Summers in the Sacramento Valley are hot and dry. Always carry a water bottle, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Respect the Bikes: This is crucial. Bicycles have the right-of-way throughout the city. Always look both ways before crossing streets and bike paths.
Estimated Day Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Item | Cost (Low End) | Cost (High End) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $4.50 (Bus, round-trip) | $40 (Amtrak, round-trip) |
| Food & Drink | $15 (Market snack + water) | $60 (Coffee + mid-range lunch) |
| Activities | $0 (Free attractions) | $25 (Bike rental) |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$20 | ~$125 |
What to Pack for a Day in Davis
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes
- ✅ Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (essential in summer)
- ✅ Reusable water bottle
- ✅ Reusable shopping bag for the farmers market
- ✅ Camera or smartphone to capture the scenery
- ✅ Light jacket or sweater for evenings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to spend a day in Davis?
A perfect day in Davis involves starting at the vibrant Farmers Market (on a Saturday), exploring the unique shops downtown, taking a long, peaceful walk through the UC Davis Arboretum, and visiting the free Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. End your day with a delicious meal at a local restaurant before heading back.
Is Davis worth visiting?
Absolutely. Davis is worth visiting for its unique, laid-back college town atmosphere that feels a world away from the city. Its beautiful arboretum, world-class farmers market, bike-friendly culture, and easy accessibility from Sacramento make it an ideal and relaxing day trip destination.
Is Sacramento named among top 50 travel destinations for 2025 by Travel + Leisure?
Yes, Sacramento was proudly recognized by Travel + Leisure for its incredible food scene, rich history, and growing cultural attractions. This makes it a fantastic home base for exploring the wider region, including nearby gems like Davis.
How do I choose a day trip destination?
The best day trip destinations are easy to get to (ideally under 2 hours), offer a different vibe from your starting point, and have enough attractions to fill a day without being overwhelming. Davis checks all these boxes for a trip from Sacramento, making it a perfect choice.
TL;DR: Your Sacramento to Davis Day Trip in a Nutshell
For a quick, refreshing escape from Sacramento, take the 20-minute train to Davis. Spend your morning at the amazing Saturday Farmers Market, walk the beautiful and free UC Davis Arboretum, browse the downtown shops, and check out the free Manetti Shrem art museum. It’s the perfect walkable, bike-friendly, and relaxing day out.
