Davis is a city in Yolo County, California, with a total area of approximately 10 square meters. Davis is the most populated city in Yolo County with around 70,000 citizens.

Climate

Much as the nearby Sacramento, Davis enjoys dry and hot summers with temperatures ranging from 85 °F to 105 °F. Winters are cool and wet with average temperature of 46 °F in December.

History

Previously the land was inhabited by Patwin Native Americans, who left this area after a disease has sharply diminished their population. The first European settlers arrived here in 1840s and cultivated the rich land. The expansive ranch owned by prominent local farmers Jerome and Mary Davis later developed in what is nowadays the city of Davis. A huge part of this land was bought by California Pacific Railroad in 1860s to build the Southern Pacific Railroad depot built 1868. The Davis Junction allowed to improve transportation, increase railroad activity and thus significantly accelerate city`s development.

Since Davis always was a farming community, it was selected as a place for the University State Farm, which opened its doors to students in 1908.

A devastating fire erupted in Davis in 1916 — because there was no fire department, it was extremely damaging. This motivated a formal incorporation of the city, which could support the functioning of all the necessary city services. Since the university in Davis became the main campus of the University of California in 1962, the city has seen a significant growth in construction and population. However, as the community is getting aware of environmental issues, there are more concern to find a balance between growth and nature preservation.

Interesting facts

• In 2017 Davis has celebrated its big birthday of 100 years.
• Davis has three official symbols:

Highwheel Bicycle is featured in the city`s logo. Davis became the first city in the US to install bicycle lanes. Nowadays 98 percent of the main roads in Davis are bicycle-friendly.

Golden Lupine — a flower native to California — is the official flower of Davis. An original watercolor of a Golden Lupine was donated to the city by a scientific illustrator and artist, Mary Foley Benson, in 1983 and is now displayed at City Hall.

The Davis Song was written in 1987 by Heidi Bekebrede. As the Central Park was renovated in 2013, a mosaic featuring the Davis Song lyrics was installed on the restroom building.

• The lowest temperature of 12 °F was recorded on December 11, 1932.
• The hottest day on record was on July 17, 1925 with 116 °F.
• Apart from the main population, there is student population of around 35,000.
• There are approximately 300 sunny days during the year.

UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is one of the topmost destinations in Davis. This 5300-acres area is managed to demonstrate gardens and scientific collections. Great to enjoy a long peaceful beautiful walk/bike ride and admire wildlife, as many interesting plants and trees.

Farmers Market — a year-round market in downtown Davis — is a place to have your breakfast, buy organic produce or handmade products. It offers such goods as fruits, veggies, bread and baked goods, jams, pastries, food trucks, plants, cut flowers, honey, baskets, etc. In the evening visitors can enjoy live music and alcoholic beverages.

Great Bear Vineyards is a breathtaking boutique winery offering premium wine tastings in beautiful surroundings on the edge of Davis. This place has a very special, homey atmosphere and is a perfect place to unwind and relax. Great Bear Vineyards can host wine tasting and parties for groups of 10 and more.

Davis Campus of the University of California houses several museums, gaming areas, eateries and food trucks, coffee shops, student farm and seasonal farmers market and more places worth a visit.

Davis Greenbelt is a hiking trail offering lighted paved and non-paved paths, where joggers and bikers can go for miles. Great sculptures and amazing art on the way makes Greenbelt especially lovely. Shady sidewalks offer room for strolling, biking, and walking your pet. The paths wind along to Northstar Park where there are benches to rest and playgrounds for young children.

The Artery is an art gallery which offers many unique gifts made by local artists. This display museum includes a wide variety of handmade items for sale ranging from jewelry, pottery, paintings and dishes to wearable art. This place is visited by locals and visitors to buy gifts for special friends or get interesting pieces for one`s own home.

1. The Fourth of July celebration is a community event joined by around 10,000 participants every year. The event features live entertainments, sports and a spectacular firework.
2. Davis Neighbors’ Night Out is conducted every October to encourage people to meet their neighbors. Block parties take place in a common area to create a welcoming atmosphere and bring together residents new and old.
3. Picnic Day is a free community event with many fun activities. Taking place every April, it features The Battle of the Marching Bands, Chemistry Magic Show, Children’s Discovery Fair, Cockroach Races, Student Organization Fair and many more.

Davis is located 11 miles west of Sacramento and 72 miles northeast of San Francisco. Two major freeways, Interstate 80 and California State Route 113, are serving the city. There are several bus services, which provide routes within Davis and charters to neighboring cities. The rail service is jointly operated by Amtrak and the California Department of Transportation.