Davis is one of the newest cities in California and the United States. That's because present-day Davis was called "Davisville" before 1907. However, going by the numbers, Davis is one of the oldest with a foundation date of 1868. Now, Davis is a bustling place with a population size near 70,000. It is also home to a prominent educational facility, which is the University of California at Davis. With a number of museums, a vibrant arboretum, and a cycling hall of fame, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this progressive California city.
The University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is the largest and most prominent educational institution in Davis. UC Davis is a world-renowned educational institution (ranking #29 in the US) that was established in 1905. The school was initially founded as an agricultural college, but it later expanded to offer many more programs. Today, it offers degrees in medicine, law, education, veterinary medicine, business management, nursing, and more. Of its prestigious schools, one of the top-ranked facilities is the school of veterinary medicine, which is one of the largest in the country and has been ranked as the top veterinary medicine school in the world for four years. Sports are also a big part of the school's identity, and its teams regularly compete in the NCAA Division One group. UC Davis is a public institution that was classified as one of the top five in the country by Times and the Wall Street Journal in 2019.
Places to Visit in Davis
Between the fact that it is a college town and has a generally warm, mild climate, there are many attractions to see in Davis. From man-made establishments to scenic natural areas, you'll find no shortage of quality places to check out in this bustling city.
UC Davis Arboretum
The UC Davis Arboretum covers nearly 100 acres of land. It was established in 1936 and is steeped in history. The arboretum includes a public garden and several demonstration gardens maintained by UC Davis. There are also many special collections in the arboretum showcasing native flora of various ecosystems. The arboretum includes a special riparian reserve (called Putah Creek) that is a living exhibit maintained for research, teaching, and wildlife viewing purposes. Along with its garden exhibits, the arboretum has a series of educational events throughout the year. It also has seasonal plant sales.
ExplorIt Science Center
This educational science center is designed primarily for children. It offers interactive experiences, onsite and offsite school programs, and replica backyard habitats that teach children about the plants and animals they might find on their own properties. The museum holds popular nature bowl quiz events and has an equally popular summer camp program.
United States Bicycling Hall of Fame
One of the most unique attractions in Davis is the US Bicycling Hall of Fame. This exhibit honors the nation's most accomplished cyclists. It also has displays and exhibits showing a timeline of cycling throughout US history. The museum is maintained by a non-profit organization that seeks to promote the sport of cycling and preserve its heritage. Ongoing nominations for induction into the US Bicycling Hall of Fame are accepted in the categories of veteran (which means a cyclist had to ride for 35 years or more prior to nomination) and modern (which requires 5-34 years of riding) for road biking. There is a separate section for off-road cyclists including cyclocross, mountain biking, and BMX. Lastly, there is a "contributor" section that welcomes nominations for any other cycling discipline.
Hattie Weber Museum
The Hattie Weber Museum honors Davis's history with a collection of original documents, artifacts, furniture, apparel, and other antique treasures from the city's early days. The museum has a number of permanent exhibits on display, such as the arrival of the city's railroad, the history of the library in which the museum is housed, the famous Jerome Davis Ranch, and the timeline of native Americans in the city.
With so much to see and do in Davis, it's easy to spend days exploring the city. Perhaps taking the time to visit the UC Davis Arboretum, which is one of the most popular attractions in the city, will inspire you to create a garden or landscaping that is equally colorful and habitat-sensitive. For help planning the perfect property, don't hesitate to contact Lawn Love, your local Davis lawn care specialists.
