• UC Davis California Raptor Center: An educational centre that rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds of prey found in the surrounding counties. Large displays are present at the facility that allow visitors to see many of the birds up close. [5]

• The UC Davis Arboretum is a 100 acre tract of land running along the banks of the Old North Channel of Putah Creek, on the UC Davis Campus. The arboretum is home to plant species that range from Mediterranean to South African and even includes somewhat smaller examples of California's North Coast Redwoods. It is the main source of horticultural information for inland California[6]. The arboretum is a popular place for Davis students for walk, jog, bike, study, or just relax in the sun.

• Davis has lots and lots of public art all over town. It is difficult to go anywhere or do anything without encountering sculptures, mosaics, paintings, or stenciled designs. An art enthusiast could be kept busy for days.

• Check out the Toad Tunnel, a nationally infamous example of civil engineering gone horribly wrong. Located in southeast Davis near the Post Office and the Sudwerk brewery, the Toad Tunnel was designed to assist the local population of toads cross an I-80 overpass. Arguably, it has caused more problems for the toads than it solved. If you have any friends pursuing degrees in town planning, ask them about Davis' Toad Tunnel.

• Davis Wiki: for more information about what to do and see in Davis, including event listings and reviews of local restaurants. [7]

Car

From the Bay Area you will want to take highway 80 heading to east to Sacramento. From Sacramento take 80 west. The exit to Davis is clearly marked by a large road sign.

Train

There is an Amtrak [1] stop within walking distance of campus, which serves the California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, and Coast Starlight routes. Tickets from the Bay Area cost approximately $30 round trip. If you are flying into San Francisco Amtrak is the best way to get to Davis. From SFO take BART to Richmond. Exit BART and then take the stairs or elevator up to the Amtrak platform. The Richmond station is unstaffed so Amtrak tickets can be purchased on board the train for no additional fee.

Airplane

Although UC Davis has its own (small) airport, it is really only possible to reach Davis by plane through commercial airports. The closest option is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), from which one can then take a shuttle or taxi to Davis. A cheaper alternative is to take Yolobus. For $1.50 the #42 bus will take you to downtown Davis. You can then either utilize Unitrans, the local bus service or take a taxi to your destination. The airport is approximately a 30 minute drive from Davis.

The Oakland (OAK) and San Francisco (SFO) airports are also options for people who wish to visit the Bay Area as well as Davis. If your trip itinerary does not include the Bay Area, however, then SMF is the best option for commercial air travel to Davis. Amtrak trains are available from Oakland and San Francisco.

The Davis Airporter[2] is another option for people flying in commercially. While it provides service to your front door and is available at all hours of the day and night, it is considerably more expensive than public transportation. See also the Yolo Airporter[3] and the Super Shuttle[4].

Davis has the highest per capita number of bikes of any city in the U.S. It's the preferred method of transportation for most students. Unitrans (the local municipal bus system) also runs quite frequently. For undergraduate students riding is free, for everybody else (including graduate students) one journey costs a dollar.

Downtown Davis is also very pedestrian friendly. The UC Davis campus and the heart of the downtown area run alongside one another and it's easy to stroll through both in a couple of hours.

Probably the worst way to experience Davis is by car. The huge numbers of bikers and pedestrians make driving slow and tedious at many times throughout the day.

One thing Davis is not short on is restaurants. Whatever your taste, Davis has a means to at least attempt to satisfy your hunger.

Mexican

• Dos Coyotes Border Cafe, The Marketplace, 1411 W. Covell Boulevard +1 530 753 0922, [10]. A very popular and excellent cafe serving up delicious south-western style cuisine, with inventive specials like corn quesadillas and monstrous salads. Started here in Davis, it's now got several locations in the Sacramento area. A second location in Davis at Oakshade Town Center, 2191 Cowell Blvd.

• Chipotle, 227 E Street, 530-758-3599. Definitely the most mainstream Mexican joint in town, specializing in white rice burritos and soft tacos.

Asian

• Kabul Afghan Cuisine, 707 2nd Street, 530-756-0666, [11], [12]. Afghan cuisine including some vegetarian items. Has a delicious all-you-can-eat lunchtime buffet.