City of Davis
The City of Davis is a university town, with a small-town feel. The 2000 census estimated the city's population to be 60,308. Davis was founded in 1868 by Jerome Davis as an agricultural community. The University, in fact, began as the "university farm school" of UC Berkeley. Today Davis is known worldwide for its contributions to the biotechnology, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and medicine. Perhaps more than anything else, the City of Davis is known for the progressive attitudes of its citizens. This is a "green community" dedicated to the conservation of energy, the preservation of wildlife, and protection of its natural surroundings. Its Farmers Market is open twice a week and offers Davisites the opportunity to purchase fresh produce (including organically grown fruits and vegetables) directly from the grower.
The city has 31 parks (521 acres), 22 miles of greenbelts, other reserved open space, and bike lanes galore! Nature lovers will especially appreciate the UC Davis Arboretum, which is a living museum and outdoor classroom that can boost of over 4000 different kinds of trees and plants from all over the world. The arboretum lies on 100 acres along the banks of Putah Creek's north channel. Downtown Davis is a vibrant area day and night, with many small shops, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and movie theatres. Davis is in Yolo Country, 11 miles west of the State capitol of Sacramento and 72 miles northeast of San Francisco. The city is in California's famed Central Valley, with the Downtown Davis, adjacent to campus, is a vibrant and healthy business district populated with many small, independently owned stores, restaurants, cafes, and other diversions.Sierra Nevada Mountain range to the east and the Coastal Range to the west.
Students seeking a break from their studies can drive easily to the gold country, Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, countless beaches, and the state's famed redwood forests.