UC Davis Freshman Drop-off Ideas

I will be attending the UC Davis orientation for national students in September, and my family will stay for a little less than a week afterwards. What are some good vacation/fun things to do in Davis and the surrounding area? I really want to get acquainted with the area. I’m willing to do anything from outdoors stuff to whatever other things. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in Davis, but what are some “must see” attractions, places, etc.? Thanks!

Half an hour away is Fairfield Ca which is home to the Jelly Belly factory and free tours. http://www.jellybelly.com/california-factory-tours
You can also tour the Napa area northwest of the school.
My daughter goes to Woodland which is 15-20 minutes on the 113. There is a Costco there and other big box stores. If you’re into river activities, there are all kinds of things to do in Sacramento.
Lake Tahoe and Yosemite could be day trips.

Thanks for the great ideas! @“aunt bea”

I’ll second Sacramento and Tahoe.Yosemite is stunning but, you’ll want to stay in or near the park. Driving down via 49 through the Gold country and back via Tuolumne Meadows and 395 and Hwy 50 will show you how diverse CA’s countryside really is. (easy to add Tahoe for a second night).

If you do the 395 drive, stop at the Whoa Nellie Deli as you approach Mono Lake, It is in a gas station but the food and views are off the hook.

San Francisco and the Napa/Sonoma valleys are also worth seeing. Maybe Point Reyes and Bodega Bay while you are at.

After seeing all that, they aren’t going to want to leave…

On thing that’s hard to get your mind around, is how huge the state is. From Davis, you can drive 6 hours North or South and 2 hours E and W and still be in CA.