The U.C. Davis Arboretum sprawls across 100 acres along a gentle creek, with 18 distinct planting areas that shift dramatically from season to season. In spring you’ll see everything blooming at once; by fall the Japanese maples take over the show. It’s genuinely worth visiting multiple times a year just to see how different it looks.

The main draw here is the 3.5-mile paved trail that loops through the gardens. It’s flat, wide enough that dogs and cyclists don’t feel cramped together, and lined with massive shade trees that make afternoon walks actually comfortable instead of exhausting. You’ll pass through sections of native plants, Mediterranean species, and collections from around the world. There are scattered picnic areas and benches if you want to sit for a while, though honestly the trail moves through so many different environments that you probably won’t want to stop until you’ve done a full loop.

Dogs need to be leashed, which is pretty standard for a place this manicured. The arboretum takes maintenance seriously—you’ll notice the grounds are well-kept without feeling overdone. Bring waste bags because the staff definitely notices when people don’t clean up.

Admission is free, and there’s free parking on weekends. Weekday parking costs a small fee, though visitor lots are usually easy to find. The arboretum is technically open daily, but if you’re planning a specific visit, the website has updated hours since campus schedules shift with the academic calendar.

Visitor Lot 47 near the Mondavi Center is the easiest entry point if you’re not familiar with the U.C. Davis campus. From there it’s a short walk to the main trail entrance. The gardens stay open year-round, so even in winter when the big deciduous trees are bare, the evergreens and structure of the planted areas give you plenty to walk through.