UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden Reviews

What a beautiful place. There are so many lovely specimens. The plants are well loved and taken care of. Definitely worth going to visit.

One can do a 4 mile loop around the ponds/stream, partially paved partially unpaved, largely shady Very nice in spring when the redbuds are out. There is a dedicated oak grove with inlaid pottery-style exhibits and signs. Different sections focus on different plant types, e.g. southwest, redwoods.

Visited these in the summer (before all the students were back). These were lovely peaceful gardens with a range of interesting wildlife.

One of my favorite places to go for a stroll when in Davis. You can see all sorts of plants and animals, ducks, even turtles! family friendly and lots of kids around. Highly recommend if you are stopped by Davis!

The arboretum is a real treasure in almost any month. A lovely stroll true different world zones while taking in the buzz of UCD life.

We visited the Arboretum on back to back days, strolling the pathways and admiring wildlife (ducks and turtles) and lots and lots of trees. There are redwood groves, as well as Mediterranean, South American and Australian gardens/trees. Also recognition of Native American plants and some history of their role in the area. Well worth a visit or two. The walk around the Arboretum is about 3.5 miles. Restrooms are available if you look closely.

The arboretum is one Davis's treasures. It's great to walk in a group or by yourself. I happen to enjoy taking it with my brother and his dog. There are a variety of routes to take and plenty of amenities (especially benches, water fountains and bathrooms).

This long, linear arboretum that runs along both sides of Putah Creek, is absolutely a fantastic gem in UC Davis' crown. On each side of the creek runs pathways that wind in and out of trees and shrubs that have been brought from all over (thus causing allergic reactions at almost anytime of the year - none of which both me, however!!;-)). There are small rises and falls in elevation, and much of the summer there may be water in the creek, but it is fairly still water. But the birds are singing (or squawking, depending...), the sky is usually blue if there is no upwing fire, and you feel like you are not in an urban-like university campus that have many tens of thousands of students attending. If you are on foot, either running or walking, the only real hazard you have are dilettante freshmen who have no idea how to ride a bike, and 'accidently' plow in to you. Therefore, you are in danger of life and limb, or at least appendage, from these suicide riders that appear intent on taking out as many foot-people as possible before running into a tree, bridge abutment or car (at the odd road crossing).

Still, it is a beautiful place, and where you can go with your darlin' for a little nooky.

Arboretum is a very peaceful place to walk, run, picnic at all times of the year! I would highly recommend everyone to experience this place.

excellent place for a walk but go during the morning because after lunch is really hot and have a lot of bugs

Whether your in Davis for business, school or pleasure - this walking path is beautiful and is lined with many different 0lants & trees. The wild turkeys hanging out were a bonus.

What a wonderful place for a walk down by the small winding stream in the big redwood trees were planted in 1942. A wonderful atmosphere just off the campus of UC Davis.

Probably my favorite place at Davis....Ride a bike or go for a walk trought arboretum forest it`s like a dream...

The UC Davis Arboretum is tucked along the banks of a branch of Putah Creek on the South side of the sprawling Davis campus. collections of trees, bushes, shrubs, and other flora from all over the world are on display, with handy signs to identify what you see sprinkled around. The large collection features California natives, a lot of Australian trees and plants, and an eclectic mixture of other sources. The combination of trees and creek makes this a delightful location to beat the heat in summer, and something always seems to be blooming all year round. Kids can run around, dogs on leashes abound, and it's a great place for a family break if you're visiting davis.

I love the Arboretum. It's a great place to get a nice walk in whether the sun is out or its raining. It's a secret spot that's used by a lot of the locals. Come discover our secret!

The Arboretum is an old Davis standby. It gets its charm from its enormous selection of native and non-native plants growing alongside walking paths. Where it falls flat is the persistent green algal scum floating on ad near the surface of the old Putah Creek channel. About 100 years ago Putah Creek was moved from its original channel through what is now the Arboretum to its current location about 1 mile south. The stagnant remnant was supposed to provide a water feature for the edge of campus, but fails enormously. If you want to see plants, go to the west end of the Arboretum and skip the walk through it, unless you like green water.

The University really spruced up the Arboretum in rence years, cleaning up the water and adding a series of interpretive signs. It is so much better than a few years ago.

The only thing of note here is the university and I think the best attraction is this garden. They’ve really stepped it up in the last few decades to make it more scenic and visually interesting. Great rest stop when traveling the region.

Lovely trees, plants and some interesting birds. Very busy on a Saturday morning, but not a problem as people are polite on this multi-use path.

More of a park than a real arboretum, but a very pleasant place for a walk or a picnic. Parking seemed a bit complicated.

Even though it was cold, windy and rainy we still had a great time dodging the ran drops and rain puddles! Beautiful gardens in the middle of winter and I can only assume they would be breathtaking when in bloom!

This is a great place to relax (and bike through) with a family. We had bicycles & strollers & absolutely loved it. Ducks, water, bike paths, trees...what more could you ask for?

My spouse and I have been here many times now, as we travel from the Bay Area to visit family in Sacramento several times a year. We often stop to take a leisurely, peaceful, beautiful walk along this incredible waterway in Davis (just off the freeway too!)

When family came to visit, we picked up members individual choices at Whole Foods and walked into the Redwoods to picnic at tables under the trees. A memorable time for
all

After a long weekend being around a big group of people it was like heaven to take a brisk walk in the fresh spring air. The beautiful arboretum is a welcome respite from the busy weekend of shopping and socializing. This place is such a gift and I try to visit even for just a moment each time I’m at uc Davis. Hundred year old trees, dozens of species and an array of local wildlife are just a sample of what you’ll see when you visit. The calming running water and the silly duck pairs make for a perfect retreat to find your center, exercise or meditate. It is a safe place for a solitary walk or run and the terrain isn’t too difficult for a family with small children or even a stroller or baby pack. A must see/do anytime you visit Davis.

Some lovely views and an amazing variety of plants and trees, especially oaks, many with identification plaques. The demonstration garden is beautiful any time of year and is an inspiration for any gardener. Great for the whole family, including the dog (on a leash). A number of places to picnic.

This is our weekly serenity sustenance. The Arboretum is our favorite place in Davis. We take a hour-long walk here every week, then go nearby for the food/drink type of sustenance. Don't miss it!

Something about the Arboretum lends itself to peacefulness. It must be all the different flora- trees & shrubs & flowers- some reflecting on the water - that encourage a meditative and happy stroll along its paths. And being right in town, it's practically in our hotel's backyard! How lovely to take a break here after dining or shopping...

A very mellow place to take a walk and stretch your legs.
Lots of interesting plants from California including a grove of redwoods.

I'm visiting my daughter who's a student at UC Davis. She recommended trying the Arboretum trail, knowing I love walks. The trail is beautiful. It's three, roughly 1-mile loops, which follow along a stream. There's a huge variety of plants, shrubs, and trees, many of which are labeled. Also, some educational museum-style displays. The walk was not crowded, and quiet. The main trail is paved, though there are some dirt paths you can take to see even more plants. If you're in the area, I highly recommend a visit.

It's a great place for nature lovers, peace-and-quiet seekers, or those that just want to take a nice walk. In the spring there are usually ducklings in the creek, which I love. In spring and summer, you can usually catch turtle sunning themselves on the edges of the creek. There's also plenty of shade in the warmer months.

A quiet and partially shady loop path that offers examples of many species of indigenous and imported flowers and trees, dotted with sights and sounds of birds. In a two-hour walk, we saw blooming oleander trees, yellow-bells and primroses, purple cape leadworts, white thorn-apples, and huge oak trees of many sub-species. Smelled the fragrant clematis. Heard aggressive scrub-jays cackling and multi-rhythmed mockingbird songs. Spotted white egret catching prey, dashing swallows chasing flies, and busy squirrels cracking acorns.

Stopped on a "whim" to see arboretum and was totally closed for construction. Our fault. Should always call first to see if attractions are "open".

I walk around the UCD Arboretum (3.5 miles) several times a month, weather permitting. You can pick up something to eat at Whole Foods and walk through the Shovel Gateway to the Redwood Grove where there are picnic tables. You won’t be lonely. Wildlife abounds: squirrels, ducks, geese, egrets, fish, turtles, frogs, otters, and other critters. You will also see lots of people walking their dogs or riding their bicycles or sitting on benches and meditating, studying, or just enjoying the view. Artwork is everywhere. Even restroom exterior walls are covered with mosaic tile depictions of various plants with botanical names. One of my favorite stops is the gazebo next to the White Flower Garden. Along the way, you may see a wedding or other celebration at the Putah Creek Lodge, and musicians sometimes practice at the Wyatt Deck. It’s very educational. Plants are labeled and information is posted along the main path. I recommend that you check the Arboretum website before visiting for information on tours, plant sales, and other events.

We only had time to explored a part of the Arboretum. Peaceful with plant groupings from many ecosystems. Good signage explaining plants, wildlife.

This was a nice surprise for a morning walk. The plants are labeled and given the recent rains, there was actually water in the pond/creek. Very lovely.

Quiet, expansive, beautiful - the Arboretum is one of Davis' best walking areas, ideal for dates, family outings, and solitary contemplation. The landscape is varied enough to remain interesting, but it is not so big as to be unmanageable. Absolutely worth a visit if in Davis.

My most recent visit to the furthest Western end brought a surprise of colorful educational playful ceramics, including the outer walls of the rest room.

This is a long time project from around the 1930s till today with trees and plants from around California and the world. There are plaques describing the various plants. The water is somewhat stagnant, prone to excessive algae. They have some airation, but it's not enough. The right solution would be a pump and large tube that takes water from one end of the water to the other to keep water moving.

Still, a great walk for exercise, and a wonderful place to take visitors.

Such a great place to unwind. Coastal redwoods. Chinese garden. Native plantings. And all picture perfect.

a pleasant stroll.
Visiting a friend who lives within a block of the Arboretum.
We walked about 45 minutes, but didn't do the whole thing.
Different areas -- like a redwood grove. Plants are labeled for the inquisitive. A stream runs through it, and at one point there's a small lagoon. Ducks and turtles populate the stream.

A nice walk.

There is just about every native plant in California located in this 3.5 mile loop. There is a paved path around the entire arboretum with a few Decomposed Granite paths if you want to get a little closer to the water. My favorite place is on the west end and the Shields Oak grove. I walk my dog there every Sunday and it is a favorite place for photographers for wedding, engagement, baby and a host of other special events that need a perfect backdrop for that special photo.

Beautiful path alomg the Puthah Creek, very well taken care of, with shady areas, magnificent trees, and tranquil atmoshphere

I visited this peaceful place many times during my visit in Davis in April 2012. My daughter studied law at UC for 4 months, which was the main purpose of my visit. It was such a beautiful season with the flora in full bloom. We had our daily walk here, and we also loved to stroll around The Native American Contemplative Garden which sits on the bank of the historic Putah Creek channel and within the UC Davis Arboretum, a living museum with 100 acres of gardens and plant collections known internationally as scientific and horticultural resources. We were very lucky to get so many fantastic photos of the beautiful hummingbirds.

I can highly recommend this wonderful and peaceful garden.

This is a wonderful place to walk and very peaceful providing there are no boomboxes blaring - we have experienced it both ways. Try to go early in the morning when it is not so busy.

I have visited the arboretum several times on trips to this area. My recent visit - the first time in December - was very pleasant. You can walk along Putah Creek and see egrets and ducks and enjoy wonderful trees and plantings. Depending on the time of year, many flowers and flowering shrubs and trees will be in bloom (not so much in December). The creek in part of the arboretum has been refurbished since I was last there, making it even more beautiful. I would recommend visiting if you are in Davis and would like to take a pleasant and peaceful walk. The entire circuit is about 6 miles but you don't have to do the entire walk.

It was a nice place for an early morning jog. There was a homeless encampment at one end of it, but they didn't harass me at 7:30 AM.

The Arboretum is actually a long "riverwalk" along the main canal that skirts the UC Davis campus. The canal opens onto a pond, with water birds and many types of plants. As one walks, the plants and their annotated signs tell the story of California's flora. Also included are plants from regions in Australia, Africa and Asia. You can complete your visit with fro-yo or a snack at one of the many small shops at the Whole Foods Mall
The structure at the downtown end of the walk tells it all - many shovel heads welded together to create an arch that describes the entrance. Generations of farmers, gardeners and nature lovers have created this lovely place.

A perfect place to enjoy a break from the summer heat, to walk away from the crowds of the city center, or to take a run. It is definitely worth taking a side trip and spending time exploring.

The Davis Arboretum is a wonderful getaway right on campus for anyone. It offers a nice peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of campus. There are picnic tables, a small lake, bridges, resident ducks , geese, egrets and turtles. There are redwood trees, a section of native plants from Australia and New Zealand, many native North and South American species as well as Asiatic. Many of the trees and shrubs are labeled. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to walk, jog or bike or have a picnic. The entire loop is just under 3 miles.

We loved visiting the arboretum. I went to go for my morning run, and the boys in my family explored the plants. It was beautiful and quiet. The trail is paved, but it was pretty bumpy. My one-year-old didn't sleep in the stroller during my run, but she also didn't cry. Not a deal-breaker, and the scenery was perfect. We even saw some turkeys!

My daughter and I really enjoyed our rather short walk - due to time. We saw egrets , terrapins, ducklings and a snake. Don't miss the moonlight garden. Go early when when the weather is cool.

What a great resource for locals .

Picnic tables are available in some
Places. Many benches to sit.

I have not been able to find any information about the Putah creek Arboretum with any detail to know what are the species, what is the total length of the bike paths etc etc.

Our dog has been in the UC Davis Veterinary Hospital here and we have been staying in Davis during that time. We have walked through the Arboretum several times when the sun has been out and we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent outside. There is a great variety of plantings and there is a naturalness about the gardens that make them very welcoming. We plan to return.

Great place to walk, stroll or bicycle! It's a several mile loop that includes a redwood forest, cacti garden, Putah Creek and two large "lakes"/"ponds," ducks, turtles, egrets, blue herons, squirrels, the all white flower Shields gazebo garden, the Ruth Storer Garden, wildflowers, many CA native trees and bushes, and a large oak grove (about 100 trees) that has beautiful, large and colorful ceramic signs made by UCD students. There are several large areas at the arboretum to also fly a kite when the wind is right!

From California Redwoods to Southwestern Cactus gardens, the arboretum has a plethora of diverse plants. The trail can lead you from the downtown Davis area to the Equestrian Center of the University of California, Davis. One walks along Putah Creek that occasionally widens to small lakes. Educational signage along the 5 mile asphalt trail explains the plants and gardens. Accessible to all, walkers, bikers, runners and wheelchairs.

Lovely and peaceful walk. Sculptures and information about the plants. Great for family, friends, couples, pets, photography, sketching etc.

I'm new to town so a friend suggested we walk at the arboretum. It was lovely. In addition to being quiet and scenic, many of the plants are labeled and reflect various landscapes. I plan to come back again and take notes regarding plants I like that will go well in my water-wise front and back yard landscapes to be.

They recently did some reconstruction and it’s an even more beautiful place to walk… Some wonderful specimens of trees… See the beautiful ducks…
Never crowded… Benches to sit on… Perfect place to meditate

Wow, what a awesome place for a peaceful walk, run or bike ride. Tons of flora and flauna from all over the world are here and tree's are everywhere. Take a walk, learn about trees, shrubs, flowers along the way, enjoy beautiful art work and murals

Great place to walk or ride your bike and enjoy the outdoors and the freest Davis weather. Wear comfortable shoes.

Park in downtown or whole foods and go for a walk here. its very pleasant and safe.

There's little parks on the way that give you information about the trees, there are lots of benches. Its also a good way to see the builds at the university and see the students.

Best place to take a walk, run or bicycle ride during the day most anytime of the year. It is enjoyable to watch the growth of the ducklings, see the otters fish, and identify all the flowers, plants and trees as the seasons change.

A strip of nature following a creek about a mile long. Lots of ducks and various trees. Also has a big grass area

Nice place to walk. Easy path with lots to see and read.

Take a couple of hours and walk along both sides of the creek, read the signs and enjoy the ducks.

Arboretum - a place to learn about plants. This artifact has been an attraction for many years in Davis, CA. UCD (University of CA at Davis) began as an agricultural school dedicated to research and improving agriculture in CA and world-wide. UCD's research and professor's/staf'f's sabbaticals have had world-wide impact on agriculture and I am sure many other fields. The arboretum is a gift to the community that wants to learn about the indigenous plants of our environment and the plants that have been brought here from many places around the world.

I've been going to the arboretum for many years, since my time as a student there 30 years ago!! The great thing about the arboretum is that you can experience as little or as much of it as you have time or a desire for. We usually begin the path near the Whole Foods parking lot, and walk all the way around to the end of the waterway and then back.
There are quite a few water birds that live here, in addition to a large family of turtles (they look like red-eared sliders to me). I love seeing them sunning themselves on a log or on the bank.
Sections of the arboretum have different themes of plants and all are maintained beautifully. There are trees and bushes of all kinds. The paths are mostly decomposed granite and appear to be wheelchair friendly, although some parts are dirt or cross under roads, and wouldn't be as easy in a wheelchair.
Currently, in August of 2016, the upper half of the waterway is empty as upgrades are being done, apparently adding a weir so that there is more movement of water. The water usually has a bright green sheet of what I think is algae of some kind, which is apparently a normal part of a healthy pond environment. However, I believe the upgrades are meant to reduce this.
The walk is still peaceful and beautiful even with the upper half of the waterway being dry at this time.
It's a great place to go for a respite. Enjoy!

When I attended UCDavis, this was my favorite spot on campus. Now, I make a point to go back and visit it when I can -- still a beautiful walk! Love the redwoods, the pond/stream, and some of the lovely curved pedestrian bridges. Definitely a nice spot for a stroll or a picnic!

If you are in Davis, Ca near the university and want a place to picnic, then head on over to the Arboretum. It has grass and large trees and the ducks are friendly.

It takes a little effort to find this oasis of green in the UCD campus. It runs the length of campus but you wil likely need to ask directions to find the entry points. It is a small creek which looks scary if you try to get too close to the water. Stay focused on the plants and you will appreciate the representation of different Eco systems. This a great place for a romantic stroll or keeping the little ones busy.

What a fun place. Yes, it is green with algae, and it's really a pond, but that is okay. It still is fun to walk along it, see the carp and turtles, river otter, and ducks. There are lizards that run around in the shrubbery, along with squirrels. It is a really fun spot. Don't forget to walk over into the Oak part of the arboretum and see the really nice markers for all of the trees and habitats. Take a snack or two along and sit on the benches.

This is a great place to see a large verity of plants. There are maps of the Arboretum at both ends. One end is located behind Whole Foods grocery store where the new entrance arch made from garden tools, shovels & rakes. you can walk on either side of the creek. Most trees and plants are arranged by collections (Australian, north coast, desert, east Asian, etc. One of my favorite is the Red Wood grove and the Oak grove. There are also lots of birds to see and duck in the creek all year. The spring is probably one of the best times to visit.

Wonderful park.
Full of nature with signs teaching what all the plant life and trees are called and from.
Great for hiking, talking a walk, or biking.
Thanks Davis.

This was my first trip to the UC Davis Arboretum. It is a very good place to learn about plants and flowers, or, just have a cup of coffee while enjoying a good book.

For an area of flowers, lawn and green shrubs you would never know that there was a 5 year drought in Davis or know that their are watering restrictions for all residences. The city greenbelts are green and lush while the residences lawns and trees are dying. So much for 'public' responsibllity

Went for a long walk with some of our friends. It's a beautiful place and if it wasn't for all the building going on it would be very tranquil. There were hundreds of turtles in the canal, which was a hit for the kids and at the southern end a big grassy area to hang out. I missed some public bathrooms ad a cafe, but the nature experience so close to downtown Davis was great. Big trees makes sure that you walk in the shade and can take the time to read the signs of all the different trees and plants.

A great relaxing place place to walk or to ride a bike. Has collection of plants from different plant habitats.

This is a beautiful place for a good walk, and great pictures, this is near UC DAVIS. I had a great time.

Our group gathered for a little bit of fellowship and enjoyed the grounds. The dogs romped and we kicked the soccer ball around. Makes the word family stand out strong with me. The Weather man knew we were coming as well to smile on us. Thanks Davis for a great day.

Delightful and a must-see if you wish to relax in Davis. Peaceful and well-designed to clearly educate along well-marked walking paths. Beautiful flowering plants and trees with many spots to sit and enjoy.

From the red wood grove to all the nicely marked flora and fauna, this is a well-kept and maintained Arboretum. We try to fit in a walk every time we go out to Davis, CA to visit our kids. Whether you want a short walk - or long, you will be impressed.

We visit the Arboretum most Saturdays we are in town. The walk around each of the venues takes about one hour and is pleasant in any season. We follow the walk with breakfast in a Davis eatery and a visit to the Davis Farmer's Market, one of the best in the area. The Arboretum is also a learning venue, with may placards distributed around the various gardens of the world offering key information about the plants and trees.

Who does not like a peaceful, flat walk along a gentle river? A gorgeous part of a lovely campus. Well signed and such an interesting variety of trees.

Loved the long, peaceful, beautiful walk. The trails are flat and well kept, clean and orderly. Multiple different gardens. Lots of signage, including educational material.

A refreshing place indeed!! If you want peace and relax this is the place. Full of greenery. There are redwood trees, a section of native plants from Australia and New Zealand, many native North and South American species as well as Asiatic. Lot of information available on the placards placed in all sections. A trail loop of around 3 miles. One can have a view of the UC Davis campus and the famous Mandovi Centre in the way.

The water in the old Putah Creek is greenish due to green algal scum floating on it. You can sit near the lake Spafford in the centre of the Arboretum or sit in the hidden seats placed in between the trees.

Nice place to relax, picnic or have fun.

gorgeous outdoor venue, with educational signs to teach you about the different flora and ecosystems. great place for a walk, picnic, bike ride. great for families or even a romantic stroll. spring is especially stunning. people get married here, it is that lovely. once you reach the moon garden there is a public washroom. often see baby ducks in the waterway. very cute.

Visiting this Arboretum at UC Davis was a real joy and treat for all senses. The wide variety of shrubs, trees and flowers from all over the world are well worth a visit. Our PVE Garden Club took many new ideas home to apply to our own gardens. The many ceramic sculptures were colorful and added to the pleasure.

The arboretum has a broad collection of trees and plants. Putah Creek runs through the arboretum and a dam creates a pond, which attracts many different birds. Paved paths are also good for biking. A bridge and some small hills add variety to a walk. There is an oak grove and the Shields Garden, featuring white flowers and a gazebo. A nice spot for a picnic.

wonderfull microclimates and vistas. by foot or on your bike, you can spend hours walking, sitting or contemplating in this jewel

The Davis Arboretum has several different sections and many places to sit and rest/ponder nature/study. There are many informative signs and it is fairly well mantained. There are a few patches of asphalt that should be re-paved, but most of it is very walkable. There are sections for conifers, coastal redwoods, native California speces, acacias, and several other sections. Beautiful place to explore.

The UC Davis Arboretum is a marvelous place to spend time - seeing the wonderful array of plants. No matter the season, there is always something in bloom. It's a beautiful place to enjoy a quiet walk or run, great for young children, and an educational experience to see plants from around the world. It is truly a treasure for our community.

People can walk or bike through this lovely area to get away from the heat and their daily toil. Great for relaxation !

Make the whole loop! Downtown Davis is adjacent to the newly refurbished east end, so make a day of it with dinner or lunch, shopping and other activities.

I take this path every day. I love it. You can see a lot of wildlife (ducks, turtles, birds, raccoon, outers...)

Nice place to hang. Although UCD is working on natural filteration for the pond, so lots of yucky looking water.

I have walked around the arboretum a few times while in Davis, it is very beautiful! We always see ducks or turkeys and sometimes little rabbits roaming the fields.

Living in Davis, it's sometimes easy to take te UCD amenities for granted, yet if you remember them, especially the UC Davis Arboretum, it can seem like going on a wonderful day trip out of town without leaving town.
The Arboretum is the place to enjoy all the beauty Davis offers, in beautiful garden plantings, Putah Creek running through, and many walkways to explore.
It begins behind the small shopping center, then winds it way through many long pathways, passing adjacent to the Mondovi Center, and behind the Law School building to the Putah Creek Lodge.
There are various geographical plantings that offer a world flavor to your walk. If you keep going past the Lodge, you will get to the Gazebo and "white garden", where plantings are planned to glow in the moonlight.
At the end of the Arboretum, there's also a wonderful educational native plant garden section where one can wander and assess what plants might work in your own local garden.
There's also a great lawn area in the interior of the main pathways that makes a good picnic spot or just to take in a moment of all the flora and fauna surrounding you.
Enjoy a great day out anytime of year at the UCD Arboretum.

We enjoy spending time in the arboretum, and particularly enjoy the areas that focus on different locations. Our favorite is the redwood area....it does provide a challenge for the groundskeepers to keep these mammoth trees appropriately watered, though. One thing that makes it less than desirable, at least in the hot summer months, is the stagnant Putah "Creek". The University has tried different things to keep this area aerated, but despite their efforts it still produces quite an odor on hot days when the water is low. Depsite that, I enjoy biking through here almost every morning.

The entire loop is 3 1/2 miles. You will encounter many different species of plants and trees, squirrels, a few ducks and even pass by some horses. So much better than walking on a treadmill at the gym! Rain or shine, it's a wonderful place to enjoy a run or walk.

We spent four days at UC Davis attending a course, and every day we walked to the campus location by traversing through the arboretum. This linear park-like setting on both sides of a creek is filled with the history of UC Davis' plant biology experiments and cultivars. From every type of pine to a section on native plants worthy of using in drought-tolerant gardens, this place offers the opportunity for calming and contemplative walks. There is an especially lovely section on one side dedicated to the Patwin indigenous culture that once inhabited the area.

Great walk along the stream. The flowers and trees are varied and colorful. Early morning birds sing beautifully.

A serene oasis just steps from university hubbub. Really good for seeing what plants grow well in our area

We are members so we go to get the 10% discount and support the program. Staff and volunteers are very helpful but their expertise will vary significantly. Each of the staff has their expertise and some volunteers are clueless (which is okay as they help with other things). You have to find staff or a volunteer with the right expertise. Volunteers can help you find things but knowledge of the plants may be a bit weak (realize they are NOT experts but appreciated).

Volunteers will help carry/transport your purchases to your car.

A well organized check out system

We go every time they have the open house/public/member sales to pick up a couple of items. If you are looking for those great sales, not the place to go. If you are looking for local plants and want to support the program, come on down!

New Members (annual fee) get a free plant!

We finished a sumptuous brunch at the farmers market then enjoyed a walk to campus via the arboretum. There was even a band playing at one of the larger openings along the way.

You can begin the loop walk from the Whole Foods parking lot in town at the cool arch made of shovels, or if time is limited, park on campus near the Vet school. The arboretum plant collections are imoressive. My favorite section is the Oak Grove and the nearby ceramic murals. All with no admission fee!

Absolutely wonderfully beautiful. I recommend doing it half at a time if it's your first time though. It's deceivingly long. Worth it though. Any time of the year.

Beauty and quiet. Enjoy the variety of plant life as you walk or bike along the creek. I love walking my dogs, and enjoying the changing seasons.

Some of it is under construction but it is still so beautiful and serene and peaceful here. If in Davis, it's definitely worth a wonderful stroll along the water.

What a quiet spot on the edge of campus! The restoration work has really improved the entire pond/water area, and the vegetation is coming back. So many places to walk, watch turtles, birds, and other animals. The walks in the oak grove and other parts of the arboretum are also especially nice.The hardest part is finding a parking place, but it's worth the extra effort!

The paths along the creek and winding throughout the arboretum are well maintained and lined with trees, shrubs, and natural plants many with labels. Entering on the west side via Hutchison exit off 113 turn right on LaRue and right on Garrod. Parking lots are free on the weekends. Be sure to view the exterior of the bathroom structure on this end of the arboretum as it is a work of art.

On this end there are are large open expanses where toddlers can run without fear of falling into the creek. As you walk east towards town the site narrows and there are layers of paths--high road and low road options. There are no more large open expanses until you reach an area of lawn next to the creek on the north side trail.

We walked into town and had lunch. Davis has multiple places to eat. After lunch we viewed the art work lining the lobby walls at Hallmark Inn. Then we returned to the Arboretum paths and sauntered back to our cars. It was almost spring and many shrubs were already blooming. It was a very pleasant 4 hours and I plan to go again in a different season to see other blooming plants.

At this time (March 2017) there is renovation along part of the creek but this did not impact our visit.

This is an absolutely beautiful place to take a stroll. There are plants, shrubs, trees, etc. from around the world with wonderful informational signs about this flora. The path easily accommodates both pedestrians and bicyclists because, of course, this is Davis.

Arboretum is so well done. Very quiet and pretty place to take a walk or ride a bike. Nice place to sit back and take in local fauna and flora!

About a 3 mile walk. There are plants from all over the world, trees planted perhaps
40 years ago. There are signs explaining the fauna. And, there's a long pond with all kinds
of wild life. Very pleasent. Minus one star because the water isn't moving. Davis needs to
set up some kind of circulation system.

The slightly hilly, twisty, winding paths that run along each side of Putah creek and make up UCD's arboretum, is the perfect place for lovers to stroll and learn about plants and tree indigenous to the area and beyond. What I loved about the peaceful walk is that it was secluded but not (you could hear vehicles on I80 if you listened hard enough). The downtown, with hundreds of shops and restos is a short walk from the entrance of the arboretum. I liked too that the self-guided walk is free and perfect for kisses and cuddles in "nature" before turning back and having drinks and dinner downtown. Davis is made for walkers and bikers and a couple can spend several romantic hours there and not spend a ton of money.

A beautiful oasis of tranquillity that should not be missed if you visit this lovely town. There are places to sit if you want to soak up the atmosphere.

A beautiful stroll along a river with local plants clearly identified.
Great suggestions for gardens and drought resistant plantings

I love natural displays that also have signs describing the plantings and their relationship to the local environment. The Davis arboretum does a nice job of placing just enough but not too many descriptive signs. Well worth the visit.

What a lovely spot to bike through. Whatever you do, don't miss the redwood grove. Maybe you'll get lucky and see a beautiful snowy egret too!

Best place in Davis besides the Farmers Market to take family or friends for a leisurely walk. There are interesting plants, turtles, ducks and others critters along the winding creek. Only downside is the stagnent water.

Nice place to take a stroll through some beautiful and peaceful gardens. Many interesting plants to admire and places to stop along the way and enjoy the beauty.

Whenever I have someone visiting, we walk the arboretum. Whenever I need peace, I walk the arboretum. It is lovely every season, and we are lucky to have it in our backyard.

This stroll is a wonderful place to walk, bike or stroll with a friend or alone any time of the year. Meet a friend, eat lunch by the water, or people watch...

this is a lovely walk with a variety of areas and plants, enjoyed the walk through the redwoods. I had not been here for 45 years when I went to UCD for college - what a huge change in the arboretum!

.... but you do have to dodge runners and bikers. It is lovely at every time of the year but the shade and green is especially during hot Davis summers.

The red woods are so beautiful . A well done effort something to get lost in for hours at end . The lake area and they walk with all the placards to read are enjoyable

The UC Davis Arboretum has come a long way since I got to Davis in the 1970's. Lots of improvements. Go there for a walk, a picnic or to learn about plants that grow in the area. There are also nice art installations. The only downside right now is that they are dredging Putah Creek, so parts are closed and most of the creek is dry and not very pleasant to look at. Once that is finished however I highly recommend a stroll through the Arboretum.

Great place to stroll through campus. Beautiful in Spring and late Fall. Educational displays throughout guide you into native plants, while the calm atmosphere allows you to contemplate and rest.

It's a lovely place for jogging, for a walk, or just to sit and relax. You may observe ducks in a small stream, squirrels and birds, enjoy flowers. It is a very calm and peaceful place.

I took a stroll through the Arboretum to waste some time after checking out of my hotel and picking up my dog from the Davis Small Animal hospital. It was very enjoyable and relaxing just strolling along the walk.

From lovely walks to family activities, a visit to the UC Davis Arboretum has something for everyone. Check it out online to learn more about the variety of plants that grow in a Mediterranean climate, find activities from flute making to Shakespere performances to the location of group musical events. Stay short or long, you will spend quality time alone or with friends and family.

Beautiful walk, clean air, amazing plants with most identified so you know what you are looking at. I live in Davis and love to walk this area year round. The whole thing takes about an hour if your are walking at a decent pace. I've seen turtles, herons, cranes, an otter or two, hawks and once - a fox.

Visit the UC Davis if you have a chance for a peaceful stroll through many different types of plants and trees. The redwood grove is a particular treat, and there are also spaces with California native plans, acacia trees and flora from Australia. Water flows through the whole arboretum, and you will also see a lot of mallards and other birds. A true delight!

Don't miss this little gem on the U.C. campus. Lots of interesting plants, trees, and wildlife. There is a beautiful mosaic along the pathway! It can be a little sketchy at night though, so best to go during the day.

such a great place to go for a run or a walk, it is so peaceful and there is a lot to see from the birds to the turtal's

We come to the Arboretum often and have for years. It is near two freeways, and parking is free on the week-ends. The whole Arboretum paved path system is about 3.5 miles. It is accessible by anyone mobile, and you can walk/bike/run a little bit or a lot. You can sit on benches at various places and just enjoy the day. The west end is near the Shields Oak Grove, Gazebo, and White Garden. (You can also see horses in a couple of pastures.) The middle is near the horse barn and Mondavi Center. The east end is near downtown Davis. There are at least two public restrooms available. In the rainy season there is a lot of water, and there are resident ducks. In the dry season the water turns green, but the ducks are there, as are lots of birds at various times. We prefer to park on the west end and walk around for a while. We often bring a picnic lunch. Track the change of seasons, and see what is new each time you come. Enjoy!

Serene place to visit, for exercise, biking, meditation or plain love of nature. There's different species of plants, trees, birds, turtles, etc.

This is a great place to bike or walk to and have lunch, enjoy nature and see the great assortment of ducks that hang out in the water. It's the best!!

We walked through as part of the UC Davis campus tour. It was green, beautiful, and serene. It could be a great place to study or picnic for Davis students.

Arboretum is a wonderful oasis in Davis; great place to escape from it all, take a walk, and move through various plant ecosystems simply by walking a few hundred yards. A gem.

This is a beautiful walking/running path that runs through the campus. Great for a morning run or an afternoon stroll with the family.

Lovely place to stroll around. Lots of beautiful plants and trees. I enjoyed looking at all the native species, as well the ducks and turtles hanging about on a sunny afternoon.

It's not a traditional arboretum as it follows a creek fro several miles. We'll take visitors to "see" it on bikes and that's a great way to experience it too.

It is a beautiful place with lovely trees and plants. You can just walk or you can stop and read the signs and learn about trees and such. With the frequent bridges, you can make it a short stroll or a two- to three-mile walk or run. Part of the trail goes by the UC Davis horse barn and you can take a detour and visit with the horses. It is a gem!

If you like to walk, picnic, run or even spend the afternoon resting in a nice park with diverse nature and people of all ages, Arboretum is a nice place to visit :)

This is a nice place to recreate (walk, jog, bicycle), but that is about it. They have lots of signs on the trees and paths, but it pretty much an exercise trail since it is in the city near campus and heavily trafficked.

well visited walking path through UC Davis University area. Lots of shade and may of the trees/shrubs have name labels .

The Arboretum is nice, but not as I remembered it 18 years ago. Water no longer flows freely through here, it's one big drainage collection basin and so it's not as pretty as it once was. Still a nice walk, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here. My environmental engineering professor told me that it's much nicer in spring after the winter rains wash everything out. So I suppose if you go, that's the best time to visit.

A truly wonderful place to take a stroll and learn about various flora. The artwork tiles in the oak grove are truly remarkable - beautifully detailed while engagingly educational. We really enjoyed spotting the turtles throughout the waterway - from large adults to smaller younger ones. Well worth a visit. Remember to park in the correct lot - a parking ticket is quite expensive - and the visitor lot is easy to find.

Need a time off or just walk around. UC Davis arboretum is the place for that. Even in winter it is so pretty.

I was happy to see during my last visit that the five weirs in the Arboretum waterway have reduced the algae and duckweed and increased the oxygen content of the water for the fish.

Construction continues on the "yellow brick road" consisting of smooth pavers and rails on the south side of the waterway. I like to stop at the Native American Contemplative Garden on my way around the loop. Be aware that restrooms are open 8 am to 5 pm and are sometimes closed on holidays.

We walked miles around this botanical wonderland and enjoyed every minute. There are flowers everywhere and a great variety of trees. Most of the walking paths were paved and in the shade of the trees. If you love a walk through woods, this is a wonderful getaway inside an otherwise large metro area.

I spent 5 years walking these trails as a student and it is probably the prettiest and quietest place on campus.However, the arboretum gets pretty stagnant during the Summer months. I suggest going during Winter or early Spring when the flowers and trees are blooming.

You can walk to Arboretum from the Hotel. It is interesting in every season, and includes a Redwood forest.

A great place to bring the family, a wonderful variety of plants that will provide interest year round.

This is a lovely place to visit. There is a paved path near the water, nice places to sit, and much to learn about the extensive plantings. Photos below tell the story.

Quiet and spacious. Awesome trees.
Loved to run there. The bridges allow you to travel on either side of the canal.

The Davis Arboretum is located on the UC Davis campus. It winds around Putah creek. Plants are grouped according to the region from which they came, including a redwood grove, South American area, even an Australian area. Restrooms are available on both ends. It is a level walk, well paved, and is great for dogs, strollers, and of course, bikes.

Exploring The Davis Arboretum is a wonderful experience. Bring some bird seed for the little ones to feed the ducks, enjoy walking it in late February and take in the beauty of the California Red Buds in full bloom. Actually any time of year it is a lovely stroll or bike ride. You can't come to the UC Davis campus and miss the opportunity of seeing the Arboretum

This is a pleasant walk for a sunny day on UC Davis campus. It's low key and low stress. We enjoyed all the different plants and trees. It was a very pleasant way to spend extra time we had one afternoon and a very leisurely way to do it.It was a relatively easy walk and is manageable by Seniors and small children.The peacefulness of the walk was a nice surprise too.

The Arborotum is a wonderful place to take a peaceful walk along the Putah Creek. There is a lake, redwood grove, outdoor piano, ducks and friendly visitors. E met some very charming people as we strolled along the pathway. What a wonderful way to spend a few hours.

This used to be a great place to walk but the University does not take care of it very well anymore. Water has algae. So many duck t hat their droppings are everywhere. UC Davis needs to spend some money cleaning the place up. The side now are so bad with cracks and holes.

Pleasant setting, lovely walking and biking paths. Well shaded. Close to horse corals so provides added enjoyment for young ones

Nestled adjacent to the sound of gently flowing water, lies this "jewel" on the University of California, Davis. This is a 3.1 mile loop that is easy for all ages. Since it is paved, it is wheelchair accessible and kid friendly. There is something to look at or smell around every corner, in every pond. From flora to fauna; otters, turtles and frogs, their is something for everyone. Whether alone in your thoughts, strolling with your significant other, out for a jog or doing a little "road work" on your bike, you will soon make the Arboretum a year-round favorite. There are a few benches to relax a while or eat your lunch. Comfortable shoes and a little time are all you need. If you don't like the Arboretum, you probably don't like the outdoors and complain about everything.

We went there with my boyfriend on September, 2015. Even if it is peaceful and relaxing, the water was covered with algae and had a weird smell. It is a great place to run and to ride your bike. However, I do not think that it is one of the places to visit as a tourist in Davis.

I really enjoyed walking thru the arboretum. It was really scenic and serene. A place where you can just sit and relax and enjoy the scenery.

With the drought in full swing, it's hard to really give an accurate review of the UC Davis Arboreatum. However, this wonderful place still has all of the charm and atmosphere that makes it such a great place to come and relax. Ducks meander in greenish water and turtles bask on the sides of the creek like old men. Bridges line the area for easy crossing and there's even a redwood forest for a "mountain" escape. Come and enjoy the gorgeous plant life and walk the arboretum for a little exercise in nature today.

Davis Arboretum stretches over 100 acres on either side of old Putah creek which now forms Lake Spafford on campus. The trees and shrubs are incredibly diverse from oaks and pines to a collection of acacias. Did you know that the essence from one acacia can be used in perfume? Another is used as a stabilizer in candy and makes it chewy. It is well maintained and clean. A project to restore the waters to their natural clarity has been ongoing since 2017. Finally, and most importantly, it is overwhelmingly quiet and peaceful despite it proximity to the I-80 and train tracks that run along the edge of campus. Do yourself a favor and take a run, no better a walk, along this peaceful oasis from your cares and concerns and surrender to the restorative powers of nature. You won’t regret it! Remember: reviews are writ’ by fools like me...But only God can make a tree...!

Visiting my daughter at UC davis and decided to visit the arboretum. I am very glad I did. It is peaceful and beautiful and a wonderful retreat. Definitely a place to spend time strolling and relaxing.

Quiet and peaceful place, nice for a tour in the late afternoon with a girlfriend or boyfriend, spouse or even your kids. Large green area in Putah Creek an a lot of squirrels well inside of the University of California - Davis.

Wonderful place to visit for the nature enthusiast
Added bonus of visiting family and students At UC Davis
Their annual days are a really amazing

A lovely place for a walk. I don't know what it looks like right now, with the drought. But, the trails are well marked and easy to manage, even for those not very athletic.

I went to Davis for a business trip and had a free afternoon, do I decided to visit the arboretum. It was nice to see some of the California trees and plants in one place. It's a nice walk, well paved and signed, and I'd definitely recommend a walk there if you're staying in Davis.

We enjoy walking along the creek through the botanical gardens a few time per year. A major project began in 2016 that will continue for three to five years. The stream will have low weirs installed to combat algae growth associated with warm temperatures and low flow. Part of the eastern edge was blocked by this construction. The gardens at the west end are beautiful and have a restroom. $9 to park near the Health Center access to the pathway.

The Arboretum is a 3+ mile looping path thru various types of plants and trees around a pond. Great place for a run or stroll. The Redwood section is awesome!

you can take a walk here, picnic here, watch the star here, read a book on the bench with lake in front and trees waving near by.
Horse ranch is near by, too, so bring a carrot or celery to gather the attention from the horses and the alpacas!
a place for everyone.

The UC Davis Arboretum along Putah Creek is a great place for a stroll. There are well maintained paths on each side of the creek. There are lots of interesting themed gardens and groves, including Eastern Asia, native Californian and desert gardens, and a Coast Redwood grove.

I have visited the UC Davis Arboretum several times and have found it to be a wonderful place in all seasons. Right now the acacia trees are in bloom. The spring flowers, summer oaks, and fall foliage make this place worth a visit at all times of the year.

In addition to the flora, you have the opportunity of seeing otters, ducks and other birds, and educational displays about the original Native American inhabitants of the area.

The Arboretum provides free public walks and other events which are also worth exploring. Check the UC Davis website for parking information (free on the weekend, etc.)

The arboretum is certainly another gem on the uc Davis campus. Stroll along learning about the local flora and fauna, bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy. With numerous bike trails, there is opportunity to bike or jog along the trails. If you are from out of town, go by the bike barn and rent a bike to explore the surrounding area.

Lots to see and do! An oasis from the heat, esp. in the redwood grove! Ruth Storer Garden has many varieties of plants and flowers that require little care and watering. The Shields Gazebo has all white flowers plants around it -- trees, bulbs, flowers, bushes, etc. Lots of other things to see , for example, a variety of trees, flowering bushes, the cactus garden, acacias, redbuds, ducks, occasional geese, turtles, blue herons, night herons, egrets, etc.

Great place for a walk or jog
Right in the middle of campus
Is about 1.3 miles each way
Nice signs along the route tell yu about all of the native and exotic plants there

Enjoy a pleasant walk throughout the year. The Arboretum is a beautify and tranquil experience that is constantly changing with the seasons.

It's located right at the edge of campus, easily accessible from the campus or Davis downtown. You can take a leisure walk through the sections of the arboretum along the water, and enjoy seeing various kinds of plants explained on placards. This is a must-see if you visit Davis or UC Davis!

Nice paths, beautiful walk. Even though it was a little cool when I was there, it was still a lovely place to explore.

Chances of wildlife viewing (turtles, ducks, birds and butterflies) and also interesting plants, especially varieties of oaks from around the world.

I didn't spend enough time here in college, and wish that I had. I visited again as an adult and we biked through the arboretum for a few hours. We even ran into a beautiful bride taking wedding photos! There are some nice bridges and it's easy to get to from anywhere in Davis.

The water has been full of algae. They are working to clean it up. The turtles and otters will be happier. I do miss the ducks.

A great place for a walk especially if you're travelling. A world wide range of plants follwing the stream.

Beautiful walk along 1.5 mile pond lined with redwoods, oaks, cherry blossoms, and other native plants. Saw turtles, squirrels, geese, ducks, fish. Benches located along the walk. Absolutely fantastic and located on the UC DAVIS campus for all to enjoy.

Walked along the trail, great variety of vegetation, trees, bushes, grasses, flowers, but no identification, very poor marking, educating needs written comunication

I live in Davis and my girl friend and I regularly "walk the Arboretum".

When my son, a runner came, he made it his place to run. He found a place that
had short term free parking and would drive there every day and make a couple
of loops arounds the Arboretum.

That said, the water is kind of stagnant. They should build some kind of piping
or canal system to take water from one end of the water way to the other.

My daughter was touring UCDavis. The Aboretum was really beautiful. Very easy to enjoy even if you have no reason to be on campus.

If you are looking to experience greenery, color, serenity and interaction with others this is the place. This vast expanse (over 100 acres) is a true jewel. Meandering paths with signs outlining what plant you are looking at as well as large grassy areas for families or friends to enjoy. There are also many events and classes. I highly recommend everyone visit this interesting and bucolic garden locale.

The Arboretum is an oasis of beauty and nature on the UCD campus. The best area for a short visit is the Oak Grove and Ruth Storer Gardens are the far west end. Just utilize the campus visitor parking on Goddard Dr. by the Vet School where you will find a well-marked entrance and map. There is a renovation effort currently underway at the east end but when this is done in 2018 it could set a highlight in waterwise gardening at that end of the waterway as well.

My sister lives in Vacaville and loves walking around the arboretum in Davis. She took us to the arboretum with all of our children ranging in age from 3-13. We loved watching the turtles, feeding the ducks corn and peas (shouldn't feed them bread) and enjoyed the lovely views. I want to go back and bike or walk the entire three miles. We saw many families enjoying a picnic too. No drinking fountains so bring your own water. We all loved it. Great space to explore.

The Davis Arboretum is fabulous. A great place to walk and relax after sitting in meetings and talks. It’s beautiful and serene.

This was a fun walk which I did each of three days of my visit to the campus. My BASIS watch scored it as 800 kcal of energy expenditure. So pleasant, great exercise, and very informative - there is always something new to learn. I even stopped periodically to smell the flowers. The loop takes you through a small redwood grove, acacia grove, aromatherapy garden, olden days California garden, etc. - seems like endless categories of plants and trees. Very impressive giant oaks and other very interesting old trees. There was a major algal bloom on the waterway which didn't seem to hamper the ducks or egrets at all. This was more informal but also more relaxing and manageable than some of the larger place I've been through like Kew Gardens, Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinborough, or even the Singapore botanical gardens and biodomes. I loved this place and enjoyed the informative signage.

The Davis Arboretum is a hidden gem found on the University of California, Davis campus. It is a delightful footpath to walk, a wealth of botanical wonders, and a great place to do some birding. Grab a friend or two and go enjoy some beautiful weather, plants from various countries and a energizing walk.

The Arboretum is a wonderful place lo take a stroll or a job. It has many different types of plants and trees. It is about 2-3 miles around the entire area, but you can make it shorter. My favorite area is the Redwood Groves area. It is always nice and cool there even on hot Davis days.

If you go to the UC Davis website, you can download a map of the long, skinny pond, and the walking trails on each side of it. Husband and I enjoyed a two-hour stroll here. Many walkers, dog walkers, runners, bikers. Most pleasant in morning, before heat of California summer. Trees and plants from all over the world. It is sad to see how many of them are struggling in the drought.

The UC Davis Arboretum is an excellent place to visit all seasons of the year. It creates the southern border of the campus. Beautiful in the spring.

Exceptionally beautiful fall colors in mid November, excellent for photography. Very educational, flora is well labeled and the collection is extensive.

Stroll, picnic, relax, paint, jog, bicycle, or study the plants. You will find the UC Davis Arboretum lovely.

I love walking/running through the arboretum. It's always a great place to bring out of town guests for something original. You can walk to downtown from the arboretum and dine at several excellent restaurants. Don't forget to say 'Hi' to the horses!

I walk the UC Davis Arboretum at least weekly, year round. Seems that there is always something in bloom. As of yesterday, March 24, 2016, the redbuds are finished but the ceanothus is out everywhere. Haven't seen the two river otters for several weeks, but am sure they are still around. Frequently see egrets, green herons, and (always) mallards. The walk by the side of the waterway is 3.4 miles, if both sides are visited. I usually park in Davis Commons rear lot and strike out through the Shovel Gate.

Perfect place for a stroll or a run. A hidden gem. Love that they've labeled many varieties of flora along the path. We so enjoyed walking our dog here.

This waterwise section of the arboretum is our favorite. Always something in bloom. Fun to get reacquainted with the names of the plants. Easy to take beautiful closure up shots of the blossoms. Enjoy the ceramic arts, take a walk through the majestic oak grove next door & have a picnic lunch at the gazebo. Ah, that makes a good day in Davis.

Greatvwalkways with well labeled specific gardens. Good place for kids to run and adults to learn about plants appropriate for the area.

Friend and I strolled the path enjoying the creek and plants along the way. Even though it’s was wall it was still a lovely walk of a crisp day. We plan to return in spring to see more flowering plants. We would recommend walking part or the whole thing.

The Arboretum has been a beautiful feature of the campus for years. The problems about the creek have been many: too much algae, bird droppings and little flow. The water has been an ugly green for years. The environmental experts are finally redoing the waterway. The lack of water in the portion being done has added to the damage caused by the drought and trees are dying. Even some of the huge redwoods are suffering. Save your visit to this site until 2018.

I love going to the Arboretum especially during season change. I have brought many friends to join me here for a nice walk, who are from out of town, they all loved it. We have picnicked there too on the open grass area, it was very peaceful and so enjoyable. If you love natural beauty, this is the place for you!

The UCD staff has done an amazing job of presenting a fantastic variety of flora in a relatively small space. The entire walk is about three miles and is mostly flat, but there are some gentle slopes. Take your time, relax on the benches and be sure to linger in my favorite spot, the Redwood Grove.

Try to find no cost parking off campus and observe the UC signs or pay some big bucks.
We find the path and head west to reach the lake. Keep going until you return to your initial beginning point as most paths are interconnected. Check out signs to determine plant names. We usually get about 3 miles going this route.

Interesting place to find some of the northern plant species of California and few of the southern species. I visited right after spending some time in San Francisco so it was nice to compare plant species and even some of the fauna.

Enjoyed a long peaceful beautiful walk on a Sunday morning. Paths well kept. Enjoyed seeing plants/trees labeled.

We bring all of our guests to the Arboretum! It is so pleasant, especially when the water is not green. I love to see the new art projects that prop up. It is quite the gem, and perfect for a good walk.

This is a must experience for anyone visiting Davis. This amazing botanical wonderland is a 2.5 mile walk along Putah Creek and showcases plants and trees from around the world. It's an easy, relatively flat walk on a paved path. I work here so, I have the luxury of everyday access.

Fun and rewarding to do in any season as there are so many flowering plants. You can tailor the length of the walk by crossing the many bridges.

There are 10 places on a map that make up the overall UC Davis Botanical Gardens, this is not made clear on anything that I was able to research online. I parked at the address found in the search engine which was areas 1, 2, and 3. The trail of oak trees was nice however it is a hot dry July and the path is dusty. They are not watered, some of the signs are missing from the white garden in area 1. Not at all worth the trip. There is some on street public parking, only get an hour to park there and a nice horse area where the parking is located. This part of the arboretum is not well marked, I drove past it twice. Some growth covers the sign.
My search engine actually found 3 areas marked UC Davis Botanical Gardens, 2 are closed on Sunday, my error, and it is difficult to understand what is located at each location. MyGPS took me to where they have their quarterly plant sales which lead to my even greater confusion in finding the location. Possibly the other areas show the beautiful bridge and redwoods I read about but never got to see.

A beautiful, peaceful walk on the UC Davis campus! The roughly 3-mile walk (if you do the loop) takes you through a variety of mini-environments, such as desert, CA redwood, and many others. Walk along Putah Creek and around a pond where you will see turtles, ducks, geese and other wildlife. If plants is your thing, many are labeled and there are stops that are educational. There is also plenty of grassy areas where you can picnic. You can print a one-page map/guide online. It's a fun way to spend a couple hours and feel like you are getting out of town.

We visited in spring with our teen. It was a beautiful place to get away from it all. The trail through the wonderful selection of Cslufornia natives. arboretum trail goes from the university to downtown. Perfect bike ride or walk with a nice lunch and shopping at the finish line!

I run the Davis Arboretum several times each year and always enjoy the scenery, no matter the season. There is a lovely Redwood Grove which conjures up the feeling of north coast forests. The loop around the Arboretum is about 3 miles, good for 5K training. In the last year there had been water quality issues that led to algae growth, but the University seems to be dealing with it to clear it up. Spring and summer are great times to visit, and there is enough labeling of plants and trees to make a leisurely walk quite educational.

The arboretum is very nice. In November 2015, suffering from the drought, the water was stagnant and there were some dead fish around making the walk a little stinky. The plants are zoned into geographic regions (e.g. Australian) and I thought the trail and walk were wonderful. I would not travel distance to visit, but if you're around UC-Davis, this is worth a stroll.

One of jewels of Davis. If you live in Davis, this wonderful place is well known. If visiting, and looking for a quiet space to walk or bike, this is it. While there are many places to enter and exit on this several mile loop; I would recommend beginning your adventure at the arboretum

I took a very nice walk here one fall afternoon. Between the water, flowering plants, and variety of trees, it's peaceful and pleasant. In general, plants are well marked, which is nice. It's also wonderful that public bathrooms are present and plentiful. The park is well used by walkers and bikers of all ages, so if you're by yourself you know you're not TOO secluded. Having said that, it's expensive and a bit cumbersome (need to use an app) to park on on UCDavis campus; a little tricky to figure out where to enter (multiple options, but I had good luck using the Garrod Drive parking lot near the veterinary school); and the arboretum overall is rather small. If you are already in Davis or nearby and are interested, definitely visit. I wouldn't necessarily travel very far just to see it.

The UC Davis arboretum is a lovely place to walk anytime of the day. There are a variety of plants from all regions to enjoy, admire, learn, smell or just be present with nature. The water stream is also home to beautiful ducks. I enjoyed hummingbirds and bluejays during my stroll, a breathtaking experience indeed.

The Arboretum is the perfect place for a 3 mile walk or jog...if you go all the way around. The examples of ecological
systems with appropriate plants are just lovely!

I had a business meeting at UC Davis yesterday and let's just say I was blown away!! Not only is the campus so much larger than I anticipated (duh me) but it's absolutely beautiful! There is an excitement in the air there-it's truly a visceral feeling. I'm so glad I was able to experience it first hand. Way to go!

Try to find no cost parking off campus and observe the UC signs or pay some big bucks.
We find the path and head west to reach the lake. Keep going until you return to your initial beginning point as most paths are interconnected. Check out signs to determine plant names. We usually get about 3 miles going this route.

Great place for a picnic with family and friends. Interesting art. A wonderful array of Ca plants.
Beautiful paths to walk

Beautiful area to spend time outdoors. The Arboretum has great paths that follow a circle around a lake.

We took a walking tour of the Arboretum. It was free and the Acacia trees were in bloom in February! It was lovely. Tour guide was very soft spoken, so only the few that were right next to her could hear anything she said. She stated she was not a speaker, but rather a scientist. Unfortunately, she did not give much information

If you go to Davis this is a beautiful and peaceful place to go and bring the whole family. You can drive your car and park near it or ride your bike!

The walkways through the Arboretum are just gorgeous and peaceful. A must do while you are on the campus of UCDavis.

Great place to stroll and admire the plants, ducks, turtles and sometimes a river otter! Best in spring and fall!

Easy to park and enjoy this free treasure in the heart of the University of Davis campus. A great place to take your sack lunch or walk with friends and family. It is quiet, peaceful and relatively free of bikes compared to the rest of the campus. Special gardens -- low-water, Redwoods, etc. enable you to zero in on your special needs. Watch for scheduled walks with a former supervisor for free education and history.

I would often ride my bike through this park after work and it was very relaxing. They squirrels and ducks are friendly but please don't feed them. I have seen many turtles and I have heard an otter was sometimes spotted in the river.

Davis is lucky to have this nice getaway just footsteps away. You never know what type of wild bird you will see, and maybe even an otter. I love to come here with the kids.

With the Marais Vert of Putah creek and overhanging blooming trees the arboretum is beautiful right now and well worth the visit. You can see turtles, otters, herons, ducks, and more. Always different and always fun.

This is a Davis institution. Originally planted I believe in the 20s or 30s, it features plants from around the world.
There are plaques describing the plants and identifications.
It is common in Davis to "Go walk the Arboretum" as it's about 3 miles around and very pretty.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is the water is basically stagnant, they need to put some kind
of water pumping system to move water from one end to the other.

The UC Davis Arboretum stretches for over a mile. There is a demonstration Mediterranean Garden (The Terrace Garden) just east of Whole Foods Market. You can enter on the north side of the garden just east of Whole Foods. I suggest you save this stop for lunch or snack time as there are tables where you can sit and enjoy the garden while you eat. In addition there is over a mile of walking paths that wander through various themed gardens. You can enter this path behind Whole Foods parking lot. The shovel sculpture signals the entrance to the Arboretum

What a great place to take a walk, run or just relax. It's safe and all you hear is the sound of the nature. You can see lots of nature and wild animais. I just felt in love with a duck family.

I love public gardens all the time, but I appreciate them even more during Covid. The UC Davis Arboretum is a special place. The view of the creek as you walk the paths, the serenity of the gardens, and the wonderful exercise you get there keeps me coming back when I am in Davis. I'd go every time if I could, but my daughter won't let me. I feel very fortunate she was willing to go during my most recent trip to Davis.

UC Davis Arboretum is a treasure. Mostly paved walking path makes it walkable even on rainy days. Shaded with a heavy tree lined canopy makes it a great place to walk even in the heat of the summer. There are various "gardens/collections" along the loop path with informational signs about the plant species, their native origin, and other educational facts. Without predators the duck population has exploded and duck dropping are more prevalent than natural. Benches and tables along the Putah Creek loop course make this an enjoyable place to walk, relax, and unwind. A treasure to be preserved and protected.

Even though the weather was a bit chilly, we headed out to the Arboretum. It was on the weekend, so there classes were not in session. There were people walking, biking, playing frisbee, hanging out enjoying the warmth of the sun on benches. Truly a beautiful day. They have all types of plants and trees. They have the names of the plants as well. There are walkways all through and because it has been raining, there was beautiful green grass. My daughter and I took her 14 month old and he was thrilled! He walked around, he picked up leaves, he explored and we meandered behind him, around him etc. There are some small lakes/waterways along the walkways as well. By the time we left, baby fell peacefully asleep and my daughter and I just felt relaxed and peaceful. Great outdoor place to explore. Enjoyed it immensely. Would suggest for singles, couples, young, old, married....

Great place for a family safe walk. The plant species are labeled so you can find the one to plant at home.

This place was so green and beautiful, filled with trees, flowers, birds, and the stream. What a wonderful place to study or go for a run, or just relax with family or friends.

This is a cool place to take a walk or a jog. Not so much a biking destination. The vegetation is great. Like a walk in the woods beside a stream.

A Tuesday afternoon walk in the afternoon sun. Despite the current construction work being undertaken to improve the waterway, we really enjoyed the walk.

The different smells emanating from the range of flowers and trees at each pace we made was wonderful. Everything is clearly marked, so you can read all about the species. The variety is amazing.

Loved the birds and wildlife, spotted the western pond turtles and their nemesis the red eared turtle. Also scrub jays, mallard duck dragon flies and butterflies. Being from the UK all species were mainly new to use.

You'll enjoy your time here.

We are from the midwest. We visited this little gem on a whim one hot and sunny (100 degrees) afternoon. We had a 2 year old with us in a stroller. Not expecting too much, we thought that we would only be out for 1/2 and hour. We could have walked for hours. Because the paths were lined with beautiful trees and flora on one side, and a small meandering stream on the other, we stayed for over 2 hours. The Redwoods were our favorite, giving us a little taste of just how tall these stately trees stand. Great paths for walking, running, strollers or even wheelchairs if needed. Our two year old loved getting out and looking at the natural resources scattered on the ground. There are a lot of signs discretely labeling the different plant species. A must see!

Walked around the UC Davis campus which includes the UC Davis Arboretum. A pleasant and peaceful walk amongst groves of trees and a running creek. Many of the trees are identified with placards and the trail is an easy walk.

We visited in July when most students were away for summer vacation and it was a most peaceful place. The tress/bushes are well marked.

Even if you're not a plant fan, you'll enjoy the peaceful setting; look out for ducks and turtles in Putah Creek!

Nice for a walk or bike ride, following a serpentine slough. Planted with Coast Redwoods and other species in between. Cool, shaded, and leads to the great new UC Davis art gallery

Beautiful, peaceful and educational too. I often meet friends for the loop around the arboretum. Everything from desert and valley plants to redwoods! Great for kids -- you might even spot river otters and a variety of birds, esp. ducks. The water at the east end has gotten very "green" with algae, however -- the only downside.

The Arboretum on the UC Davis campus is a long, winding garden with plantings representing geographic ares of the world. It is beautiful and peaceful and continues to develop new educational and recreational areas and plantings. We love walking there in the mornings. They also have frequent plant sales where you can purchase plants that will actually survive and thrive in Central Valley gardens.

Wonderful 3 mile long loop on the putah creek. Great place to have a stroll with the dogs(must be on leash), perfect picnic spot.

Excellent spot to walk or run in Davis without worrying about crossing streets. Perfect path for strollers; kids love watching the ducks and geese at the creek. While you walk, watch for otters and turtles too!

Disclaimer: my daughter goes to college at UCD, so I'm obviously super-biased!

That said, strolling along the stream pathway, especially on a hot day, and taking in the serenity is one of my top favorite things to do in Davis when visiting the kid. For anyone interested in fauna or gardening, there's a wealth of flowers, trees, shrubs .. for around the world. And its all free !

Different plants from all over the world.The trial is along the creek. So there is also birds and fish. Come to visit in the March and September will have a lot of flowers.

There are several areas of differering vegetation. Plants and trees are well marked, paths are easily accessible. Excellent arboretum.

Beautiful place for a cool quiet walk in Davis. Beautiful tree lined creek and the trees are labeled too. Stop off at the geology rock gardens and check out the California rocks that surround the building.

What a pretty garden! I love that it's bicycle friendly and has so many water features. I also enjoyed how this garden could be accessed from different parts of Davis and the University campus.

Lovely place to walk, run or bike while looking at beautiful plants, flowers and trees of the world. Beautiful arboretum, maintained by experienced staff and volunteers.Nice pathways on each side of lovely creek.

It was a beautiful day in California winter, so we drove an hour to Davis to have a walk through the arboretum. It was a little early for everything to be in bloom, but even so we enjoyed the walk and being outside. The trees and plants are labeled and we especially enjoyed the redwood section. Also like the acacia section as the trees were in bloom. Be careful as you walk as speeding bikes may take you out if you step into their path by accident.

Easily accessible trail along the creek with interesting labelled plants from around the world, bridges, seating, grass, river life, bird and animal life to spot. Great photo opportunities. Escape the bustle, walk it , jog it or cycle. A great 'green lane' connecting the environmentally friendly campus towards the town.

I was so happy to find an entrance to the Arboretum right across the street from my hotel. I walked the loop around the water, which the hotel said is 3.5 miles. There were plenty of ducks and other birds to watch, as well as ever-changing foliage. It was a pretty misty morning, so not a lot of people were about. I really enjoyed this aspect of my trip to Davis.

Okay, so we just discovered this after taking a bike tour given by UC Davis. This is a must see. A hidden gem. Take Old Davis road to Arboretum bike path. You can walk or ride a bike. There is live music on occasion, beautiful grassy areas to picnic, live turtles to see. We were short on time so didn't' get to just hang out, but it is just beautiful. Another great thing about Davis. Just learning to love this town more and more each visit.

Our family visited the gardens while on campus. It’s beautiful and definitely worth the time to visit. We only had about 20 min so we took a quick walk through. We definitely could’ve stayed longer. Well kept. Nicely labeled flora. The students at Davis are fortunate to have such a lovely tranquil place so close by.

We often visit the Arboretum and enjoy the walk along Putah Creek. A safe area, No homeless, and well kept. I wish there was an open bathroom when we were last there.

This is my standard running location because of the natural beauty and quiet natural surroundings. Very convenient to the university. I never tire of it.

I took my father to the Arboretum to get some exercise and enjoy an educational experience about plant life. We started in California natives and progressed through South American, Native American, South African, Southwest US, and even Mediterranean plant life. It was a beautiful blend of nature paths, water way vistas and learning about vegetation from many different regions. The many wonderful scents were invigorating and I can't wait to visit again in the spring.

The Davis Arboretum is a stretched along an man made waterline offering some interesting spots. They collected all kind of flowers, shrubs and trees. The nice thing about it is the information provided. Probably the best way to visit it, is by bike.

Great place to wander through at various times of the year.

If you want to see a specific plant, go to the Arboretum home page and click on Plant Collections. You can search for plants there, by common or scientific name. There's a link to Collection Maps, where you can download maps of individual gardens as pdf files. The maps are at the level of individual plantings so if you want to see say Geranium maderense, you can find it, right next to the Iris wattii in Bed 2 of the Storer garden.

Wish more botanical gardens had this much info online.

Wonderful discovery while visiting Davis for the day. Creative sculpture of spades arching over the beginning of the walkway into the Arboretum. Lovely walk along the creek and into the redwoods. We only walked a quarter of the way but there is so much more to discover. We'll be back.

I love the trail. I'm making the trip from Vacaville twice a week to walk this beautiful park. It's amazing to me that so many plants from so many different parts of the world are living in this one place! Simple gorgeous!

An excellent place to walk on a hot day, as there was ample shade. I am not knowledgable about plants, so I did not get as much out of the walk as a more knowledgable person would have. But I enjoyed looking at the different types of plants and the general scenery. It is hard to believe that the freeway is just to the south as you are walking through the Arboretum (except when you get to the far western end and can hear some of the traffic).

Stopped here on our way out of town from Sacramento and only wish we had more time to see all of it. Incredible landscaping with different areas represented - we saw the Redwood Forest area and the Asian garden area, wish we could have seen more. My husband is a landscaper so he really enjoyed this - so well kept.

We run the Davis Arboretum about 2 times a week because it is so peaceful and beautiful. It winds along Putah Creek through the UCD campus. There is a redwood patch on the trail that transports you to a totally different place. There are plants and trees from all over the world and everything is meticulously cared for by arborists and volunteers. The birds and baby ducks are plentiful and there is even an occasional sea otter. You can veer off to the equestrian center or a vineyard. Very relaxing place to picnic along the creek on the grass. Perfect to just stroll with morning coffee or a run for a few miles anytime:). We love it.

My wife and I recently met friends and walked along the waterway through the arboretum. A very pleasant place to take a stroll with a wide variety of plant life. Intersecting the campus, we took a detour through part of UC Davis along the way.

The area has been under re-construction and a long portion of the yellow brick road along the creek is now in place - smooth and wide with nice views. A recycling system is in place for the creek and it should minimize future algae blooms.

We were fortunate enough to catch many of the plants in full bloom and thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Lived in Davis for 5 years- the arboretum was often a daily outing. Great for exercising, running, walking etc. but also perfect if you just wanna get outside for some fresh air. Our favorite thing was grabbing coffee a good book and a picnic blanket and just hanging out for the morning.

This is a beautiful little gem almost hidden from view by the unfamiliar passer-by (non-locals). There is a sense of serenity and stillness present here away from the hussle bussle of campus and downtown. I also enjoy the myriad of plants from all over the globe that you can enjoy, either by identifying them individually with their associated name plaques, or by just appreciating the visual display of them all mixed together.

A very well done detour off the city streets where you disappear into a nicely put together nature trail and hideaway. A must see if you are visiting Davis or want to walk off some of the great food you just had in the downtown just adjacent to here.

The Davis arboretum is free, which not all universities arboretums are! Its a great walk around water you'll see many different birds and turtles. Of course all the flowers, trees and plants are beautiful! Quite a few are marked and labeled as to what type of plant they are. And even better the Arboretum has a plant sale so you can buy the flowers/plants that you're viewing!

A less known Arboretum, but being associated with a campus focusing on agricultural studies - you got to know it must be good!! Great walkabout and cycling area for young and old

Great place to walk, hang out or even bike (easy ride). The arboretum follows Putah Creek and offers interesting views, nice shady corners, and overall pleasant atmosphere. You forget you are in the middle of the central valley. No dust, no baking sun, little wind. Go here to get away from it all.

A welcomed antidote to the bike-crazy campus.
Plants are thoughtfully chosen to illustrate California's plant heritage.

Great walking and always rewarding. It doesn’t matter when, seasonal changes keep things interesting. It’s accommodating for everyone regardless your age or cardio issues.

The arboretum is large, and the plant collections and access paths are getting alot of upgrades after being ignored for several decades. This is a remedy to long drives on I-80, or the busy streets of downtown Davis - easy connections along the entire length with UC Davis Campus, and places to spend time such as the Redwood Grove or the area just behind the Mondavi Center. My favorite gardens are at the east and west ends: Shields Oak grove at the far west near the veterinary school, and the Gateway Garden at the east end right up against downtown.

The UC Davis Arboretum is under heavy renovations...can't wait to go back when it is finished. Nice and safe trail for a walk with family or friends!

A great stop on the I-80 between San Francisco and Tahoe to take a long walk and get into nature quickly.

Depending on the time of year the garden and walkways range from wonderful to fantastic. Overlooked by mnany is the grove of oaks. Don't miss it.

Daughter gave us a walking tour of the campus and took us here for a quick walk-thru. I thought it was VERY scenic, and very well displayed. The storm water catch basin in the middle is really green/stagnate/ but has a lot of turtles to watch. Most of the trees/plants are labeled for your reading pleasure. Walking path on both sides of the water, and a nice arched walking bridge in the middle. Great place for pictures and for those who are into flora. UC Davis is a beautiful campus with old/new structures, and is great for a walking tour as the campus is HUGE.

My daughter and I had some extra time before our flight so we walked the Arboretum Path and saw many lovely trees, shrubs and gardens. I highly recommend this walk. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as it is a fairly long walk.

I visit the Arboretum at least twice a month. There is a wonderful paved path on both sides of the waterway. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to walk the entire circuit, although several bridges allow a walker to shorten the visit. Seasonal plants seem to be in bloom constantly. I recommend parking near the Mondavi Performing Arts Center.

If I had to choose only one place to visit in Davis, it would be the Arboretum. I am biased because I love the outdoors, but this 3 mile loop never fails me. There are an abundance of flowers, trees, ducks, herons, shrubs and a lovely stream. Here you will see "all" of Davisites: students, children, families. Dog friendly.

A lovely mile+ area filled with different kinds of vegetation for a walk at any time of the day. Biking is adjacent, but you'll miss the plantings if you bike.

This Arboretum has a wonderful native plant section as well as sections that show off other botanical delights. I have been there dozens of times in every season and while spring is the most spectacular, all seasons are marvelous.

Outstanding educational experience while walking past trees, and landscape that is labeled and engaging. The walk features excellent exhibits of natural habitats and is a living laboratory in the heart of a world class university. A bit mossy in late summer, but this is a minor distraction. Well worth the experience and great exercise.

We stopped by this place on the way to Sacramento from Dixon. It was a little hard to find because there is no sign for it. Is is on the campus. I found parking on the street. I went on a Saturday so parking may be more difficult during the week. We only took a couple small trails. There were a lot of college kids that had booths set up thru out. They were doing all kinds of different activities at each booth. It mention on a sign public welcome but we did not stop at any. The garden we walked thru was beautiful although crowded with students. There was a great variety of flowers and the smell in the air was amazing. We walked down another trail that had taken us along a pond. We also walked by a nursery where you can purchase the trees, shrubs, and flowers that are in the Arboretum. Though there was a lot of activity it was still a peaceful experience. I would recommend this place to get an afternoon of fresh air .

All the times we have been to Davis, we have never walked here. Really amazing place to walk, look at the great things growing, wild life doing their thing, and just peace.

This lovely place is not just for the students. UC Davis Arboretum Trail is a 3.1 mile loop for students and public alike to enjoy. It has several different micro-environments you can enjoy. My favorites are the Redwoods section and the Ruth Storer Garden. A paved path makes for an easy walkway and it is mostly flat with a few inclines.