A Group Travel Guide to Davis, California's Best Destinations

Welcome to Davis, California—a vibrant, bicycle-loving city nestled in the heart of Yolo County, known for its small-town charm, academic prestige, and lush green spaces. Whether you are planning a university tour, a corporate team-building retreat, a wedding, or a private sightseeing tour, navigating this bustling university town with a large group is always easier with a professional transportation plan. At Charter Bus Rental Company Davis, we specialize in streamlining group travel logistics so you can focus on the experience. Forget about coordinating a convoy of cars or struggling to find parking near the UC Davis campus. With a private charter bus rental, your group travels together in air-conditioned comfort, with a driver handling the navigation. From the historic downtown grid to the sprawling agricultural landscapes on the outskirts, Davis offers a wealth of destinations perfect for group exploration. We have compiled this comprehensive guide to the city’s best group-friendly attractions to help you build your perfect itinerary. When you are ready to hit the road, give us a call at 530-325-3635 to secure your ride!

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UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden

No trip to Davis is complete without visiting the crown jewel of the city: the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. Spanning over 100 acres along the banks of the old North Fork of Putah Creek, this living museum is a perfect destination for educational field trips, wedding photos, and relaxing group walks. The Arboretum features 3.5 miles of paved paths that wind through diverse plant collections, including the California Native Plant Gateway, the Australian Collection, and the East Asian Collection. It is a stunning backdrop for any event and a fantastic place for groups to reconnect with nature.

Accessing the Arboretum with a large group can be tricky due to strict campus parking regulations and limited visitor spots during the academic year. When you rent a charter bus with Charter Bus Rental Company Davis, we can arrange for seamless drop-off and pick-up at designated areas such as the sequence near the Arboretum Gazebo or the Putah Creek Lodge (located at 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616). Your driver can handle the bus parking logistics while your group enjoys a guided tour or a picnic on the lawn. After a long walk through the Redwood Grove, your group will appreciate stepping back onto a climate-controlled bus with plush reclining seats to rest before the next stop.

United States Bicycling Hall of Fame

Davis is famously known as the "Bicycle Capital of America," so it is only fitting that your group visits the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame. Located in the heart of downtown Davis, this museum celebrates the history of American cycling and honors the athletes who have shaped the sport. The museum houses an impressive collection of vintage bicycles, trophies, photographs, and memorabilia that trace the evolution of cycling from the 19th century to the present day. It is a fascinating stop for sports teams, history buffs, and school groups looking to learn about the cultural impact of the bicycle.

The Hall of Fame is located at 303 3rd St, Davis, CA 95616, right next to Central Park. Downtown Davis features tight streets and high pedestrian traffic, which can make parking multiple vehicles a nightmare, especially on weekends. A private minibus rental allows your group to bypass the stress of parallel parking or hunting for garage space. We can drop your group off right at the curb, allowing you immediate access to the exhibits. While you explore the rich history of American cycling, your driver will wait nearby, ready to whisk you away to lunch or your next adventure as soon as you are finished.

The Davis Farmers Market

For a true taste of the local culture, you must bring your group to the Davis Farmers Market. Widely considered one of the best farmers markets in the nation, this open-air market is held in Central Park (301 C St, Davis, CA 95616) and is a hub of community activity. On Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings (for the famous "Picnic in the Park"), the area comes alive with local farmers selling fresh produce, artisan food vendors, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. It is the perfect spot for a group lunch, where everyone can grab exactly what they want—from wood-fired pizza to fresh tamales—and gather on the grass to eat.

However, the popularity of the Davis Farmers Market means that parking is at an absolute premium. Streets are often blocked off, and surrounding lots fill up instantly. By booking a charter bus rental with Charter Bus Rental Company Davis, you avoid the chaos completely. Your driver can navigate the busy perimeter of Central Park, drop your group off for a few hours of shopping and dining, and then pick you up at a pre-arranged time. You’ll have plenty of storage space in the bus’s overhead bins or undercarriage bays to stash all the fresh fruits, veggies, and local crafts you purchase, keeping your hands free for more exploring.

Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

If your group appreciates the arts, a visit to the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts is a must. Located on the UC Davis campus at 523 Mrak Hall Dr, Davis, CA 95616, this world-class venue hosts a diverse array of performances, including symphony orchestras, ballet companies, jazz ensembles, and distinguished speakers. Whether you are organizing a corporate outing for a night of culture or a school field trip to see a matinee performance, the Mondavi Center offers an enriching experience for groups of all sizes.

Attending a show often involves dressing up, and the last thing your group wants to do is walk long distances in heels or formal wear across a sprawling university campus. A charter bus rental provides the VIP treatment your group deserves. We can provide door-to-door service, dropping you off right at the entrance of the performing arts center. If you are attending an evening show, you won't have to worry about navigating the dark campus roads or finding your cars after the performance ends. Your driver will be waiting to take you comfortably back to your hotel or to a post-show dinner in downtown Davis.

Explorit Science Center

For educational groups, scout troops, and families with children, the Explorit Science Center offers a hands-on learning experience that is both fun and informative. Located at 3141 5th St, Davis, CA 95618, this science center focuses on interactive exhibits that encourage curiosity and scientific discovery regarding nature, space, and biology. It is a fantastic destination for a field trip, allowing students to engage with science in a tangible way outside of the classroom. The center also features pollinator gardens and outdoor spaces that are great for group exploration.

Transporting a class of energetic students or a large youth group requires safety and organization. Standard yellow school buses can be hot, loud, and uncomfortable. Upgrade your field trip with a modern charter bus from Charter Bus Rental Company Davis. Our buses come equipped with amenities like air conditioning (essential for Davis summers), comfortable seating, and onboard entertainment systems. You can play educational DVDs on the way to the center to get the kids excited, or put on a movie for the ride home to help them unwind. Plus, keeping everyone on one bus ensures that no student or chaperone gets separated from the group.

Great Bear Vineyards

Just on the edge of Davis, you will find Great Bear Vineyards, a hidden gem that brings the wine country experience to Yolo County. Located at 24800 Co Rd 101A, Davis, CA 95616, this historic property offers wine tasting, beautiful garden settings, and a relaxing atmosphere perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate retreats, or private social gatherings. Groups can enjoy tasting flights of their award-winning wines while taking in the rustic beauty of the vineyard and the historic barn.

When alcohol is on the itinerary, safety is the number one priority. Booking a private shuttle bus for your wine tasting adventure ensures that no one in your group has to volunteer as the designated driver. Everyone can participate in the tasting and enjoy the afternoon responsibly. Your Charter Bus Rental Company Davis driver will be your dedicated chauffeur for the day, ensuring you get to the vineyard and back home safely. We can even coordinate a multi-stop wine tour if you wish to visit other wineries in the nearby Clarksburg or Capay Valley regions.

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Nature enthusiasts and bird watchers will be thrilled with a group trip to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Located just outside the city limits (45211 Co Rd 32B, Davis, CA 95618), this vast wetland provides a habitat for thousands of waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. It is also famous for its summer "Bat Talk and Walk" events, where groups can watch nearly 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the I-80 causeway at sunset. It is a spectacular natural phenomenon that is best experienced with a group.

The terrain and location of the Wildlife Area can be dusty and exposed to the elements. Having a charter bus serves as a comfortable "home base" for your group. After a few hours of hiking, bird watching, or waiting for the bats to emerge, your group will be relieved to step into a cool, air-conditioned bus. There is plenty of room in the undercarriage storage for binoculars, spotting scopes, folding chairs, and water coolers. We can transport your nature group, photography club, or science class directly to the viewing areas, making the logistics of visiting this expansive area simple and stress-free.

The Hattie Weber Museum of Davis

For a deep dive into local history, bring your group to the Hattie Weber Museum of Davis. Situated in a historic building at 445 C St, Davis, CA 95616 (formerly the Davis library), this museum offers exhibits on the history of Davisville, the development of the university, and the daily life of residents in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a charming stop for senior groups, historical societies, and anyone interested in the roots of this unique California city.

Because the museum is located in the downtown area, parking is once again a challenge for multiple vehicles. A minibus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Davis is the perfect solution for visiting smaller, localized attractions like this. We can navigate the city streets with ease, dropping your group off right at the front steps. After your tour, you can easily head to a nearby restaurant for lunch without the hassle of moving cars and paying for parking meters. It allows your group to focus on the history and the experience rather than the logistics of city driving.

Explore Davis in Comfort with Charter Bus Rental Company Davis

Whether you are cheering on the UC Davis Aggies, attending a conference at the local hotels, or exploring the agricultural heritage of Yolo County, Charter Bus Rental Company Davis is here to ensure your journey is seamless. We have representatives available 24/7/365 to assist you with finding the best charter bus to meet your needs. If you’d like a free personalized quote for your next group trip to Davis, we’re ready to help and we’d love to earn your business! You can reach us by calling 530-325-3635. Our warm and welcoming reservation agents are here to answer your request, help you with any questions, offer you the best available deals/pricing and help you get exactly what you need. There’s no pressure to book at the time of your call; our job is to guide you throughout the process so you find what you need at a price that fits your budget. Don't let transportation stress ruin your Davis adventure—let the experts handle the driving!

Frequently Asked Questions About Davis Group Travel Transportation

The cost of renting a charter bus in Davis varies based on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your trip, the time of year, and the distance you plan to travel. Local trips are typically billed by the hour with a minimum rental requirement (usually 4-5 hours), while long-distance or multi-day trips are often billed by the day or mile. To get the most accurate price, we recommend calling our reservation specialists at 530-325-3635 with your specific itinerary. We can provide a free, no-obligation quote in minutes that is tailored to your group's specific needs.

Yes, most of our charter bus partners allow food and drinks on board! This is great for keeping your group energized during a day of sightseeing or celebrating on a party bus. However, we generally ask that you avoid messy foods or glass containers to keep the bus clean and safe.

To ensure the best availability and pricing, we recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and major itinerary points are confirmed. For peak travel seasons (such as spring for school trips, or graduation season at UC Davis), it is best to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance. However, Charter Bus Rental Company Davis is known for our flexibility and large fleet, so we can often accommodate last-minute requests. Whether you are planning months ahead or need a bus for next week, give us a call, and we will work hard to find a solution for you.

Modern charter buses are designed for comfort and productivity. Most full-size motorcoaches in our fleet come equipped with standard amenities such as reclining seats, air conditioning (a must in Davis!), onboard restrooms, and overhead storage for carry-on items. Many buses also feature WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and DVD players with flat-screen monitors. If your group has specific requirements—like ADA accessibility or PA systems for tour guides—please let our reservation team know at the time of booking so we can match you with the perfect vehicle.

Yes, a deposit is typically required to secure your reservation and take the bus off the market for your specific dates. The amount of the deposit will be discussed during your booking process. The remaining balance for your trip is usually due a few weeks prior to your departure date. We strive to make the payment process transparent and easy. When you receive your quote from Charter Bus Rental Company Davis, it will include all the details regarding payment schedules, so there are no surprises down the road.