Bicycle Town USA

Nowhere in America is the bicycle more at home than the college town of Davis, just west of Sacramento. This pancake-flat academic hub is known for its smartly planned bike trails; and with spring's greening, now is a good time to explore on two wheels. Bring your bike or rent one downtown at Ken's Bike and Ski for $15. Arrive on a Saturday morning and make your first stop at the famous Davis Farmers Market in Central Park. (Located a few blocks from UC Davis campus, it was just named one of the nation's three favorite farmers markets by the America Farmland Trust.) Village Bakery has fantastic focaccia and baguettes, and Fat Face is popular for its hearty breakfast "sammich": fried eggs, braised greens, and goat cheese on ciabatta. Afterward, pedal to the Davis campus. Bike paths zigzag everywhere and weekends see less student traffic. The ride's highlight is a cruise through the UC Davis Arboretum—100 magnificent acres of serene open space, and home to 17 gardens dedicated to plants from across the world, including East Asia, Australia, and South America. Take a break on the grass near Lake Spafford and feed the ducks.

Ken's Bike and Ski, 650 G St., Davis; 530-758-3223. Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Pick up a complimentary bicycle map of Davis. The Davis Farmers Market goes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday year-round.