15 Best Things to Do in Woodland (CA)

Woodland is a city with a population of about 59,000 situated in Yolo County. It’s also a suburb of Sacramento, only 15 miles away.

Woodland is a city yet it has a small-town feel. It’s known for its nice weather and central location close to many recreational areas.

Woodland is home to many parks, museums, cultural attractions, historic buildings, and shopping areas, such as Fairgrounds Plaza, West Court Plaza and Shadetree Plaza.

Many festivals and events take place in Woodland throughout the year, including the California Honey Festival, Yolo Brewfest, the Scottish Games Festival, Woodland Tomato Festival, the Crawfish and Catfish Festival, and the One Love One Heart Reggae Festival.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Woodland, California.

1. Get a Lesson in Local History at the Yolo County Historical Museum

The main purpose of the Yolo County Historical Museum is to collect, protect and display items of historical and cultural significance to Yolo County.

Situated in the historic Gibson Home, the museum’s exhibits showcase the lives of its pioneers and noteworthy events that occurred throughout the years to shape the area. Artefacts, documents and photos are among the items on display. Tours are available.

Artefacts and items of interest are also on display at several other locations run by the Yolo County Historical Society, including The Barn Gallery and The Blacksmith Shop and Dairy.

2. Cool off at Velocity Island Park

At Velocity Park, visitors of all ages have access to a wide variety of water activities. This water park, said to be one of the best in Northern California, features an Aqua Park with a floating obstacle course, slides, trampolines, and swings.

Other activities that you can participate in include stand-up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and wakeboarding. A beautiful sandy beach is also on-site.

At the Black Pearl Bar & Grill, enjoy a wide variety of snacks and meals, including burgers, salads, sandwiches, and specialty pizzas.

3. Kick Back in Slaven Park

One of the best ways to spend a nice afternoon is at one of Woodland’s green spaces, and Slaven Park has just what you need for the entire family.

Here you’ll find picnic areas with BBQ facilities, a playground, a water-play area, and a large open field. Washrooms are also available.

4. Satisfy Your Hunger at The Burger Saloon

If burgers are what you crave, The Burger Saloon has just what you need. With more than 30 different burgers to choose from, this casual eatery with an Old West ambiance is the perfect place to grab lunch or a snack at the end of a day of exploring.

Some of the burgers available include the classic cheeseburger, the bacon burger, the saloon burger, and the four-alarm fire burger.

The extensive menu also includes a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and vegetarian options. To drink, you can choose from a selection of craft beers, specialty cocktails and more.

5. Enjoy Live Entertainment at the Woodland Opera House Theatre

The Woodland Opera House Theatre has a long history that saw the venue burned down, rebuilt and finally restored to its original state in 1981.

Historically, it was a popular gathering spot for the city’s influential residents. Today, it’s a top-notch entertainment venue hosting a variety of live shows throughout the year.

Plays, concerts and various cultural performances are some of the events scheduled each season. Several classes and workshops are also available.

6. Learn About Farming at the California Agriculture Museum

If you’re looking for a fun and educational all-ages attraction in Woodland, try the California Agriculture Museum. Here you can learn all about farming and agriculture in the area.

There are various exhibits showcasing artefacts related to farming and agriculture in the area, old barns, a collection of buses from the early 1900s and a blacksmith shop. The most popular exhibit is the Heidrick Tractor Collection which features a variety of antique tractors.

You’ll even have the chance to see how moonshine was made. During your visit, you can explore the museum and property on your own, or you can take a guided tour.

7. Check out The Woodland Farmers’ Market

As one of the region’s top farmers’ markets, The Woodland Farmers’ Market has been delivering fresh, local produce to the public every week.

Enjoy a lively and friendly atmosphere and browse items, such as olive oil, jam, homemade baked goods, handcrafted soaps and lotions, tacos, and other hot food items.

8. Visit Reiff’s Gas Station Museum

If you have an interest in car memorabilia, the collection at Reiff’s Gas Station will be of great interest to you. The items were collected by Mark Reiff and are currently on display in his former home.

The most popular collection at this museum is the antique gas pumps. This exhibit also features old gas station signs. Other must-see exhibits include a movie theatre, a traditional diner and a 1956 Chevy tow truck.

9. Sample Local Craft Beer at Blue Note Brewing Company

At Blue Note Brewing Company, only the best-quality ingredients are used to produce delicious, thirst-quenching brews; 100% grains and real flavours are used. The 12 beers available on tap are all handcrafted using a six-barrel system.

If you would like a tour of the brewery, obliging staff are only too happy to take you around and show you how the beer is made.

After your tour, you can sample some of their creations in the taproom. Chug A Lug Session IPA, 9 Lives flagship IPA, and Business as Usual English Mild are just a few of the beers you can try out.

10. Visit the Woodland Museum of Biblical Archaeology

It doesn’t matter whether you’re religious or not, the Woodland Museum of Biblical Archaeology is a fascinating place to visit.

The main focus of the museum is to promote biblical teachings by displaying items of interest to the Bible and its authenticity. Anyone interested in learning about this history is invited to explore the exhibits that showcase more than 300 artefacts.

As you go through the museum, you’ll learn about major biblical events and the history, people and places surrounding these events.

11. See Birds of Prey at the California Raptor Center

At the California Raptor Center in nearby Davis, you’ll be able to meet and interact with various birds of prey.

Also known as raptors, these beautiful birds are at the centre for a reason. They are among the more than 300 birds that are brought there each year due to sickness or injury.

The main purpose of the centre is to get these birds healthy enough to be released back into the wild. They are successful with over 60% of them.

During your visit, you’ll see the birds being cared for and learn more about them, as well as conservation efforts to help them.

Hands-on training is available if you’re interested in learning more about caring for these birds.

12. Play a Round of Golf at Wild Wings Golf Club

One of the largest and most popular golf courses in the region, Wild Wings Golf Club is well-maintained, competitive, fun and suitable for all levels.

This award-winning 9-hole, par-36 course has many features to keep your game interesting including Bermuda fairways, 13 lakes, several bunkers, and bentgrass greens.

The on-site shop features golf equipment along with snacks and drinks.

13. Admire Local Artworks at The Artery

Situated in nearby Davis, The Artery is a cooperative art gallery that provides space to local artists who wish to showcase their work.

The gallery is open to the public and offers a wide variety of local artworks, including oil paintings, watercolours, sculptures, photography, woodworks, ceramics, textiles, and handcrafted jewellery.

14. Get an Interactive Learning Experience at The Explorit Science Center

Aimed at encouraging children of all ages to pursue an interest in science and nature, the Explorit Science Center is a hands-on facility with fascinating exhibits.

Some of the topics covered in the various exhibits include the planets, Comet Hale-Bopp and the Galapagos Islands.

Kids can also participate in a wide range of interactive activities, including games and quizzes.

15. Explore the Woodland Public Library and Rose Garden

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Woodland Public Library and Rose Garden has been around since the mid-1870s.

Visitors are welcome to take a walk around the property and admire the architecture and beautiful garden. Many events take place throughout the year, including children’s programs.