Attractions and Places To See around El Macero - Top 10
Best attractions and places to see around El Macero, an unincorporated community near Davis, California, offers a blend of residential charm and accessible natural landscapes. The area is characterized by wide streets, mature trees, and views of its country club. While primarily residential, El Macero is bordered by significant natural features like Putah Creek and the extensive Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Many points of interest and recreational opportunities are found within the community or in the adjacent city of Davis…
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Lake Spafford
Highlight • Lake
The waterway, built in 1968-69, occupies what used to be the north fork of Putah Creek, which brought floodwater to the …
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Market Pavillion 🍅 Davis Central Park
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US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis
Highlight • Monument
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Putah Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Yolo Causeway Bike Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
The Putah Creek Trail is a lovely, flat loop along the north side of Putah Creek, where you can immerse yourself in nature surrounded by Valley Oaks, wild California Grape, California Wild Rose, and Fremont Cottonwood trees. The public access area is only on the north side of the creek between Pedrick Road and Old Davis Road; the rest is private property or not open to the public, so be mindful of the boundaries. In the winter, the path might get a bit flooded; however, you can still enjoy a stroll by walking along the levee to Old Davis Road.
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Lake Spafford is a segment of the original channel of Putah Creek, with a trail system that goes around the lake. It’s an artificial lake created as the result of dredging back in the 1870s when the city was still being developed.
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Every biker will enjoy seeing the origins and history of this sport and daily mode of transport
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Davis is such a bike friendly town - lots of bike paths to stay off of the busy roads!
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Wide paved bidirectional bike trail along the north (westbound) side of the Yolo Bypass freeway. The low lying area on both sides is often flooded.
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Home of the popular weekly Farmers Market, which extends meanwhile beyond this long shade structure. Easy and a pleasure to reach by bike on safe bike paths.
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Midsize lake along a former stream in Davis Arboretum. The waterway, built in 1968-69, occupies what used to be the north fork of Putah Creek, which brought floodwater to the town then known as Davisville. A dredging effort in the late 19th century diverted most of the flow to a channel known as the south fork of Putah Creek. In 1948, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built levees at the north fork's mouth (the west end); the levees completely eliminate flow in the north fork. Whereas the original north fork flowed east, the waterway flows west. This is the result of dredging and grading over the years. When the waterway fills up with storm runoff, excess water goes through a weir and into a holding pond and from there is pumped into a pipe that carries the water to the south fork of Putah Creek. The waterway is about 1½ miles long, about 2 to 5 feet deep, along the south edge of UC Davis' central campus. A wide portion of the waterway just east of Mrak Hall is called Lake Spafford, named after F. Edwin Spafford, an alumnus who went on to be come a longtime UC Davis administrator, holding such positions as assistant to the provost; executive assistant and special assistant to the chancellor; and vice chancellor for physical construction and maintenance. The waterway runs from near the south end of D Street in downtown Davis to the UC Davis Equestrian Center. The university classifies the remnant north fork channel as a recreation and aesthetic amenity, and a biological resource. The waterway runs through the arboretum, established in 1936 and considered today to be the university's landscape centerpiece. Pedestrian and bicycle paths line the waterway's banks. The waterway also serves as a storm water detention pond. Poor water quality conditions have persisted since the arboretum waterway was first created more than 50 years ago. In large measure, the problems of today stem from the original design. The arboretum waterway is a stagnant pond designed to look like a flowing creek. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/arboretum-waterway
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Excellent Museum of bicycles, inventors, and athletes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around El Macero?
El Macero is surrounded by several notable natural features. You can visit the El Macero Agricultural Buffer, a three-acre zone with grassland and oak savannah habitats perfect for walking and bird watching. To the south, Putah Creek offers a natural boundary, and the extensive Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area to the east provides nearly 16,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands, home to over two hundred bird species. Additionally, the UC Davis Arboretum, featuring Lake Spafford, is a significant natural and recreational amenity nearby.
Are there good hiking trails near El Macero?
Yes, there are several pleasant hiking options. The Putah Creek Trail offers a flat loop where you can enjoy native trees. The UC Davis Arboretum also features pedestrian paths around Lake Spafford. For more options, you can explore various routes like the UC Davis Arboretum Trail or the Tule Trail, which are detailed in the Hiking around El Macero guide.
What cycling opportunities are available in the El Macero area?
Cyclists can enjoy the Yolo Causeway Bike Path, a wide, paved, bidirectional trail offering views of the low-lying areas. The nearby city of Davis is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure. For specific road cycling routes, you can find options like the 'Stevenson Bridge – Lake Spafford loop' or 'The Davis Needle – Stevenson Bridge loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around El Macero guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions around El Macero?
Absolutely. The UC Davis Arboretum, with its pedestrian and bicycle paths around Lake Spafford, is a great spot for families. Nearby parks in Davis such as Slide Hill Park, Walnut Park, and Pioneer Park offer playgrounds, open spaces, and dog-friendly areas. The US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis is also a family-friendly historical site.
What historical or cultural sites can I visit near El Macero?
While El Macero itself is primarily residential, the nearby city of Davis offers cultural points of interest. The US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis is an excellent museum showcasing the history of bicycles and athletes. Additionally, the UC Davis Arboretum, established in 1936, has a rich history as the university's landscape centerpiece.
What is the best time of year to visit El Macero for outdoor activities?
The El Macero area generally enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring natural areas like the El Macero Agricultural Buffer and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area. Summers can be hot, while winters are mild but may bring some rain, potentially causing trails like the Putah Creek Trail to get muddy or flooded.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or parks in the El Macero area?
Yes, many outdoor areas near El Macero are dog-friendly. The UC Davis Arboretum and its paths around Lake Spafford welcome dogs. Parks in adjacent Davis, such as Slide Hill Park, Walnut Park, and Pioneer Park, are also known for being dog-friendly, offering ample space for walks and play.
What are the options for parking when visiting attractions near El Macero?
Parking availability varies by location. For attractions within Davis, such as the parks or the UC Davis Arboretum, designated parking lots are generally available. For natural areas like the El Macero Agricultural Buffer, access points within the residential neighborhood may offer limited street parking. It's advisable to check specific location details before your visit.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots around El Macero?
The UC Davis Arboretum, particularly around Lake Spafford, offers picturesque views. The Putah Creek Trail provides serene natural vistas along the creek. Additionally, the Yolo Causeway Bike Path offers unique perspectives of the Yolo Bypass landscape, especially when the low-lying areas are flooded.
What is the El Macero Country Club and is it accessible to visitors?
The El Macero Country Club is a prominent feature of the community, known for its 18-hole championship golf course, swimming pool, and tennis courts. It also hosts social events. While it is a private club, it is available for external events like weddings. Access to its facilities is generally for members and their guests, or those attending specific events.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near El Macero?
El Macero itself is primarily residential and does not contain commercial properties apart from its country club. However, the adjacent city of Davis, just a short drive away, offers a wide array of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. The Market Pavillion in Davis Central Park is home to a popular weekly Farmers Market, which often includes food vendors.
Are there wheelchair-accessible attractions in the El Macero area?
Yes, several attractions are wheelchair-accessible. The UC Davis Arboretum, with its paved paths around Lake Spafford, is generally accessible. The Market Pavillion in Davis Central Park and the US Bicycling Hall of Fame - Davis are also noted for their accessibility.
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