Sacramento vs. Davis: Where should I book my hotel for the 2024 UC Tech Annual Conference?
The 2024 UC Tech Annual Conference will be a three-day event held in Sacramento and Davis. Therefore, where should you book your hotel?
Both cities offer fantastic experiences and where you choose to stay will depend on your preferences. Here are several things to consider before making your decision.
Davis: convenient and laid-back
Because Day 2 and Day 3 of the conference are in Davis, we recommend staying in Davis for convenience. Doing so also means you avoid rush-hour traffic on the Yolo Causeway that connects the two cities together.
Davis exudes small-town charm through its relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to meditate in nature, visit the campus animals, bike around the city, or stroll along downtown to eat or shop. This city truly allows you to take things slow and appreciate everything the community has to offer.
Summary:
- Travel: car/bike/bus-friendly, Amtrak, walkable, avoids Yolo Causeway traffic
- Restaurants: locally-owned businesses, diverse food selections, restaurants close early (~ 9 p.m.)
- Activities/sightseeing: outdoor recreation, campus exploration, peaceful nightlife, local community events
Sacramento: bustling and historically-rich
Only Day 1 of the conference is in Sacramento, but that doesn’t mean you should rule out the capital city as a potential hotel location! Let’s get the one downside of staying here out of the way: you may get caught in rush-hour traffic on the Yolo Causeway if you choose to drive or take the bus. However, this is avoidable by planning your travel times or boarding the Amtrak from the Sacramento Valley Station, which is a 15-minute ride to downtown Davis and a 20-minute walk to the UC Davis campus. The train includes bike racks, so you can bring your bike onto the train and have it available to efficiently get around in Davis.
On the upside, Sacramento offers an abundance of activities and places to explore — historical attractions, museums, zoos, live events, and more — by car, bike, bus, or walking. This city is a good choice if you want to do a lot of sightseeing within a short distance, don’t mind taking a few extra steps for travel, and enjoy a “small town, big city” vibe.
Summary:
- Travel: car/bike/bus-friendly, Amtrak, walkable, may encounter Yolo County traffic
- Restaurants: farm-to-fork dining, diverse food selections, restaurants stay open until late
- Activities/sightseeing: large variety, historical sites, outdoor recreation, live events/entertainment
If you’re still undecided, check out our Things to Do page for specific activities in both cities that may interest you.
Book your hotel: discounted rates available
When you’re ready, check out the Hotel and Travel Accommodations page for a list of discounted and non-discounted 4-star hotel options, as well as information on how to get around UC Davis and UC Davis Health.