The General Library is ranked among the top research libraries in North America, contains more than 26 million volumes, and comprises 5 units, including the Health Sciences Library. The University Arboretum provides a scenic and peaceful setting, as well as an outdoor classroom and laboratory for teaching and research. Various museums and galleries house valuable teaching and research collections, and a wide range of performing arts programs take place throughout the year. UC Davis Presents brings internationally known artists in music, drama, dance and other art forms to perform on campus annually, and sponsors lectures by nationally known figures. Known as an ecologically aware and socially innovative city, Davis boasts 50 miles of bicycle paths and more bicycles per capita than any other city in the nation.
Residents are active in the arts, and in community organizations.
With a population approaching 50,000, including UCD students, Davis directs much of its attention to enhancing the quality of life with its small-town friendliness. The city has a reputation for environmental awareness, energy conservation, and an exceptional parks and recreation program. A wide array of recreational and cultural opportunities are available nearby to include California's renowned wine country an hour to the west, San Francisco an hour and a half to the southwest, California's rugged north coast two hours to the northwest, Yosemite National Park three hours to the south, and Lake Tahoe and mountain recreation just two hours to the east.