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Woodland

Woodland, California, United States

Discover Woodland: Where History Meets California Charm Nestled in the heart of California's fertile Central Valley, Woodland offers a delightful escape for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from the beaten pa…

#Rural#Agricultural#Small town#Close to Sacramento#Historic

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Woodland.

Top Hotels in Woodland

Top Flights to Woodland

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Woodland.

Tours

Historic Woodland Downtown Walking Tour

Explore the charming historic downtown area of Woodland, full of unique architecture and local history.

Woodland Public Library Visit

Visit the oldest public library in California, featured in beautiful architecture.

Shopping

Woodland Farmers Market

Visit the local farmers market to enjoy fresh produce and handmade goods.

Outdoor

Cache Creek Nature Walk

Enjoy a peaceful nature walk along Cache Creek, observing local flora and fauna.

Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Exploration

Explore one of the state's largest wildlife areas for birdwatching and nature photography.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Woodland.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

61,000

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Woodland

Jan

12°3°

Feb

15°5°

Mar

18°6°

Apr

22°8°

May

26°11°

Jun

31°14°

Jul

35°16°

Aug

34°15°

Sep

31°14°

Oct

25°10°

Nov

18°6°

Dec

13°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Woodland.

What people love

Woodland, California, located in Yolo County, has several pros for travelers. Here are some detailed points:

Convenient Location: Woodland is conveniently situated just 15 miles northwest of Sacramento, the capital city of California. This makes it easy to access the state's capital and all its attractions while enjoying a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere in Woodland.
Historic Downtown: Woodland boasts a charming historic downtown area with well-preserved architecture, tree-lined streets, and a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, enjoy local cuisine, and shop for unique gifts.
Outdoor Recreation: The surrounding area of Woodland offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and fishing. The nearby Sacramento River provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Farming and Agriculture: Woodland is located in the heart of California's agricultural region, known for its fertile soil and diverse crops. Visitors can explore local farms, orchards, and farmers markets to experience the region's agricultural heritage firsthand.
Events and Festivals: Woodland hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing the community's culture, art, and food. Popular events include the Yolo County Fair, the California Honey Festival, and the Woodland Tomato Festival.
Wine Tasting: Woodland is close to several renowned wine regions, including Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Visitors can take a short drive to enjoy wine tasting tours and sample some of the finest wines California has to offer.

Overall, traveling to Woodland, California, offers a blend of history, outdoor activities, agricultural experiences, and cultural events, making it a diverse and interesting destination for visitors.

What to know

Traveling to Woodland, California, like any destination, may have its drawbacks. Here are some potential cons of traveling to Woodland:

Limited Tourist Attractions: Woodland is a smaller city compared to nearby destinations like Sacramento or San Francisco, so it may have fewer tourist attractions and activities available for visitors.
Limited Dining and Entertainment Options: While Woodland does have some dining and entertainment options, it may not offer as much variety or as many choices as larger cities.
Seasonal Weather: Woodland experiences hot summers and wet winters, which may not be ideal for all travelers depending on their preferences.
Transportation: Woodland may not have as extensive public transportation options compared to larger cities, so getting around may require a car rental or rideshare services.
Distance from Major Airports: Woodland is not directly served by a major airport, so visitors may need to fly into Sacramento International Airport and then drive or take a shuttle to reach Woodland.

Overall, while Woodland offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger cities, visitors should be aware of the potential limitations in terms of attractions, dining options, weather, transportation, and accessibility.

Woodland, California, is a city with a rich history, located in Yolo County. Here is a detailed history of Woodland, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Native American Inhabitants: Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Patwin, a subgroup of the Wintun people. They lived in small villages and utilized the area's natural resources.

19th Century

Establishment: Woodland was founded in 1853 when a store was established by Frank S. Freeman. The area was initially known as "Yolo City."
Name Change and Growth: The town was renamed Woodland in 1859. It began to grow rapidly when the California Pacific Railroad reached the area in the 1860s, enhancing transport and trade.
County Seat: In 1862, Woodland became the county seat of Yolo County, further solidifying its importance in the region.

Significant Figures

Frank S. Freeman: Considered the founder due to his establishment of the first store in the area.
James Monroe: A prominent early settler who contributed to the development of the town and served as the first postmaster.

20th Century

Agricultural Hub: Woodland developed into an agricultural hub, with its rich soil and favorable climate supporting crops like tomatoes, almonds, and walnuts.
World War II: During the war, Woodland contributed to the war effort through agriculture, providing essential food supplies.

Landmarks and Institutions

Gibson House: Built in 1857, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings and now serves as the Yolo County Historical Museum.
Yolo County Courthouse: A significant building that has served the county's legal needs for many years.
Woodland Opera House: Originally built in 1885, it was rebuilt in 1895 after a fire and is now a California Historical Landmark and a vibrant part of the community's cultural life.

Recent Developments

Downtown Revitalization: Efforts have been made to revitalize Woodland's downtown area, preserving its historical architecture while accommodating modern businesses.
Cultural Events: Woodland hosts several annual events, such as the Stroll Through History, which celebrates the city's historical heritage.

Woodland continues to grow and develop while retaining its historical roots, serving as a key city within Yolo County and maintaining its agricultural significance.