Longer days, warm nights, and plenty of ways to get out and explore make Sacramento the perfect place for a summer date night. Whether you’re planning a first date, a night out with your longtime partner, or something in between, there’s no shortage of ways to mix things up. From live music and outdoor movies to sunset drinks and river adventures, here are some summer date night ideas to try in Sacramento.
Image Courtesy of: Downtown Sac
Enjoy Live Music at Concerts in the Park
Nothing says summer in Sacramento quite like Concerts in the Park. Enjoy live music in the heart of downtown, along with food and drink vendors to keep the night going. With a lineup of local and touring artists, it’s an easy, and FREE, low-pressure date that still feels like an event.
Check out this year’s Concerts in the Park lineup: www.visitsacramento.com/blog/stories/post/sacramento-concerts-in-the-park-lineup/.
Stroll the Midtown Farmers Market
If your ideal date leans more daytime rather than evening, the Midtown Farmers Market is a great place to start. Check out local vendors, grab a coffee or snack and take your time browsing everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.
Check out our “Guide to Sacramento’s Farmers Markets” for even more local markets to explore together.
Sip with a View at a Rooftop Bar
Take your date night up a level, literally. Sacramento’s rooftop bars offer great views, craft cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for summer evenings. Spots like Darling Aviary, Revival at the Sawyer, and Clayton Club make it easy to catch the sunset while enjoying a refreshing cocktail.
Check out our "Guide to Sacramento's Rooftop Bars" for even more spots to grab a drink with a view.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Cheer on the Home Team
For a more high-energy date, head to a Sacramento River Cats game or catch the MLB's A’s in action while they’re in town. Between the crowd, the food and the ballpark atmosphere, it’s an easy way to keep things fun and interactive, even if you’re not a huge sports fan.
Catch an Outdoor Movie
Trade the couch for an outdoor movie night. Whether you’re pulling up to a classic drive-in or heading to Drake’s: The Barn for Barn Flix, watching a movie under the stars adds just the right amount of nostalgia to your date night. Bonus points if you bring snacks.
Hop on the Sacramento Brew Boat
Looking for something a little different? A cruise along the Sacramento River with the Sac Brew Boat is equally fun and memorable. Pedal (or let someone else do the work), enjoy a drink and take in the views as you float along the Sacramento River. It’s a great option if you want your date night to double as an experience.
Get Active Outdoors
If you and your date are the outdoorsy type, Sacramento has plenty of outdoor activities worth planning a date around. Ride bikes along the American River Parkway, go for a sunset walk along the river, or try paddleboarding on Lake Natoma for something a little more adventurous. It’s a great way to mix in some activity while still keeping things fun and relaxed.
Check out other outdoor activities you can try in Sacramento.
Image Courtesy of: Francisco Chavira
Go Wine Tasting
Take a short drive and you’ll find plenty of wineries perfect for a summer evening. Whether you head out to Clarksburg or explore tasting rooms around Midtown and Downtown, wine tasting is a classic date night option that never really misses.
Check out our wineries page to discover more Sacramento-area wineries and tasting rooms.
Ride the Sacramento River Fox Train Rail Bikes
Looking for a date that’s a little outside the box? Sacramento Rail Bikes offers a unique way to explore the area as you pedal along scenic tracks together. It’s equal parts fun and interactive, with just enough activity to keep things interesting while still giving you time to take in the views and chat along the way.
Explore the Crocker Art Museum
For a more low-key date, spend some time at the Crocker Art Museum. Wander through the galleries, take in a mix of classic and contemporary works and enjoy a slower-paced experience that still feels thoughtful and intentional. It’s a great option if you’re looking to mix things up from the usual dinner-and-drinks routine.
