Couple at night by Nathan Dumlao-Unsplash.

15 Best Date Night Ideas in Sacramento


 

They say love is a beautiful thing, and without a doubt, dating can be quite an exhilarating experience.  One of those elating moments is getting to spend quality time with your partner, and have fun while getting to know each other even better.

You definitely have to find various means through which you can bond to spice up things and break monotony. Just like any other thing in life, every person has their particular likings. Some couples will book chic restaurants for a romantic dinner out, have drinks at a local bar on Friday night, play video games, go bowling in one of the city’s fine alleys, or just sit and watch a movie at the cinema. 

Trying new things is a great idea, and Sacramento offers you a plethora of date night ideas for you to choose from. The city is home to busy neighborhoods with trendy nightlife, and quieter spots as well, depending on your mood for the night.

Downtown Sacramento is the definition of the city’s buzz, full of energetic crowds and plenty of fun spots to consider checking out. If you prefer a relaxed night out by the river, then a spot at Old Sacramento Waterfront will serve you just right. We have compiled a list of some of the best date night ideas you and your partner might want to try out in Sacramento.

1. Crack your ribs at the Laughs Unlimited Comedy Club & Lounge

Image by Tim Mossholder-Unsplash.

Well, personally, I do love a good laugh, and it only gets better when you have tasty food and drinks to go with the humor. This spot serves you both! It has been running since 1980 and has nurtured many famous comedians in California.

It is home to the likes of Tahir Moore, Tony Baker, and Tony Roberts, just to mention a few. The comedy here is, to say the least, great! Laugh the night away at hilarious jokes and storytelling from both well-known and upcoming comedians.

The nightclub offers a fantastic food and drinks menu as well, and you can order some BBQ chicken, or shredded pork with buns to get your energy on. Cocktails and beer hardly run out, and to close it off, a lava fudge cake for dessert is a great idea.

It is recommended that you book your tickets in advance as the shows get sold out pretty quickly. That tells you that the excellent comedy experience is no mere bluff. The place is located right in the heart of the Old Sacramento Historic District, and you can catch the city views on your way here.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1207 FRONT ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814, USA
OPEN: WEDNESDAY TO THURSDAY- 4 PM TO 11 PM
            FRIDAY -4PM TO 12 AM
            SARTUDAY -1PM TO 12 AM
            SUNDAY- 1 PM TO 11 PM
CALL: 916 446 8128
WEBSITE: https://www.laughsunlimited.com/

2. Video Gaming at FireUp Esports Lounge

Playing video games by Alex Haney-Unsplash.

If you and your partner are sporty, (virtually speaking), then FireUp Esports Lounge is just the right place for a thrilling date night. It is conveniently located right off the 1-80 freeway on Douglas Boulevard.

It’s all about video games! As the management puts it, it’s an ‘eat, drink, game, repeat’ affair. Perhaps your partner doesn’t know how to play, but what better way to bond than through teaching them how to, in such a cool environment! You can also book your private booth and play ‘The Switch’.

Pricing is by the hour, and on average, the charge is $10, and $ 30 for any PlayStation or Nintendo switch game. Several couples can tag each other along and pay $180 per hour for the group package for up to 10 persons. So, you get to have fun with your loved one, in the company of your friends all at the same time!

The Lounge offers you a fantastic gourmet menu, with lots of pizza and beer. After a game or two, sit in the lounge area and sip your favorite cocktail or drink as you chat the night away. Interestingly, some of the cocktails served are named after video game characters. Catchy, isn’t it?

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1601 DOUGLAS BLVD STE A ROSEVILLE, CA 95661
OPEN: TUESDAY TO THURSDAY 3 PM TO 11 PM
            FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 3 PM TO 2 AM
WEBSITE: https://fireup.gg/

3. Ice Skating at Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

Ice skating by Ben Kerckx-Pixabay.

Located right at the heart of Downtown Sacramento at Ali Youssefi Square, this is the ideal seasonal spot for ice skating in town. It’s real ice! That means, it is only open through winter, from November to January. You get to experience the perfect winter wonderland feels, for a chilled-out winter date.

Don’t know how to ice skate? Well, the place has professional instructors who will ensure to get it right and have fun at the same time. Picture yourself and your significant other skating through ice under the starry skies, warmly dressed and all comfy! Call it a scene out of a Christmas story and you will be close enough.

The entry fee is good for 2 hours, as sessions take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Booking in advance is highly recommended as reservations are given priority. You don’t want to wait too long before you can get on the rink and savor the fun already. The place is also kid-friendly, with supervision and safety gear.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 701 K ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
OPEN: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 2 PM TO 10 PM
PRICE: $ 13 PER HOUR FOR ADULTS
            $ 6 PER HOUR FOR KIDS
            FEE INCLUSIVE OF ADMISSION AND SKATE RENTALS
WEBSITE: https://www.godowntownsac.com/events/signature-events/ice-rink/

4. Go Bowling at Capitol Bowl

Bowling by Vlad Vasnetsov-Pixabay.

Looking for some casual retro fun in an energy-packed spot for a night? Capitol Bowl in West Sacramento is one of those joints that offers you simply amazing bowling alley experience.

Stretch some muscle and engage in friendly competition bowling, while enjoying great music and pumped-up crowds in an expansive environment. Capitol Bowl serves you glow nights, bowling leagues, a full bar and grill serving tasty pizza, snacks and drinks, and of course, thrilling bowling moments.

There are plenty of comfy seats, so you can just sit and talk as you take a break and savor some tasty bites like chicken or ribs from the grill. The spot is perfect for birthdays as well, so couple some casual but tasty meals, a little bit of action on the alleys, and drinks, and you have a fantastic, easy birthday celebration with your lover.

There is a kids’ bowling area as well, so you can bring your children along and let them have fun too as you have drinks. Reservations are highly recommended as the place can fill up pretty fast during rush hours.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 900 W CAPITOL AVE, WEST SACRAMENTO, CA 95691, USA
OPEN: MONDAY TO THURSDAY 11 AM TO 11 PM
            FRIDAY 11 AM TO 1 AM
            SARTUDAY 10 AM TO 1 AM
            SUNDAY 10 AM TO 11 PM
CALL: 916 371 4200
WEBSITE: https://capitol-bowl.com/

5. Watch a Drive-in Movie at West Wind Sacramento 6

Just for a change, ditch the big screens at the theater and go for a more intimate movie experience at the Drive-in. West Wind Sacramento is a retro drive-in movie theater that screens the latest releases into cars via FM radio. So, all you’ve got to do is pull up with your date in a car, some pillows, and snacks, cozy up, and watch your favorite movie at the parking ground.

It is a typical old-fashioned movie date and is perfect for an easy, warm night out with your lover. It is also comparably cheaper than at the cinemas. It’s $ 9 per adult and $ 2 for kids ages 5 to 11.  On Tuesday,  it’s $ 6 since it’s a family night. Popcorn is available and in plenty, although you’re allowed to bring your drinks or ice cream. Mondays have fewer people.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 9616 OATES DR, SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
OPEN: Monday to thursday 7 pm to 10.30 pm, fridaay to sunday 6.45 pm to 1 am
CALL: 916 363 6572

6. Enjoy live music at Ace of Spades

Live music concert by Vishnu R Nair-Unsplash.

The spontaneity of this place adds to its already existing charm. If you and your lover are looking for a lively, energetic night of your lives, good feels, and great party vibes, Ace of Spades offers you that and some more. Expect live music, concerts, fun-fueled crowds, and food and drinks to keep you energized through the performances.

They are a general admission venue, with limited GA seating in the bar area. The great thing is, if you prefer not to guess where you’ll stand during the concert, and would like to elevate your experience, then you can pay for premium seating. Your seat is guaranteed for the entire night, and you’ll have personnel serve your food and drink orders in the comfort of your seat, so you don’t have to wait in line at the bar.

Show times vary, and events are scheduled every week. It’s as spontaneous as can be. Visit their website to find out about upcoming events and artist shows before booking.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS:  1417 R ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95811
OPEN: SuNDAY TO THURSDAY 5 PM TO 111 PM, FRIDAY 5 PM TO 12 AM, SATURDAY 5 AM TO 12 AM
CALL: 916 930 0220
WEBSITE: https://www.livenation.com/venue/KovZpZAJ6lvA/ace-of-spades-events

7. Dance and Drink the night away at MIX Downtown

Drinks with friends by Drew Beamer-Unsplash.

Located on top of Public House Downtown, this spot offers you a sensational night out experience with a rooftop patio, pit fires, spacious bars, an intimate dance floor, semi-private booths, and of course, a delicious food and drink menu.

It has two fully stocked bars, so you will hardly run out of drinks. It’s really up to you whether to take chardonnay, vodka, shots, or some beer. Wine, cocktails, and locally sourced beer carefully picked makes the drinks’ menu. Food is as tasty as can get, with picks such as grilled cheese, chicken tacos, and salad.

 It does seem like an ideal place to let your hair down, slide easily onto the dancefloor and let the music take control. Suiting for an easy date night after a stressful week.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1525 L ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
OPEN: WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY 4 PM TO 1.40 AM
            SUNDAY 9 PM TO 1.40 AM
WEBSITE: https://mixdowntown.net/

8. Waterfront dining on the Delta King Steamboat

The Delta King at dusk, Sacramento. Photo by Quintin Soloviev. Wikimedia Commons.

Located just right at the Old Sacramento Waterfront lies the ideal romantic date for a couple. The Delta King Steamboat was originally built in 1927, but it has now been restored and converted into a restaurant with intimate and quality facilities, serving both great food and scenic views.

Wine and dine at this 87-meter-long steamboat, sitting on the blue waters of the beautiful Sacramento River. Take in the spectacular views of the city under the starry night sky, and the scenic views of the river shimmering under the lights as you listen to live music performances. The live music is on Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Order your meal from Pilothouse restaurant, serving fresh, seasonal dishes of Sacramento’s ‘farm-to-table delicacies, or get some tasty bites from the Delta Bar & Grill. All inside the steamboat. This will not be just another romantic fancy dinner, but a wholesome dining experience to remember. Book your reservations online.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1000 FRONT ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814, USA
CALL: 916 444 5464
WEBSITE: https://www.deltaking.com/

9. Get goosebumps at Enchambered: Sacramento Escape Room

If the both of you are suckers for horror,  intense thrill, and wouldn’t mind an adventurous date night, then try this spot out. Enchambered is located right at the Arden House Plaza on Arden Way. It’s all about wit, teamwork, and mad fun as you work out puzzles and find secret clues. You’ll get locked in a custom-built room, and you must find a way to escape it within a set time. See how much in sync you are with your partner as you figure out the puzzles together.

Escape rooms are ideally not for the faint-hearted, and the cool but creepy atmosphere at this spot only adds to the thrill. Some of the escape rooms’ names such as ‘Whispering Halls’ and ‘Skull Witch’ give you an idea of the feel around it. Spooky but fun! If this is your cup of tea, Enchambered is one of the perfect spots in Sacramento when it comes to escape rooms

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2230 ARDEN WAY C, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825
OPEN: MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9 AM TO 11 PM
WEBSITE:  https://www.enchambered.com/

10. Go-Karting at KI Speed Sacramento

Go karting indoors by andyround62-Pixabay.

Are you thinking of trying out something energy-packed and sporty for your next date? Who said date nights can’t get competitive and fun at the same time? Racing go-karts might be a great idea to get that adrenaline and competitive spirit pumping all night! Challenge your partner to a race at KI Speed Sacramento, then let the winner pay for food and drinks at the onsite café. KI Speed is an indoor karting track featuring electric go-karts for all levels of skill.

If you’re a first-timer, worry not since the tracks are quite safe, with professionally designed safety barriers. Instructors are ready to help and you’ll have a great time. Just get your gear on, and let the games begin! The prices are charged per race, and on average, a race will be about $ 20. Perfect for a low-budget but still fun date night once in a while.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 3130 BRADSHAW RD, SACRAMENTO, CA 95827
OPEN: MONDAY TO THURSDAY 5.30 PM TO 10 PM
            FRIDAY 5.30 PM TO 111 PM
            SATURDAY 10 AM TO 12 AM
            SUNDAY 10 AM TO 9 PM
CALL: 866 340 8592
WEBSITE: https://www.k1speed.com/sacramento-location.html?utm_campaign=gbl_sacramento&utm_source=google&utm_medium=directory

11. Sing and laugh along with a one-man band at Acoustic Sanctuary

Picture a small seating around a piano with a man who can play multiple instruments, make a melody about any topic suggested by the audience on a whim, and manage to make you laugh all at once! Winko Ljizz is that man; funny, super talented, and great company for a simple cozy night with your lover. The Acoustic Sanctuary is a truck made into a small stage with a capacity of up to 10.  It is only a 3-minute walk from the California State Railroad Museum.

If you’re looking for an intimate night out away from the crowds, try this one. Here you get real live music, no amplifiers or DJs, and the experience feels so personal and tailor-made for the small audience. Winko plays acoustic instruments, and his witty performances have gained him the name ‘the one-man band storyteller of Sacramento’. Bring your drink, suggest a topic to laugh at and sing along with Winko, and savor the great conversations, music, and intimate interaction for the night. Charges are on average $ 10 for couples per hour.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 200 J ST SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 OLD SACRAMENTO. DOWNTOWN
OPEN: THURSDAY TO SATURDAY 8 PM TO 2 AM
CALL: 850 243 2221

12. Virtual Reality games at Zion

Virtual Reality by Rlcha Hasija-Pixabay.

This one is for tech enthusiasts and avid gamers! Zion Virtual Reality & Escape Room VR is packed with state-of-the-art virtual reality centers featuring modern tech tools, escape games, and arcades. It is situated next to Sactown Family Fun Mini Golf.

You can engage in as much fun as you’d like, with the place offering a wide range of VR games. It’s an enormous play area with wireless systems, premium headsets, and mounted screens. If you’ve watched Jumanji, the multiplayer escape adventure at this spot is more or less like it. Players are virtually trapped in the game, and you must figure out puzzles to get out! Exciting!

You can talk to each using headsets and play zombie games for more fun. Charges range from $40 per person depending on the VR game. The staff here is ever willing to help, so you won’t get stuck if you’re trying this out for the first time. Book a VR session online to avoid waiting too long in line.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 12401 FOLSOM BLVD STE 123, RANCHO CORDOVA, CA 95742
OPEN: TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 3 PM TO 8 PM
CALL: 916 888 1085
WEBSITE: https://zionvr.net/

13. Let off steam at Smash Sacramento

This is quite a unique one. Smash Sacramento spells stress relief, adrenaline rush, and busting energy all packed into a nice package of crazy fun. Soon as you walk in, they give you a baseball bat, or sledgehammer, some stuff to wreck and let you go at it as loudly as you want to.

If the idea of smashing things in a safe environment while screaming your lungs out and laughing seems fun, look no further. And no, you don’t need to be angry or stressed to check out this place. The people are energetic and full of good vibes, so you’ll definitely enjoy your stay here as you wreck stuff for fun. The environment is safe, as safety precautions are put in place.

Safety gear such as helmets is also provided. If you and your partner have had a stressful week, why not let it out while still having fun at Smash Sacramento? Reservations are required.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 5839 MANZANITA AVE, STE 11 CARMICHAEL, CA 95608
OPEN: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 5 PM TO 10 PM
            SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 2 PM TO 10 PM
WEBSITE: https://www.smashsacramento.com/

14. Ride a Ferris Wheel at the Old Sacramento Waterfront

Ferris Wheel at night by Ben Askins. Wikimedia Commons.

Situated right in front of Rio City Café, the Waterfront Ferris wheel offers you a thrill as it moves fast and scenic views of the area as it moves slow. It is a 65-foot dazzling wheel, strategically located at the waterfront.

Take in the spectacular views of the city’s skyline at night, the iconic Tower Bridge, and the Sacramento River. It is a simple date night idea, but not necessarily simplistic. The nostalgia accompanying such sweet delights like holding your partner’s hand as they scream out of thrill over the fast-paced Ferris wheel is, to say the least, precious. Enjoy the ride for as low as $ 6. Plus, you can grab a meal at the Rio City Café, and stroll the Old Sacramento waterfront when the adrenaline has settled.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: OLD SACRAMENTO WATERFRONT, 1150 FRONT STREET, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
OPEN: MONDAY TO THURSDAY 12 PM TO 9 PM
            FRIDAY TO SUNDAY 12 PM TO 10 PM
WEBSITE: https://www.oldsacramento.com/

15.  Dress up for a fancy dinner at Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar

Image by Jay Wennington-Unsplash.

Located right at the heart of Midtown Sacramento, this spot is ambiance redefined, perfect for a first date night if you like to start on a higher, fancier note. With a solid 4.1 star rating on google, Red Rabbit is, without a doubt, a great dining space approved by many. It offers top-tier, elegant service, tasty seasonal dishes, and great wine and beer to crown the culinary experience.

Savor the grilled Tofino bay salmon, with cherry tomatoes and lemon butter, or grilled marinated porterhouse steak with roasted fingerling potatoes and lemon sauce. The owner and top Chef, John Bays is a firm believer in ‘farm to table’ culture to curate tasty dishes. The menu is local seasonal food. Once you’ve had your fill, order a signature cocktail or red wine to sip it all down as the night wanes off.

There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Reservations are recommended.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2718 J ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95816, USA
OPEN: WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY 3 PM TO
            BAR OPEN TLL MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY
            SUNDAY 11 AM TO 9 PM
WEBSITE: http://theredrabbit.net/