10 Summer Date Ideas in Sacramento

With Sacramento’s abundance of outdoor patios, summer festivals and farmers’ markets, it’s pretty easy to love this city in the summer.

One of the best ways to enjoy Sacramento to the fullest during the summer is to go on a date in the city, basking in the California sunshine with your loved one by your side.

Go on a Bike Ride

Bike riding is one of the more active yet relaxed activities you can enjoy as a couple during the summer. This is an even more celebrated date idea for couples in this particular region, as Davis is considered the bicycle capital of America. While there are plenty of bike trails weaving throughout the Greater Sacramento Area, there is one in particular worth checking out if you haven’t already.

Take your loved one and a pair of bikes to the American River Bike Trail, also known as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. This 32-mile trail hugs the banks of the American River, extending from Discovery Park in Old Sacramento and Folsom Lake’s southwestern banks at Beal’s Point. The path is completely paved, with convenient amenities along the way, including mile markers, trailside maps, water fountains and restrooms.

Sac Brew Bike

If the idea of a bike ride sounded tiring, work together with a whole team of peddlers with Sac Brew Bike. This is a unique brewpub crawl on wheels, where you peddle to several brew stops throughout town. Get a workout, learn all about local brews, and listen to fun and loud music blasting from the bike’s impressive sound system.

This is the perfect date idea for the couple wanting to mingle with other couples and groups of people, learn about local libations, get a little workout in, and have fun all the while! Prices range from $25 per seat to $65 per seat, depending on the length of ride and extra freebies you’re after.

Sample Local Wines

With Sacramento’s proximity to Napa Valley and the myriad of vineyards throughout the region, you may be accustomed to traveling to sample exceptional wines as a couple.

But alas, you don’t have to travel very far to feel like you’ve escaped it all. Scribner Bend Vineyards is located along the beautiful Sacramento River, situated just south of the city. Their tasting room is held in a 100-year-old barn that overlooks several acres of wine grapes and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visit their tasting room between Friday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., making this a prime daytime date destination for you and your wine tasting partner.

Photos courtesy of Scribner Bend Vineyards

Enjoy Live Music at the Davis Farmers’ Market

There are so many amazing farmers’ markets in the area, but one of our favorites pops up each Wednesday and Saturday at Central Park in Davis. While a visit to any market would make a great laid-back date option, you should definitely make the Davis Farmers’ Market Picnic in the Park a part of your weekly schedule throughout the summer and into the fall!

Each Wednesday from 4:30–8:30 p.m., local bands perform live shows featuring a variety of music genres throughout this exciting 33-week-long concert series. In addition to hearing live music, you and your sweetheart can get incredible eats from local food purveyors, and peruse the collection of booths selling farm-fresh produce, cheese, wine and more!

Check out the Picnic in the Park schedule to see what kind of music you can expect to hear during your visit.

Photos courtesy of Davis Farmers’ Market

Go on a Hornblower Cruise

There are not many things more romantic than a boat ride on a warm summer night. Hornblower Cruises offers a variety of river cruises perfect for your particular occasion — or lack thereof! Enjoy a historic and scenic one-hour cruise with your sweetheart, as you pass Old Sacramento’s famous historic sites, including the Delta King, the I Street Bridge, the Tower Bridge, and the Air Force Docks. Learn fascinating facts you might not know about your own city, as you take in the gorgeous views from this pristine cruise boat. Tickets cost $20 per person!

Photo courtesy of Hornblower Cruises

Stroll Through Old Sacramento

Enjoy a laid-back summertime date with a stroll through Old Sacramento. This historic area is home to over 50 eateries, lots of unique shops, various attractions and hotels (for the perfect staycation!). Grab lunch or dinner at Ten22 in Old Sacramento, followed by a walk through town — admiring the restored historic buildings, old-town charm and lively atmosphere.

See a River Cats Game

For generations and generations, couples have been going to baseball games for a fun and exciting date night. Keep this tradition alive by sharing a bag of peanuts, a cold beverage and some cotton candy at a River Cats game this summer! You better act fast, as the River Cats are only playing through Labor Day weekend. Relive the days of teenage romance by enjoying America’s favorite pastime with your crush by your side.

Photos courtesy of Sacramento River Cats

Go to the Drive-In

Another long-time date night favorite is a trip to the drive-in theater. West Wind Drive-In takes this old-school activity to the present day with modern technology and their showings of current box office hits. While West Wind has seven locations throughout the country, they have been family owned and operated since their inception in 1952.

Grab some food from their fully stocked snack bar and enjoy a double-feature in the comfort of your own car or even from the hood of your car, if the weather permits!

Photo Courtesy of  West Wind Drive-In Theater

Take a Trip to the Farm(s)

Apple Hill Farms is a metropolis of summertime activities, featuring a huge variety of apple and fruit farms, bake shops, wineries, a spa, flower gardens, wedding spots, berry farms, and Christmas tree groves. Are you as overwhelmed as we are?

Narrow down the myriad of options by focusing on the spring and summertime activities. Pick berries with your date at Camino Ridge, taste wine from Madrona Vineyards, or enjoy a romantic couple’s massage at Time Out, a private resort and day spa.  

Whatever you do, make Apple Hill Farms a part of your summertime date itinerary!

Photos courtesy of Apple Hill Farms

Enjoy a Meal on an Outdoor Patio

One of the best ways to spend a summer date is by enjoying a meal on the outdoor patio of a local restaurant in town. To cut out the guessing and Yelping, we’ve compiled a list of the top outdoor patios in Sacramento! Paragary’s in Midtown has one of our favorite patios around, with a rustic, industrial and whimsical feeling — in addition to shade that makes those hot summer days bearable. You’ll forget you’re in the heart of the city as you’re surrounded by waterfalls, 60-year-old olive trees and a large fireplace.

Their menu features regional fare effortlessly combining modern and traditional elements. While the atmosphere at Paragary’s — especially on the back patio — is attractive, the food and drinks take the center stage.

Photo courtesy of Paragary’s

What Are Your Favorite Summertime Date Destinations in Sacramento?

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