Unique Date Night Ideas That Don’t Involve Going to a Restaurant

It’s officially February, and that means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. To many lovebirds out there, Valentine’s Day means a fixed-price dinner at a local restaurant, complete with red roses, a box of chocolates and of course, Champagne. But other couples would prefer to skip the pomp and circumstance and instead enjoy each other’s company doing something a bit more relaxed — and fun!

This year, Valentine’s Day lands on a Tuesday (boo!), so many couples will opt to celebrate their romance the weekend before. From skydiving to comedy, there are plenty of unique things to do in the greater Sacramento area this Valentine’s Day weekend! So, grab your spouse, partner, significant other, girlfriend, boyfriend, or even a platonic gal pal (à la Galentine’s Day) and head to the following spots for a fun and unique way to celebrate one another.

Sacramento Rail Bike | West Sacramento

Photo courtesy Sacramento RiverTrain

Hit the rails with your special someone this Valentine’s Day weekend! Departing from West Sacramento, the railbikes (with seating for two!) allow you to explore the Yolo countryside atop a pedal-powered contraption. The excursions are led by a guide and are motor-assisted just in case. Spots are available Thursday–Sunday.

Make Charcuterie | Gold River

Photo courtesy The Dancer’s Pantry

Want to know the secret behind those Instagram-worthy charcuterie boards? Sign up for a charcuterie workshop at The Dancer’s Pantry in Gold River. The Sweetheart’s Date Night Charcuterie and Cocktail Class, to be held Friday, Feb. 10, is a romantic, fun-filled evening where you can learn how to make a beautiful charcuterie board and two craft cocktails.

Escape Room | Various Locations

Photo courtesy Enchambered

There’s nothing like solving a mystery to bring a couple together. Escape rooms fit the bill, and luckily, there are several locations throughout the greater Sacramento area where you can solve the puzzle with your better half. Top-rated escape rooms include Enchambered in the Arden-Arcade area, JAR Studios in Rancho Cordova,  and Quandary Escape Rooms in Roseville.

Community Observatory | Placerville

Photo courtesy Community Observatory

Explore the sky with your loved one at the Community Observatory in Placerville, on the campus of Folsom Lake College – El Dorado Center. The observatory is home to a 17-inch and 14-inch reflecting telescope, ideal for spotting stars and planets, and volunteers are on hand to answer questions. Free public viewings are available Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. and again on Feb. 17, weather permitting.

Cookie Decorating | Roseville

How about some sweets for your sweetie? Head to Platinum Wine Lounge in Roseville on Saturday, Feb. 11 for a cookie decorating class hosted by Eatem’s Eats. There are two workshops available, 3–4:30 and 4:30–6. All materials are included in the ticket price, and you can stick around for a glass of wine (or two!) afterward.

Midtown Stomp | West Sacramento

Photo courtesy Midtown Stomp

Curious about the Lindy Hop or other swing dances? Head to Midtown Stomp in West Sacramento for a crash course in these 1930s-era dances. Drop-in swing dancing is held every Friday night, including Feb. 10, from 9 p.m.–midnight. Best of all, there’s an hour-long introductory lesson beforehand, beginning at 8 p.m.

Get Crafty | Rancho Cordova

Photo courtesy Heart Craft Studio

Get in touch with your crafty side this Valentine’s Day with special workshops at Heart Craft Studio in Rancho Cordova all weekend long. Kick off the weekend with Galentine’s Day candle making on Friday evening, followed by kid-friendly cookie decorating and soap making on Saturday. On Sunday, there will be a Valentine’s Day wood sign workshop and a maker’s market. On Tuesday, neighboring Log Off Brewery will host a special Valentine’s Day paint and sip.

Catch a Comedy Show | Various Locations

Photo courtesy Out of Bounds

Laughter is a great aphrodisiac, so why not hit a comedy show this Valentine’s Day? There are several options available throughout the greater Sacramento area, including “Cupid’s Comedy All Stars” at Punchline Comedy Club and “Love & Laughter” at Laughs Unlimited; both to be held on Feb. 14. Another good bet is “Laughs and Crafts” at Out of Bounds Brewing in Folsom.

Sip Craft Spirits | El Dorado Hills

Photo courtesy Dry Diggings Distillery

The greater Sacramento area is home to a handful of craft distilleries. One local producer, Dry Diggings Distillery, offers tastings and tours at its El Dorado Hills facility. You and your honey can learn all about the production process and sample their signature products, which include vodka, brandy, whiskey and more. Although they’re closed on Feb. 14, tastings and tours are available Fri.–Sun.

Indoor Skydiving | Roseville

Photo courtesy iFly

Love is in the air at iFly indoor skydiving in Roseville. They have a special Valentine’s Day package that includes four flights in their indoor wind tunnel for two people (plus instruction and safety gear, of course). No skydiving experience necessary!