Sacramento · Sacramento County, CA
Cheap things to do in Sacramento
Scout analyzed 123 Sacramento places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
123
Matches
24
Typical spend
$15
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Scout-verified spots
Land Park
The Kitchen Restaurant
This is a high-end, multi-course dining experience best for special occasions, lasting about three hours and costing upwards of $135 per person before drinks. Reservations are essential and often need to be booked well in advance.
East Sacramento
Allora
Allora is a fashionable spot for a contemporary Italian dinner, ideal for a refined date night or celebrating a milestone. Expect to spend 2 hours and upwards of $75 per person for food and drinks.
Midtown
Paragary's
Paragary's is suitable for a dinner date or special occasion, offering French-Californian cuisine in a stylish setting with patio options. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for a 1.5-hour meal.
Outdoors
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Hidden Falls Regional Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, featuring scenic trails and waterfalls. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and a small parking fee, making it a good complement to a picnic or local winery visit.
Downtown
Fox & Goose Public House
Fox & Goose is a classic pub experience, good for a casual meal or drinks with entertainment. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs ranging from $15-$35 per person for food and a drink.
Poverty Ridge
Localis
Localis is a fine dining spot for a special evening meal, likely taking around 1.5 hours and costing over $100 per person. Reservations are advised.
Outdoors
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom Lake is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. Expect to spend around $10-25 per person for park entry or activity rentals.
Southside Park
Southside Park
Southside Park is a free city park good for a family outing or a solo walk, especially with kids for the playground. Expect to spend about an hour enjoying the trails, pond, and public art.
Outdoors
Mississippi Bar
This nature preserve is good for an outdoor excursion like hiking, kayaking, or horseback riding, often featuring wildlife. Plan for 2-3 hours and a low cost for parking or activity rentals.
East Sacramento
McKinley Park
McKinley Park is a good spot for a couple of hours of outdoor fun, whether for a walk through the rose garden, playground time with kids, or a casual tennis match. It's a free activity, though the seasonal pool or a snack might add a few dollars.
Downtown
Frog & Slim
Frog & Slim is a suitable spot for a dinner date or special occasion, expecting a higher price point per person. Plan for about 1.5 hours and consider making a reservation.
Outdoors
Ancil Hoffman Park
Ancil Hoffman Park is ideal for a few hours of outdoor exploration, offering trails and nature views. It can be a standalone cheap outing or paired with a picnic. Expect to spend $0-$10 per person, primarily for parking or nature center entry.
Outdoors
Bohemian Park
Bohemian Park is suitable for a free outdoor family outing or a solo walk, typically lasting about an hour. It's best visited during good weather and pairs well with a picnic or local take-out.
Downtown
Prelude Kitchen & Bar
Prelude Kitchen & Bar is a suitable spot for a relaxed dinner or drinks, ideal for special occasions or a date night. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for food and cocktails during a 1.5-hour visit.
Land Park
William Land Regional Park
William Land Regional Park is ideal for a half-day family outing, offering open space for picnics and play, plus access to attractions like the zoo or golf. Expect to spend $0-25 per person depending on activities.
Richmond Grove
Hook and Ladder Manufacturing Company
Hook and Ladder is a good spot for a dinner out, offering comfort food and drinks in an industrial-chic setting. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $30-70 per person for a meal and drinks.
Outdoors
Sutter's Landing Regional Park
Sutter's Landing Regional Park is ideal for a low-cost, active family outing or solo adventure, offering a mix of recreation facilities and open space. Expect to spend 1-2 hours biking, walking a dog, or playing sports.
Outdoors
Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
Cronan Ranch is a regional park ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or horseback riding, taking 2-4 hours to explore. It's a free outdoor activity best paired with a picnic lunch.
Downtown
Ella Dining Room & Bar
Ella Dining Room & Bar is suitable for an upscale dinner, potentially pairing with a show or event downtown. Expect to spend $75-150 per person for a 1.5-hour meal, and reservations are recommended.
Downtown
SANA'A CAFE
Sana'a Cafe is a good spot for a quick coffee break or light snack, suitable for solo visits or casual meetups. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person.
Central Oak Park
McClatchy Park
McClatchy Park is a good destination for a casual family outing or a solo walk, especially on a sunny day. A visit might last 1.5 to 3 hours, and costs can range from free to a few dollars if using the pool.
Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento Waterfront
Old Sacramento Waterfront is a good half-day visit for families or tourists interested in history, offering museums, shops, and dining. Expect to spend $10-50 per person, primarily on food and attractions, with moderate walking required.
Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
Spend a few hours exploring the historic boardwalks, shops, and museums, grabbing a meal, and enjoying the river views. Entrance to the park area is free, but individual attractions and meals can cost up to $50 per person.
Southeastern Sacramento
Howe River Access
This river access point is ideal for a free outdoor activity like a walk or kayak launch, pairing well with a picnic. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here, with minimal to no cost beyond transportation.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 123 analyzed Sacramento places fit cheap day out.
- 47% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 42% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Upscale, Playful, Adventurous.
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