Ideas for two 50 year old girls' day/night out

Question

Hi! My friend and I are 50 year old girls. We're planning a trip to sacramento feb 23 to 25th. (I know it's too short.) We need your advice.

We will go to Quarry Park Adventures on Sunday 23rd for 4 hours. So we'll leave there around 2pm for sacramento. No plan after that.

On Monday 24th we're planning a midtown food tour on our own(the official tour is not available on Tuesday, Wednesday).

We're staying in the walking distance from the Capitol building. (Not too close but still walkable)

Suggestion for restaurants, cafes, bars?

Suggestion for things to do other than eating, drinking and art tour?

Is there a good public transportation after bar hopping?

We're not planning to get drunk or spending a lot of money at high end places.

Thank you so much for your input in advance!

Answer

For a short Sacramento trip focused on a fun day/night out, you can balance good food, casual drinks, and light sightseeing without needing a car, especially since you’ll be staying within walking distance of the Capitol building.

After arriving from Quarry Park Adventures around 2pm on Sunday, consider starting with a relaxed afternoon activity:

Take a walk along the Sacramento River and Old Sacramento Waterfront. The historic district has charming streets, shops, and a bit of Gold Rush history to explore.
Visit the California State Railroad Museum or the Crocker Art Museum if you enjoy light cultural activities. Both are engaging but not overly time-consuming.
For coffee or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, check out Temple Coffee Roasters or Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters in Midtown.

For dinner and a casual evening:

Rooftop or casual restaurants near Midtown offer good vibes without breaking the bank. Consider Mulvaney’s B&L, The Firehouse (for small plates), or LowBrau (craft beers and casual eats).
For evening drinks, Midtown has numerous laid-back bars like The Rind (cheese & wine), Dive Bar (fun & casual), and Fox & Goose (classic British pub feel).

On Monday, after your self-guided Midtown food tour, you might enjoy:

Walk through Capitol Park surrounding the Capitol building, which is lovely for a brief stroll and some photo opportunities.
Check out local breweries such as Device Brewing Company or Track 7 Brewing Co. for a relaxed afternoon tasting.
For a light cultural touch, Sacramento Historic City Cemetery offers interesting history and a peaceful walk.

Regarding public transportation, Sacramento has a light rail and bus system, but if you’re mostly sticking to Midtown and downtown, walking is easiest. Lyft and Uber are also widely used and affordable for short trips after bar hopping.

Tips for keeping things relaxed and budget-friendly:

Plan one “splurge” meal, but otherwise Midtown has many casual eateries with great food and reasonable prices.
Prioritize walking-friendly areas—Midtown and Old Sacramento are compact and vibrant.
Evening strolls along the river or in Capitol Park are enjoyable, especially if you prefer not to spend too much at bars.

Overall, with your two full days, you can mix light sightseeing, casual bites, and low-key nightlife without needing a car, focusing on Midtown, Old Sacramento, and the Capitol area for convenience and atmosphere.

Ideas for two 50 year old girls' day/night out

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