Best Late-Night Activities Beyond Bars In Sacramento

What is there to do during the evening in the State Capital of Sacramento, California? There are many options for the later crowd that don't include a cramped bar with overpriced drinks. Venture outside of the box and choose an alternative to the standard bar scene with one of these great late-night activities in Sacramento.

(creidt: Tom Myers/
Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Sacramento Old Town
Visitors Center
1002 2nd St.
Old Sacramento, CA
(916) 442-7644
www.discovergold.org

The Old Town was established in 1849 at the beginning of the Gold Rush on the river banks of the Sacramento/American Rivers. There was a steamboat service from San Francisco which ran up the river and is now a Dinner Cruise ship. The Pacific Railroad was built by the "Big Five" business men who came in with money and helped the economy of California. This railroad station is still around for tours and a Railroad Museum was added for visitors to see how this land was brought together. There are old theaters and music halls still running along with dinner houses and pubs to dance your heart out. Check out the website for details of special events such as the Jazz Weekend or Historical Days. There is always a nightlife for those willing to come out.

(credit: raleyfield.com)

Sacramento River Cats Minor League Baseball
Raley's Field
400 Ball Park Drive
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 316-4676
www.milb.com

One of the great things about Sacramento living is the ability to catch an evening baseball game. Forbes magazine listed this league as the "2012 best minor league in the Pacific division." The River Cats became a team back in 1978. The field is located just on the other side of the Tower Bridge and down the road from the Capital, with bus stops and parking nearby. Raley's Field has Friday Family Nights and other special events throughout the year.Related: Best Ways To Party Like A Movie Star In Sacramento

(credit: crockerartmuseum.org)

Crocker Art Museum
216 O St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7000
www.crockerartmuseum.org

The famous Crocker Art Museum is located between the Tower Bridge and the State Capital building. It was built by Crocker, one of the "Big Five" with his wife after they returned from Europe with a house full of artwork. The two Victorian houses have been joined together since the death of both as they remained childless. With the modern addition, it is a welcome site at night, all lit up for music and lectures. It is always open on Thursdays for the late-night viewing. Check the website for special classes and lectures.

(credit: Charr Crail/california Musical Theatre)

Wells Fargo Pavilion/Music Circus
Capital Mall
1419 H St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 557-1999
www.californiamusicaltheatre.comCalifornia Musical Theatre is the leading theater in the area joining the old Music Circus with the newer Wells Fargo Pavilion. It features musicals and theater productions all year long, as well as lectures and concerts. This is a great spot to bring those visiting from out of town. There is parking nearby and dinner spots as well as a few clubs to consider before or after a show.

(credit: bigfun.org)

Cal Expo
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento CA 95815
(916) 263-3000
www.calexpo.comCal Expo is the location of the California State Fair and is also used for horse racing, car events and live outdoor shows. It is a multi-complex with plenty of parking, a bus stop in front and a gated entrance. There includes an elevated tram running around the parameter, a beer garden  and several additional buildings for commercial usage throughout the year. Cal Expo is located just past downtown, close to the Arden Fair Mall, a hub for hotels, dinner houses and plenty of other types of nightlife since 1968.

Related: Best Nightlife Spots For The Under 21 Crowd In Sacramento

Camille Wheat is a freelance writer covering all things Sacramento. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.