Sacramento’s reputation as California’s capital city often focuses on its historic sites or farm-to-fork food scene, but it’s also gaining a reputation for fun, creative drinking tours. Unlike many cities, Sacramento offers a surprisingly diverse range of ways to explore its lively bar scene, whether you prefer pedaling through Midtown, competing in a scavenger hunt, or enjoying a guided pub crawl. The city’s mix of craft breweries, innovative bars, and energetic atmospheres makes it a great place for a memorable day or evening out with friends, a celebration, or just a fun way to get to know the local flavor.
What sets Sacramento apart is the engagement factor of its tours. You’re not just sitting in a bar; you’re actively participating — pedaling, exploring, or competing — which makes the experience more interactive and memorable. Plus, many tours include unique stops like brewpubs specializing in local beers or bars with eclectic decor, giving you a true taste of Sacramento’s vibrant drinking culture.
Quick Overview
This guide covers three top-rated drinking tours in Sacramento: a party-bike brewpub tour in Midtown, a pedal bar pub crawl with BYOB options, and a scavenger hunt-style bar crawl. Each offers a different way to experience the city’s nightlife and craft beer scene, catering to preferences for guided storytelling, active participation, or interactive challenges.
Now, let’s dive into what makes each of these options worth your time and money.
1. Pedal, Drink, and Bar hop through Sacramento on a 15 seat Beer Bike
At number one on our list is the Pedal, Drink, and Bar hop through Sacramento on a 15 seat Beer Bike — a lively, social adventure that combines the fun of a party bike with the city’s best brewpubs. Priced at $50 per person for about 2 hours, this tour is a fantastic way to see Midtown Sacramento while enjoying local craft beers and bites.
The tour kicks off at Sac Brew Bike, where you’ll get to sample local beers, wines, or hard cider. The guide is knowledgeable about Sacramento’s brewing scene and keeps the energy high with music and entertaining commentary. After warming up with a pint, you’ll hop onto the beer bike, a pedal-powered party vehicle that seats up to 15 people. The bike cruises through Midtown, stopping at Federalist PIZZA, a trendy spot known for its pizza, bocce, and 12 craft beers on draft — half of which are local brews. The open-air concept and shipping container decor add to the cool factor.
This tour is perfect for celebrating special occasions like birthdays or just enjoying a fun afternoon with friends. Reviewers love Maria, the guide, calling her “amazing” and saying it’s a “10 out of 10” experience. The combination of cycling, socializing, and tasting makes for an energetic, memorable outing.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a lively and authentic taste of Sacramento’s craft beer scene with a social twist. It’s well-suited for groups wanting a fun, active experience that mixes sightseeing with drinking.
2. Sacramento: Pedal Bar Tour with 2 Stops
Next is the Sacramento: Pedal Bar Tour with 2 Stops — a similar pedal-powered pub crawl, but with a slightly different vibe. This tour is priced at $55 per person and lasts about two hours, with start times varying throughout the day. The highlight here is the ability to bring your own beer, wine, or seltzers — the onboard coolers are perfect for keeping your drinks cold and ready.
During this tour, you pedal your way along Midtown Sacramento, visiting two popular nightlife hotspots. It’s a BYOB experience, so you can customize your drinks and control your drinking pace. The onboard music makes it easy to turn up the volume and keep the party going. It’s a relaxed, social environment perfect for groups looking to enjoy the city’s lively bar scene without the fuss of a guided tasting or pre-arranged stops.
Reviews are glowing, with travelers saying, “It was great. We had so much fun.” The flexibility of BYOB and the ability to explore at your own pace make this tour a flexible option for those who want to control their drinks and destinations.
Bottom Line: The BYOB pedal bar is ideal for groups seeking a flexible, affordable way to party around Midtown Sacramento, especially if you already have your favorite drinks and want to keep things casual.
3. Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl
Completing our list is the Sacramento Bar Hunt: Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl — a different kind of drinking tour that combines a scavenger hunt with a pub crawl. For just $12.31 per person, this 2-hour adventure adds a layer of competition and fun to exploring Sacramento’s bar scene.
Using a downloadable app, your team will visit various bars around town, completing photo and video challenges at each stop. You earn points for creativity and speed, and can even compete against teams across the country. This active, game-like approach appeals to people who enjoy a challenge and want to see different parts of the city.
While this tour doesn’t include a guided narrative or tasting, it’s a great option for those who prefer a participatory experience and enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry. It’s best suited for solo travelers or groups who want to mix sightseeing, socializing, and a little competition.
Bottom Line: The Sacramento Sprint Bar Crawl is ideal for adventurous travelers or groups looking for a cost-effective, interactive way to explore Sacramento’s bars and have some fun in the process.
How to Choose Your Sacramento Drinking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, the kind of experience you prefer, and what kind of social atmosphere suits you best. If you want a guided, lively group experience and enjoy tasting local beers, the Beer Bike tour (Pedal, Drink, and Bar hop) is a top pick. If you prefer a more flexible, BYOB approach, the Pedal Bar tour (with 2 stops) offers more freedom. For a playful, interactive experience that combines sightseeing with a scavenger hunt, the Bar Hunt (Sacramento Sprint) is perfect.
Think about your group’s fitness and activity level, as these tours involve pedaling or walking between stops. Booking early is advisable, especially during weekends or peak tourist seasons.
Final Thoughts
Sacramento offers a surprising variety of drinking tours that go beyond simple bar visits. From active beer bike rides to BYOB pub crawls and interactive scavenger hunts, there’s something to suit different tastes and group dynamics. The Pedal, Drink, and Bar hop tour ranks highly for its lively atmosphere and great reviews, especially if you enjoy learning about Sacramento’s craft brewing scene while having fun. Meanwhile, the BYOB pedal bar provides flexibility, and the scavenger hunt adds a competitive edge for the adventurous.
No matter which tour you choose, booking in advance and arriving prepared will help you get the most out of Sacramento’s lively drinking scene. Cheers to a memorable, fun-filled exploration of California’s capital!