Things to Do in California Automobile Museum, United States of America

The California Automobile Museum, located in Sacramento, offers visitors an immersive journey through automotive history and culture. This premier destination showcases over 150 vehicles spanning more than a century of innovation, from vintage classics and muscle cars to modern supercars and alternative fuel vehicles. The museum's interactive exhibits and rotating displays provide fascinating insights into how automobiles have shaped American society and California's unique car culture. Sacramento, California's capital city, serves as the perfect backdrop for this automotive treasure. Beyond the museum, visitors can explore the historic Old Sacramento waterfront, tour the State Capitol building, and enjoy the city's thriving farm-to-fork dining scene. The museum itself is housed in a restored 1940s-era dealership building, adding authentic character to the experience while providing modern amenities and educational programs for all ages.

Top Things to Do in California Automobile Museum

California Automobile Museum Tour

Explore three floors of automotive history featuring classic American muscle cars, rare European imports, and California-built vehicles. The museum's collection includes everything from a 1906 Franklin to modern electric vehicles, with interactive displays explaining the evolution of automotive technology. Special rotating exhibits showcase themed collections and loan vehicles from private collectors.

Booking Tip: General admission is around $12-15 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, and children. Visit during weekdays for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities. Check their website for special events and rotating exhibits that might interest you.

Old Sacramento Historic District

Step back in time in this preserved Gold Rush-era district featuring wooden sidewalks, historic buildings, and authentic 19th-century architecture. The area houses museums, shops, restaurants, and the famous Sacramento River waterfront. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or explore the numerous specialty stores and galleries.

Booking Tip: Free to walk around, but individual attractions charge admission ($8-15 each). Purchase a combo ticket for multiple attractions to save money. Weekend evenings offer the best atmosphere with street performers and extended shop hours.

California State Capitol Building Tour

Tour the beautifully restored State Capitol building featuring neoclassical architecture, historic chambers, and the Capitol Museum. Free guided tours provide insights into California's political history and legislative process. The surrounding Capitol Park offers 40 acres of gardens with plants from around the world.

Booking Tip: Free tours are offered daily but require advance reservations online or by phone. Tours fill up quickly during peak tourist season, so book at least a week ahead. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience including the park.

Sacramento River Cruise

Enjoy scenic views of Sacramento's skyline and historic waterfront aboard a riverboat cruise along the Sacramento River. These narrated tours provide unique perspectives of the city's landmarks while learning about the area's Gold Rush history and modern development. Evening dinner cruises offer romantic settings with city lights reflecting on the water.

Booking Tip: Daytime cruises cost $20-30 per adult, while dinner cruises range $60-80. Book online for early-bird discounts and guaranteed seating. Spring through fall offers the best weather, but winter cruises provide cozy indoor seating with hot beverages.

Sacramento Food Tours

Discover Sacramento's renowned farm-to-fork dining scene through guided culinary tours visiting local restaurants, farmers markets, and artisanal food producers. These walking tours typically include tastings at 5-6 locations while learning about the city's agricultural heritage and innovative chefs. Options include downtown tours, brewery tours, and specialty ethnic food experiences.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $65-85 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book weekend tours well in advance as they sell out quickly. Wear comfortable walking shoes and come hungry - portions are generous and designed to replace a full meal.

Getting There

Sacramento is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves the region with direct flights from major cities, located about 20 minutes from downtown. Amtrak provides daily service via the Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr routes, with the station conveniently located in downtown Sacramento. By car, Sacramento sits at the intersection of major highways I-5 and I-80, making it easily reachable from San Francisco (90 minutes), Los Angeles (6 hours), and other California destinations.

Getting Around

Sacramento offers various transportation options for getting around the city. The Regional Transit system operates buses and light rail connecting major attractions, with the California Automobile Museum accessible via bus routes. Downtown Sacramento is very walkable, especially between Old Sacramento and the Capitol area. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, while bike rentals and the city's bike-share program provide eco-friendly alternatives. For maximum flexibility when visiting multiple attractions, rental cars are recommended and parking is generally affordable and accessible throughout the city.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Midtown Sacramento

East Sacramento

West Sacramento

Sacramento Airport Area

Food & Dining

Sacramento has earned national recognition as America's farm-to-fork capital, with restaurants sourcing ingredients from the surrounding Central Valley's abundant farms. The city's dining scene ranges from upscale establishments featuring innovative California cuisine to casual eateries serving international fare. Downtown and Midtown offer the highest concentration of restaurants, including acclaimed spots like The Kitchen Restaurant and Ella Dining Room & Bar. Don't miss the vibrant food truck scene, local breweries, and the Saturday farmers market under the freeway for fresh, local ingredients and artisanal products.

When to Visit

Sacramento enjoys a Mediterranean climate making it pleasant to visit year-round, though spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. Summer months can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, but this is peak season for outdoor events and festivals. Winter is mild but can be rainy, making it perfect for indoor attractions like the California Automobile Museum. The museum itself is climate-controlled and enjoyable any time of year, while outdoor Sacramento attractions are best enjoyed during the shoulder seasons.

Insider Tips

The California Automobile Museum offers free parking and is less crowded on weekday mornings, providing better opportunities for photos and interaction with volunteer docents who often have fascinating stories about the vehicles.

Combine your museum visit with Old Sacramento, as they're only about 10 minutes apart by car or public transit, making for a perfect day exploring Sacramento's transportation history and Gold Rush heritage.

Check the museum's event calendar for special car shows, swap meets, and themed exhibitions that happen throughout the year - these events often feature additional vehicles not normally on display and provide opportunities to meet local car enthusiasts and collectors.

Things to Do in California Automobile Museum