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

Things to Do in California Automobile Museum

California Automobile Museum, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Sacramento, California's capital city, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions that make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic California experiences. Home to the California Automobile Museum, this vibrant city sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, providing a perfect backdrop for both urban exploration and outdoor adventures. The city's historic Old Sacramento district transports visitors back to Gold Rush era California with its wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and preserved 19th-century architecture. Beyond its historical significance, Sacramento has evolved into a thriving cultural hub known for its farm-to-fork dining scene, world-class museums, and beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods. The city serves as a gateway to Northern California's wine country, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and San Francisco Bay Area, making it an excellent base for exploring the region. With its Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, and diverse attractions ranging from state-of-the-art museums to scenic riverfront parks, Sacramento offers visitors an authentic taste of California's capital city charm.

Top Things to Do in California Automobile Museum

Explore the California Automobile Museum

Discover an impressive collection of vintage cars, classic automobiles, and unique vehicles spanning over a century of automotive history. The museum features rotating exhibits, interactive displays, and rare vehicles including Hollywood movie cars and one-of-a-kind prototypes. Visitors can learn about California's crucial role in automotive innovation and see everything from Model T Fords to modern electric vehicles.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $10-15 for adults with discounts for seniors and children. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds and consider timing your visit with special events or car shows. Check their website for rotating exhibits and seasonal displays that might align with your interests.

Stroll Through Historic Old Sacramento

Walk along wooden sidewalks and explore 19th-century buildings in this preserved Gold Rush era district along the Sacramento River. The area features museums, shops, restaurants, and historic sites including the California State Railroad Museum and Underground Tours. Horse-drawn carriage rides and riverboat cruises add to the authentic Old West atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Most attractions are free to explore, though individual museums charge $5-15 admission. Parking can be challenging on weekends, so arrive early or use public transportation. Underground Tours require advance booking and cost around $15-20 per person.

Take a Farm-to-Fork Food Tour

Sacramento is renowned as America's Farm-to-Fork capital, offering exceptional dining experiences that showcase local ingredients and culinary innovation. Explore the city's diverse food scene from food trucks to fine dining establishments, many featuring ingredients sourced within 150 miles. The city hosts numerous food festivals and farmers markets throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically range from $50-100 per person and should be booked in advance, especially during peak season. Look for tours that include multiple neighborhoods and diverse cuisine types. Many restaurants don't take reservations, so be prepared for waits at popular spots.

Visit the California State Capitol and Gardens

Tour the beautifully restored State Capitol building with its impressive rotunda, legislative chambers, and museum exhibits showcasing California's political history. The surrounding Capitol Park features gardens with plants from around the world, memorials, and peaceful walking paths. Free guided tours provide insights into California's government and the building's architecture.

Booking Tip: Tours are free but require advance online reservations, especially for groups. Security screening is required, so arrive 15-30 minutes early and avoid bringing prohibited items. The gardens are always accessible and perfect for a leisurely stroll before or after your capitol tour.

Explore Midtown Sacramento's Arts and Culture Scene

Discover Sacramento's vibrant arts district featuring galleries, theaters, music venues, and eclectic shops along tree-lined streets. The area hosts First Friday art walks, live music performances, and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can explore local breweries, vintage shops, and some of the city's best restaurants and cafes.

Booking Tip: Most galleries and shops are free to browse, with paid events typically ranging from $10-30. First Friday events (first Friday of each month) offer the best opportunity to experience multiple venues. Street parking is available but can be competitive during events, so consider walking or biking between venues.

Getting There

Sacramento is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods, located about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and 380 miles north of Los Angeles. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers direct flights from major US cities and some international destinations. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor connects Sacramento to the Bay Area, while the California Zephyr provides scenic service to Chicago. Interstate 5 and Highway 50 provide direct highway access, with the drive from San Francisco taking approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Greyhound and other bus services also connect Sacramento to major California cities.

Getting Around

Sacramento offers various transportation options for getting around the city, with many attractions within walking or biking distance of each other. The Regional Transit light rail system connects downtown Sacramento to surrounding areas, including the airport, with day passes costing around $7. The city is very bike-friendly with numerous bike lanes and the Sacramento River Bike Trail. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, while traditional taxis can be found at major hotels and the airport. Downtown Sacramento is compact and walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and hotels within easy walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Sacramento
Old Sacramento Waterfront
East Sacramento
Land Park Area
Airport District

Food & Dining

Sacramento's dining scene reflects its Farm-to-Fork reputation with restaurants emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal menus. The city offers everything from casual food trucks and ethnic eateries to upscale fine dining establishments. Midtown Sacramento features trendy cafes, craft breweries, and innovative restaurants, while Old Sacramento offers themed dining experiences in historic settings. The city's diverse population has created excellent ethnic food options including authentic Mexican, Vietnamese, and Italian cuisines. Don't miss the numerous farmers markets, particularly the Saturday Downtown Farmers Market, which showcases the region's incredible agricultural bounty and often features prepared foods from local vendors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Sacramento

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Tower Café

4.6 /5
(4284 reviews) 2

Bacon & Butter

4.6 /5
(3730 reviews) 2

Urban Plates

4.8 /5
(1711 reviews)

The Waterboy

4.7 /5
(824 reviews) 3
bar

The Kitchen Restaurant

4.7 /5
(777 reviews) 4

Hawks Public House

4.6 /5
(590 reviews) 3
bar

When to Visit

Sacramento enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, making it a year-round destination with each season offering unique advantages. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide the most comfortable weather with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and minimal rainfall, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summer can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, but the dry heat is manageable and many attractions offer air conditioning. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but it's an excellent time for indoor attractions like museums and offers the advantage of fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.

Insider Tips

Many museums offer free admission on certain days each month - check individual websites for community days and special discounts
The Sacramento River offers beautiful walking and biking paths that connect many attractions and provide scenic views away from traffic
Parking downtown can be expensive, but many hotels offer guest parking and the light rail system provides affordable transportation to most major attractions

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