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

Things to Do in California State Capitol Museum

California State Capitol Museum, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Sacramento, California's capital city, offers visitors a rich blend of political history, cultural attractions, and Gold Rush heritage. The California State Capitol Museum serves as the crown jewel of the city's historical offerings, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building that continues to function as the working seat of state government. Beyond its political significance, Sacramento boasts a thriving arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and easy access to both urban amenities and natural attractions. The city's strategic location at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers has shaped its identity from Gold Rush boomtown to modern governmental center. Today's Sacramento seamlessly blends its historical roots with contemporary culture, featuring farm-to-fork dining, vibrant street art, and numerous parks and waterways. Visitors can explore everything from presidential libraries to riverfront districts, making it an ideal destination for those interested in California's political legacy and cultural evolution.

Top Things to Do in California State Capitol Museum

California State Capitol Museum Tour

Explore the beautifully restored Capitol building with its stunning rotunda, legislative chambers, and historical exhibits showcasing California's political heritage. Free guided tours provide insights into the building's architecture and the state's governmental processes. The surrounding Capitol Park features memorials, gardens, and trees from around the world.

Booking Tip: Tours are completely free and run hourly Monday through Friday, with limited weekend availability. Arrive early during peak tourist season and bring valid ID for security screening. Book group tours in advance through the official website.

Old Sacramento Waterfront District

Step back in time in this preserved Gold Rush-era district featuring wooden sidewalks, historic buildings, and authentic 1800s atmosphere. The area houses numerous museums, shops, restaurants, and the famous California State Railroad Museum. Horse-drawn carriage rides and riverboat cruises add to the historical ambiance.

Booking Tip: Most attractions have individual admission fees ranging from $10-15, but combination tickets offer savings. Visit weekdays for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities. Parking can be challenging on weekends, so arrive early or use public transit.

California State Railroad Museum

Discover one of North America's finest railroad museums featuring restored locomotives and passenger cars from different eras. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the transcontinental railroad and its impact on California's development. Weekend steam train rides on historic routes provide an authentic railroading experience.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $12 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Steam train rides require separate tickets ($15-25) and often sell out, so book online in advance. Combination tickets with other Old Sacramento attractions offer good value.

Midtown Sacramento Arts and Culture

Explore Sacramento's creative heart through its numerous galleries, street murals, and performance venues concentrated in the Midtown district. The area features the Crocker Art Museum, local artist studios, vintage shops, and a thriving nightlife scene. Second Saturday Art Walk showcases the neighborhood's artistic diversity.

Booking Tip: Many galleries offer free admission, while the Crocker Art Museum charges around $15 for adults. The monthly Art Walk is free and runs from 6-10 PM with shuttle service between venues. Street parking is limited, so consider ride-sharing or cycling.

American River Parkway Recreation

Experience Sacramento's natural side along this 32-mile parkway featuring paved bike trails, river access points, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The American River Bike Trail connects downtown Sacramento to Folsom Lake, passing through diverse ecosystems and historical sites. Popular activities include cycling, kayaking, and salmon watching during spawning season.

Booking Tip: Trail access is free, but bike rentals cost $30-50 per day from local shops. Kayak rentals range from $40-60 for half-day trips. Visit during spring and fall for best weather and wildlife viewing. Bring water and sun protection as shade is limited on many trail sections.

Getting There

Sacramento is easily accessible by multiple transportation modes, 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, while Amtrak's Capitol Corridor provides frequent rail service from the Bay Area. Interstate 5 and Highway 99 connect the city to other California destinations, and numerous bus services including Greyhound and FlixBus serve the downtown station. The city's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Northern California.

Getting Around

Sacramento offers various transportation options for visitors, with downtown attractions within walking distance of each other. The Regional Transit light rail system connects major destinations including the airport, downtown, and surrounding communities for around $2.75 per ride. The downtown area features a free shuttle service during business hours, while ride-sharing services and traditional taxis are readily available. Bike-sharing programs and numerous bike lanes make cycling a popular option, especially for exploring the extensive river trail system.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Arts District
Old Sacramento Waterfront
East Sacramento
Land Park Area
Airport/Cal Expo District

Food & Dining

Sacramento has earned recognition as a premier farm-to-fork dining destination, capitalizing on its location in California's agricultural heartland. The city offers everything from upscale restaurants featuring locally-sourced ingredients to diverse ethnic cuisines reflecting its multicultural population. Downtown and Midtown districts concentrate the best dining options, while Old Sacramento provides themed restaurants in historic settings. Don't miss the vibrant food truck scene, farmers markets, and craft breweries that have put Sacramento on the culinary map. Many restaurants emphasize seasonal menus showcasing Central Valley produce and regional wines.

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 hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it visitable year-round with seasonal considerations. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and minimal rainfall. Summer can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, but this is ideal for river activities and outdoor dining. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain, but indoor attractions like museums remain appealing and hotel rates are typically lower.

Insider Tips

Many state government buildings offer free tours beyond just the Capitol - try the Governor's Mansion and State Library for unique perspectives on California history
Visit during the week to see the Capitol in active legislative session and experience the building's working government atmosphere
The Tower Bridge offers excellent sunset photography opportunities and connects downtown to West Sacramento's growing restaurant scene via a pleasant walk

Explore Activities in California State Capitol Museum