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

The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento stands as one of North America's most impressive railroad museums, showcasing the pivotal role trains played in California's development and the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Located in Old Sacramento's historic district, this world-class museum houses an extraordinary collection of restored locomotives and railroad cars, including magnificent steam engines, elegant passenger cars, and historic freight equipment that tell the story of the Golden State's railroad heritage. Beyond its impressive static displays, the museum offers immersive experiences that transport visitors back to the golden age of railroading. The facility spans 225,000 square feet and features meticulously restored rolling stock, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that appeal to railroad enthusiasts, families, and history buffs alike. The museum's location in Old Sacramento provides the perfect backdrop, as visitors can explore cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront views along the Sacramento River after their museum visit.

Top Things to Do in California State Railroad Museum

Explore the Main Museum Exhibits

Walk through the museum's vast collection of 21 restored locomotives and railroad cars, including the massive 1944 Southern Pacific Cab Forward steam locomotive and elegant 19th-century passenger cars. Interactive exhibits detail the construction of the transcontinental railroad and the experiences of Chinese and Irish workers who built it.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $12 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students, and children. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and allow 2-3 hours to fully explore all exhibits. Check the museum website for special events and temporary exhibitions.

Ride the Sacramento Southern Railroad

Take a scenic train ride on authentic historic equipment along the Sacramento River, departing from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot. These 40-minute round-trip excursions operate on weekends and offer passengers a chance to experience actual railroad travel in vintage cars.

Booking Tip: Train rides cost approximately $15 for adults and operate April through September on weekends. Tickets can sell out during peak season, so book in advance online. Special themed rides during holidays often require earlier booking.

Visit the Railroad Technology Museum

Discover the technical aspects of railroading through hands-on exhibits, working models, and interactive displays that explain how trains operate. This adjacent facility focuses on the engineering and technological innovations that made railroad transportation possible.

Booking Tip: Included with general museum admission. Best visited after the main museum for a complete understanding of railroad operations. Allow an additional hour for this facility, and kids particularly enjoy the interactive elements.

Explore Old Sacramento Historic District

Stroll through the largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings in the United States, featuring wooden sidewalks, period architecture, and historic shops. The district surrounds the railroad museum and offers dining, shopping, and additional museums within walking distance.

Booking Tip: Free to explore the outdoor areas and streets. Individual attractions and shops have separate admission fees. Visit during weekday mornings for the most authentic experience with fewer crowds. Parking can be challenging on weekends.

Experience Special Events and Programs

Participate in themed events like Polar Express rides during winter holidays, Thomas the Tank Engine visits, and historical reenactments. The museum also offers educational programs, lectures, and behind-the-scenes tours of the restoration facilities.

Booking Tip: Special events require separate tickets ranging from $25-75 per person and often sell out months in advance. Subscribe to the museum's newsletter for early access to ticket sales. Some events are seasonal and weather-dependent.

Getting There

The California State Railroad Museum is located in downtown Sacramento at 111 I Street in the Old Sacramento Historic District. From Sacramento International Airport, it's a 20-minute drive or taxi ride. If arriving by car, take Interstate 5 to the J Street exit and follow signs to Old Sacramento. Amtrak serves Sacramento with the Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr routes, with the station just a few blocks from the museum. Sacramento Regional Transit also provides bus connections from various parts of the metropolitan area.

Getting Around

The museum and Old Sacramento area are easily walkable, with most attractions within a few blocks of each other. Street parking is available but limited, especially on weekends, with rates around $1-2 per hour. Several paid parking lots and garages serve the area, typically charging $5-15 per day. The Sacramento Regional Transit light rail Gold Line stops nearby at the Old Sacramento/Downtown station. Many visitors find walking the most convenient option once in the historic district, as attractions, restaurants, and shops are concentrated in a compact area along the Sacramento River waterfront.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Midtown Sacramento

West Sacramento

Airport Area

Natomas

Food & Dining

Old Sacramento offers numerous dining options within walking distance of the museum, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants with river views. Popular choices include the Firehouse Restaurant for fine dining in a historic firehouse, Joe's Crab Shack for waterfront seafood, and the Delta King riverboat restaurant for a unique dining experience aboard a restored paddle wheeler. The area features several saloons and breweries that recreate Gold Rush-era atmosphere, along with modern establishments serving California cuisine. For quick bites, food trucks often park along the waterfront, and several ice cream shops and candy stores cater to families visiting the museum.

When to Visit

The museum is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when Sacramento's weather is most pleasant with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F. Summer can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, though the museum's air conditioning provides relief. Winter visits are comfortable indoors, and special holiday events like Polar Express rides make this season particularly magical for families. Weekdays generally offer a more peaceful experience with smaller crowds, while weekends feature more activities but can be busy, especially during school field trip season in spring and fall.

Insider Tips

Purchase a combo ticket that includes both the Railroad Museum and other Old Sacramento attractions for better value, and consider timing your visit to coincide with the weekend train rides for the complete experience.

The museum's gift shop offers unique railroad-themed merchandise and books that aren't available elsewhere, making it worth browsing even if you're not typically a souvenir buyer.

Free parking is available early in the morning on weekdays along some residential streets about 4-5 blocks from the museum, requiring a pleasant walk through downtown Sacramento's grid system.

Things to Do in California State Railroad Museum