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

Things to Do in California State Railroad Museum

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

Sacramento, California's capital city, offers a perfect blend of historical significance, cultural attractions, and modern urban amenities. Home to the renowned California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, providing a scenic backdrop for exploration. The city's Old Sacramento Historic District transports visitors back to the Gold Rush era with its wooden sidewalks, historic buildings, and authentic 19th-century atmosphere. Beyond its railroad heritage, Sacramento boasts a thriving farm-to-fork dining scene, numerous museums, beautiful parks, and easy access to both San Francisco Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring Northern California's diverse attractions while offering its own unique charm through tree-lined streets, Victorian architecture, and a laid-back California lifestyle that perfectly complements its rich historical significance.

Top Things to Do in California State Railroad Museum

Explore the California State Railroad Museum

Discover one of North America's most impressive railroad museums featuring restored locomotives and railroad cars from the 1860s to 1960s. The museum showcases the dramatic impact of railroads on the West through interactive exhibits, detailed dioramas, and the opportunity to walk through beautifully preserved passenger cars and freight trains.

Booking Tip: General admission costs around $12 for adults with discounts for seniors and children. Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds, and check the schedule for special steam train rides on weekends during summer months which require separate tickets.

Stroll Through Old Sacramento Historic District

Walk along wooden sidewalks and cobblestone streets in this 28-acre National Historic Landmark District. The area features authentic Gold Rush-era buildings, unique shops, restaurants, and museums that recreate the atmosphere of 1850s California during the height of the Gold Rush.

Booking Tip: The district is free to explore on your own, but guided walking tours cost $10-15 per person. Visit during weekday mornings for the most authentic experience with fewer crowds, and wear comfortable walking shoes for the uneven surfaces.

Take a Sacramento River Cruise

Enjoy scenic views of Sacramento's waterfront and historic landmarks from the water aboard paddle-wheel riverboats. These cruises offer unique perspectives of the State Capitol, Tower Bridge, and Old Sacramento while learning about the city's maritime history and development along the Sacramento River.

Booking Tip: Dinner cruises range from $40-80 per person while sightseeing cruises cost $20-35. Book sunset cruises in advance during peak season, and choose enclosed boats during winter months for comfort.

Visit the California State Capitol and Gardens

Tour the beautifully restored 1860s State Capitol building featuring period rooms, historical exhibits, and the working chambers of California's government. The surrounding Capitol Park spans 40 acres with over 1,400 trees from around the world, rose gardens, and memorials creating a peaceful urban oasis.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours are available hourly on weekdays and require advance reservations online. Tours last about 45 minutes, and security screening is required similar to airports, so arrive 15 minutes early.

Experience Sacramento's Farm-to-Fork Scene

Discover Sacramento's renowned culinary culture through food tours, farmers markets, and acclaimed restaurants that showcase locally-sourced ingredients. The city is considered the farm-to-fork capital of America, with access to fresh produce from the surrounding Central Valley and innovative chefs creating exceptional dining experiences.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $50-100 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Visit the Saturday farmers market at Cesar Chavez Plaza for free tastings, and make dinner reservations well in advance at popular farm-to-fork restaurants.

Getting There

Sacramento is easily accessible by multiple transportation methods, located about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers direct flights from major US cities and is just 20 minutes from downtown. Amtrak provides excellent rail service with the Capitol Corridor connecting to the San Francisco Bay Area and the California Zephyr offering scenic routes to Chicago. Interstate 5 and Interstate 80 intersect in Sacramento, making it highly accessible by car from Los Angeles (6 hours), San Francisco (2 hours), and other West Coast destinations.

Getting Around

Downtown Sacramento and Old Sacramento are very walkable, with most major attractions within easy walking distance of each other. The Sacramento Regional Transit system operates buses and light rail throughout the metropolitan area, with convenient stops near major attractions. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, and bike rentals are popular for exploring the extensive network of bike paths along the rivers. For visiting attractions outside downtown, rental cars provide the most flexibility, though many hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations.

Where to Stay

Old Sacramento Historic District
Downtown Sacramento
Midtown Sacramento
East Sacramento
West Sacramento
Sacramento Airport Area

Food & Dining

Sacramento's dining scene celebrates its farm-to-fork philosophy with restaurants sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers throughout the Central Valley. The city offers everything from upscale establishments featuring innovative California cuisine to casual eateries, food trucks, and ethnic restaurants reflecting the area's diverse population. Old Sacramento features themed restaurants in historic buildings, while Midtown offers trendy cafes and craft breweries. Don't miss the weekly farmers markets, particularly the Saturday market under the freeway, where you can sample local produce, artisanal foods, and interact directly with regional growers and food producers.

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. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather with temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and minimal rainfall, perfect for walking tours and outdoor activities. Summer can be quite hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, but it's ideal for river activities and the extended daylight hours. Winter is mild with occasional rain, making it perfect for indoor attractions like museums, though outdoor activities remain pleasant on sunny days.

Insider Tips

Purchase a combo ticket for multiple Old Sacramento attractions to save money and skip individual ticket lines at each location
Park in the Old Sacramento underground garage early in the day as street parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends
Many restaurants in Sacramento don't take reservations, so arrive early for dinner or be prepared to wait, particularly at popular farm-to-fork establishments

Explore Activities in California State Railroad Museum