Things to Do in Crocker Art Museum, United States of America

The Crocker Art Museum, located in Sacramento, California, stands as the oldest public art museum in the Western United States, having opened its doors in 1885. Founded by Judge Edwin Bryant Crocker and his wife Margaret, the museum began as their personal collection housed in their Victorian mansion and has since expanded into a world-class institution featuring both historic and contemporary wings. The museum's impressive collection spans from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary works, with particular strengths in California art, European paintings, Asian art, and American ceramics. Sacramento itself serves as California's capital city, offering visitors a rich blend of Gold Rush history, political significance, and cultural attractions. Beyond the Crocker Art Museum, the city features tree-lined streets, historic Old Sacramento, the California State Capitol, and a thriving farm-to-fork dining scene. The city's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Northern California, with easy access to wine country, Lake Tahoe, and San Francisco.

Top Things to Do in Crocker Art Museum

Explore the Crocker Art Museum

Discover one of the premier art collections on the West Coast, featuring over 15,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary periods. The museum's historic Crocker family home showcases Victorian-era opulence, while the modern Teel Family Pavilion houses rotating exhibitions and contemporary works. Don't miss the renowned collection of California art and the impressive array of international ceramics.

Booking Tip: General admission is around $15 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit on the first Sunday of each month for free admission to Sacramento residents. Book special exhibition tickets online in advance as they often sell out.

Tour Historic Old Sacramento

Step back in time in this 28-acre National Historic Landmark District that recreates the Gold Rush era with wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and preserved 1850s buildings. The area features museums, shops, restaurants, and the famous California State Railroad Museum. Take a scenic ride on a vintage riverboat or explore the underground tunnels that once served as the city's street level.

Booking Tip: Most attractions charge $10-15 per person, with combination tickets available for multiple sites. The Sacramento History Museum offers underground tours for $20. Visit weekdays for smaller crowds and better photo opportunities.

Visit the California State Capitol

Tour the beautifully restored 1860s State Capitol building, featuring neoclassical architecture, historical exhibits, and the working chambers of California's government. The surrounding Capitol Park spans 40 acres and contains over 1,000 trees and plants from around the world, including a spectacular camellia garden and rose garden.

Booking Tip: Free guided tours are available daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, but arrive early as they're first-come, first-served. Security screening is required, so allow extra time and avoid bringing large bags or prohibited items.

Experience Sacramento's Farm-to-Fork Scene

Sacramento is renowned as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, with restaurants sourcing ingredients from the surrounding Central Valley's abundant farms. Join a culinary tour to sample local specialties, visit farmers markets, or dine at award-winning restaurants that showcase seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine. The city hosts an annual Farm-to-Fork Festival each September.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost $75-120 per person and include multiple tastings. Book weekend tours well in advance as they fill up quickly. The Saturday farmers market under the freeway is free to explore and runs year-round.

Take a Sacramento River Cruise

Enjoy scenic views of Sacramento's skyline and historic waterfront aboard a paddlewheel riverboat or modern vessel. Cruises range from narrated sightseeing tours to dinner cruises with live entertainment. The Sacramento River played a crucial role in the city's development during the Gold Rush, and these cruises offer unique perspectives on local history and wildlife.

Booking Tip: Basic sightseeing cruises start around $25 for adults, while dinner cruises range from $65-85. Book sunset cruises early as they're popular, especially during summer months. Dress in layers as it can be cooler on the water.

Getting There

Sacramento is easily accessible by multiple transportation modes. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves the region with direct flights from major US cities and some international destinations. The city is located along major highways including Interstate 5 and Interstate 80, making it a convenient drive from San Francisco (90 minutes), Lake Tahoe (2 hours), or Los Angeles (6 hours). Amtrak provides daily service via the Capitol Corridor from the Bay Area and the California Zephyr from Chicago, with the station located in downtown Sacramento near Old Sacramento.

Getting Around

Sacramento offers various transportation options for visitors. The downtown core and major attractions like the Crocker Art Museum, Old Sacramento, and the Capitol are easily walkable or accessible by the Sacramento Regional Transit light rail and bus system. RT operates three light rail lines and numerous bus routes, with day passes available for $7. Ride-sharing services, taxis, and rental cars are readily available. The city is also very bike-friendly, with an extensive network of bike lanes and the Sacramento River Bike Trail connecting many attractions.

Where to Stay

Downtown Sacramento

Midtown Sacramento

Old Sacramento Waterfront

East Sacramento

Land Park

Airport Area

Food & Dining

Sacramento's dining scene celebrates its Farm-to-Fork designation with restaurants emphasizing locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients from the fertile Central Valley. The city offers everything from upscale establishments helmed by James Beard Award nominees to casual farm-to-table bistros and diverse ethnic cuisine reflecting the area's multicultural population. Midtown Sacramento features the highest concentration of trendy restaurants and craft breweries, while Old Sacramento offers themed dining experiences in historic settings. Don't miss the region's craft beer scene, with numerous local breweries, and the abundance of fresh produce available at farmers markets throughout the week.

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 pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F but the low humidity makes it bearable, plus this is peak season for outdoor concerts and festivals. Winter brings occasional rain and cooler temperatures in the 50s-60s, but it's still pleasant for indoor attractions like the Crocker Art Museum, and hotel rates are typically lower.

Insider Tips

Many downtown Sacramento attractions are within walking distance of each other, so plan a walking route to maximize your time and minimize parking fees

The Crocker Art Museum offers free admission to active military personnel and their families year-round with proper ID

Sacramento's Second Saturday art walk in the midtown district features gallery openings, street performances, and special events from 6-9 PM on the second Saturday of each month

Things to Do in Crocker Art Museum