Location: Sacramento
Top Things to do in Sacramento
Things to do in Sacramento, California (CA): The Best Museums
California's capital city is often overlooked by tourists seeking out better known destinations in other corners of the state. Look again: Sacramento offers a range of exciting, educational and historic attractions sure to entertain all. Families will want to check out the cheetahs, jaguars and crocodiles at the Zoo while political buffs should head to the state Capitol, which features a park and museum on California history, or the Governor's Mansion. Anyone with an interest in trains will enjoy the Railroad Museum's massive collection of antique locomotives. Everyone will enjoy the restaurants and shops of historic Old Sacramento on the city's lovely waterfront.
Restaurants in Sacramento
1. California State Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,760 reviews
Come along for the ride. Stand in the shadow of a 150-year-old, 40-ton monument to innovation, engineering and history. Take a ride along the rails that played a key role in the development of the Golden State. See the history of the California railways come to life in engaging exhibits. A visit to the California State Railroad Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience for persons of all ages.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
The Railroad Museum in Old Town Sacramento offers an outstanding experience with a film, guided tours and fascinating restored train cars and locomotive engines. There are docents in most of the exhibited cars that happily share the history of the car- the dining car and the mail car were particularly interesting. The history of the Transcontinental Railroad and its construction is vividly recalled in a series of displays. Exhibits provide information to engage both children and adults. We visited with friends and their children aged 5 and 12 and both children found areas of interest from the model trains to the hands on electronics experiments. Admission for adults is $12 and your ticket allows multiple reentry for that same day. The museum is open from 10-5 daily and you could easily spend several hours exploring the three story museum.
2. Gallery 2110 & The Sacramento Art Complex
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Gallery features local artists from throughout California. Includes Sacramento Art Complex which features a variety of art studios. Rotating exhibits on monthly basis.
3. Artistic Edge Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. CK Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
CK Art is a contemporary art gallery in Sacramento, CA.
5. La Raza Galeria Posada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
In business since 1972, this arts center houses a gallery and a bookstore and is dedicated to promoting and preserving the art and culture of the Chicano, Latino and Native American community.
6. Crocker Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,133 reviews
The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is CLOSED every Monday.
Reviewed By TeamExplorers - Sacramento, United States
A long-term resident of Chicago I regularly enjoyed visiting the Art Institute of Chicago. Now a resident of Sacramento and a member of the Crocker Art Museum I enjoy this museum equally. In terms of size there is, of course no direct comparison but The Crocker is a true gem judging on its own merits. The beautiful modern structure, filled with a wide variety of treasures--permanent and visiting--is well worth frequent visits. The integral Crocker Family home is an outstanding historical treasure and gives an in-depth and interesting view of life in mid-1800's. The Crocker's involvement in the Sacramento community is of particular note as it gives rise to all sorts of events drawing in folks from all walks of life in our city. The Crocker Café in the lobby is perfect place to share lunch or a light dinner with friends and family. We visit the Crocker frequently and always come away refreshed. The Crocker is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) which is itself a basis for our recommendation you visit The Crocker.
7. California Automobile Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
The mission of the California Automobile Museum is to educate and entertain while preserving and promoting the automobile and its influence on our lives. The Museum is open daily from 10am - 6pm (last admission 5pm) and every 3rd Thursday until 9pm.
Reviewed By Evita_1957 - Sacramento, United States
This museum is unique, you can see vintage cars in great shape and most people tend to go back and think of their youth or childhood. It is located in a place with lots of parking and close to the Sacramento Rive
8. California State Capitol Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,379 reviews
MESSAGE FOR TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF TOURS AT STATE CAPITOL In an effort to protect public health and the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff as the state responds to the continued threat of COVID-19, California State Parks is temporarily suspending all guided tours at the California State Capitol Museum. The California State Capitol IS NOW CLOSED to the public. This 19th-century granite building, modeled after the U.S. Capitol, is home to the California Legislature and houses a public museum and a surrounding garden. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Reviewed By curiosityseeker19
To me this is our city's pride and joy. A most beautiful building that luckily was saved due to an increase in patriotism during the Bicentennial year. The building was seismic proof so many of it's roof top statues were removed. A display of the seismic proofing can be found in the basement along with a nice gift shop. Free tours are offered and well worth it. Their is a big statue in the rotunda and tours take you inside the assembly and senate chambers with it's Czech lead crystal chandeliers, and walk passed the governor's portraits. There are rooms of historic information, a film to watch and antiqued furnished rooms. Don't miss Arnold Schwarzengger's bronze bear in front of the governor's office and the hallway of county exhibits. Due to security there is only one entrance now. The capitol grounds with it's memorials, camilla garden, peace rose garden tree arboretum, and site of Res. Gerald Ford's almost assassination.
9. Sacramento History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By AlisonW106
We planned to visit this museum in addition to the Railroad museum, but in the event the Railroad museum was closed, so we spent longer here, and took the old town/ underground tour. We learned such a lot about the development of the town in the second half of the 19th century and talked to knowledgeable employees who were ready to answer questions in a warm and friendly way. It wasn't that we had anticipated anything bad, or even mediocre, it just turned out to be really good.
10. Sol Collective
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By alif522 - Sacramento, United States
The Sol Collective has been around for a while now and is an asset to the community. It is a great venue for all types of events. I have been for concerts, film showings, poetry readings, open mic, classes, art galleries, fundraisers, ceremonies, dancing to dj music, showcases, and just to visit. It is run by wonderful people and the vibe is welcoming as soon as you enter the door. I highly recommend everyone come by and see what this center/art gallery has to offer. There is something for everyone!
