Skip to content
visitorfun
BusinessesGrow
MuseumsHistory BuffFamily Favorite

The California Museum

1020 O Street · Sacramento, CA

Why you should go…

The California Museum is an official state history museum located one block from the State Capitol inside the State Archives Building. It houses the California Hall of Fame along with long-term exhibits including California Indians: The First People, Gold Mountain: Chinese Californian Stories, and Women Inspire: California Women Changing Our World. The museum also displays Constitution Wall, one of Sacramento's largest public art pieces, and operates a California-themed gift store.

  • #museum
  • #history
  • #art
  • #family

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to The California Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Visit California

    Free

    California's official state tourism site, covering the coast, national parks, cities and wine country.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    MOSAC (SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity)

    Under $25

    Hands-on science center with interactive exhibits and a planetarium in downtown Sacramento.

    1.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    River Fox Train

    $50+

    Scenic excursion train along the Sacramento River with themed rides, dining trains and railbikes near West Sacramento.

    10 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Placer Valley

    Free

    The official tourism organization promoting Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln, California, in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Rowland Freedom Center

    Free

    Nonprofit aviation and military history museum at Nut Tree Airport with rotating historic aircraft and wartime artifacts.

    29 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Charles M. Schulz Museum

    Under $25

    Museum in Santa Rosa devoted to Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, with original comic art and a recreated studio.

    68 mi awayMore like this