Welcome to the California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento, home to the California State Legislature since 1869 and a California State Parks property since 1982. As a visitor, you can explore both a rich historical building and 40 acres of lush surrounding grounds in Capitol Park. Start your journey in the original section's basement, where you will find the tour office, a gift shop, a small theater screening historical short films, and Arthur Mathews' "History of California" mural.
Moving up to the first floor, you can tour restored historic offices once used by the governor, treasurer, and secretary of state, alongside two rotating exhibit rooms. Outside, Capitol Park features over 1,100 trees from across the globe and approximately 155 memorials. You can wander through dedicated highlights such as the World Peace Rose Garden featuring around 650 roses, the Apollo 14 Moon Tree grown from a space-flown seed, and the California Native Plant Section.
Along the paths, pay your respects at significant sites like the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the El Soldado Memorial, and the California Firefighters Memorial. Whether you are discovering California's political legacy or strolling through tranquil gardens, this historic site offers an engaging experience.
What to see at California State Capitol Museum
- Restored historic offices of the governor, treasurer, and secretary of state
- Basement tour office, historic short films, and Arthur Mathews mural
- Capitol Park featuring 40 acres of grounds and roughly 155 memorials
- Unique landmarks including the Apollo 14 Moon Tree and World Peace Rose Garden
Visiting tips
Head to basement room B-27 to visit the tour office, browse the gift shop, and watch short films on the Capitol's history in the theater.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
California State Capitol Museum is easy to reach on Sacramento’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Crocker Art Museum and The California Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Sacramento travel guide.
See the full Sacramento travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.