California State Railroad Museum
#5 in Best Things To Do in Sacramento
Details
scorecard
- 3.5Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 4.5Atmosphere
Situated at the northern edge of Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum excites kids and history buffs alike. With more than 225,000 square feet of exhibition space, this museum hosts numerous restored trains, all with unique histories and interiors. But there is more to examine than locomotives. Educational exhibits show how railways expanded the West and chronicle their impact on commerce and traveling. Those yearning to revisit the old days can hop on the museum-operated Sacramento Southern Railroad train, which departs from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento for a scenic excursion.
"The trains and displays were very impressive, tour guides were extremely passionate about California's history and knowledgeable of rail transportation. It was an enjoyable afternoon for all," said one TripAdvisor user.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 to 17 and free for children 5 and younger. On the weekends during the summer, weather permitting, excursion trains run on the Sacramento Southern Railroad every hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April to September. Regular coach tickets cost $12 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6 to 17 and free for youth 5 and younger; they can be preordered online. For more information, check out the museum's website.
More Best Things To Do in Sacramento
1 of 7
2 of 7#1 Capitol Park
Capitol Park has been home to the California state government since 1869. In addition to being the state's seat of government, the neoclassical Capitol building also houses a museum with state artifacts and the Capitol Art Program that holds a collection of artistic depictions of California, plus antiques, murals and governors' portraits.
After you've explored the Capitol building and museum, take a stroll through the rest of the park that's home to memorials marking significant events in state history, including the Civil War Memorial Grove, the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the California Veterans Memorial and a life-size statue of Junípero Serra, who colonized the state.
Capitol Park has been home to the California state government since 1869. In addition to being the state's seat of government, the neoclassical Capitol building also houses a museum with state artifacts and the Capitol Art Program that holds a collection of artistic depictions of California, plus antiques, murals and governors' portraits.
After you've explored the Capitol building and museum, take a stroll through the rest of the park that's home to memorials marking significant events in state history, including the Civil War Memorial Grove, the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the California Veterans Memorial and a life-size statue of Junípero Serra, who colonized the state.
Explore More of Sacramento
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.