California Museum

Top choice in Sacramento


This modern museum is home to the California Hall of Fame and so the only place to simultaneously encounter César Chávez, Mark Zuckerberg and Amelia Earhart. The California Indians exhibit is a highlight, with artifacts and oral histories of more than 10 tribes.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Sacramento attractions

1. California State Capitol

0.18 MILES

The gleaming dome of the California State Capitol is Sacramento’s most recognizable structure. A painting of Arnold Schwarzenegger in a suit hangs in the…

2. K Street Mall

0.36 MILES

Known by locals as 'The Kay,' this formerly blighted neighborhood has undergone a major redevelopment effort that has transformed it into a weekend hot…

3. Golden 1 Center

0.45 MILES

Welcome to the arena of the future. This gleaming home to the Sacramento Kings is one of the most advanced sports facilities in the country. Made with the…

4. Crocker Art Museum

0.6 MILES

Housed in the ornate Victorian mansion (and sprawling additions) of a railroad baron, this museum has striking architecture and an excellent collection…

5. Old Sacramento State Historic Park

0.74 MILES

The historic river port next to Downtown, Old Sacramento remains the city's stalwart tourist draw. The old-fashioned Gold Rush-era atmosphere and the…

6. California State Railroad Museum

0.83 MILES

Train buffs will delight in this incredible collection of vintage locomotives (even if history buffs will question the candy-coated presentation about the…

7. Sacramento History Museum

0.88 MILES

Exhibits, stories and artifacts of some of Sacramento's most fascinating citizens, though much of the information is focused on the Gold Rush. Get tickets…

8. State Indian Museum

1.31 MILES

It’s with some irony that the Indian Museum sits in the shadow of Sutter’s Fort. The excellent exhibits and tribal handicrafts on display – including the…