Visit Sacramento

Experience a one of a kind visit to Old Sacramento. The unique 28-acre National Historic Landmark District and State Historic Park is located along the beautiful Sacramento River. Bustling with activity, the district is alive with shopping, dining, entertainment, historical attractions and world-renowned museums set within the time of the California Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad. Old Sacramento is the site of both tragedy — fire and flood — and triumph — the raising of the streets, the founding of the Transcontinental Railroad, the terminus of the Pony Express, and the home of California’s first thriving business district, fueled by gold, agriculture and the river. Today, it is overflowing with things to see and do. From river boats to railroads excursions to horse drawn carriages and riverside bike treks, Old Sacramento is History on the Move.

In the heart of Midtown Sacramento, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park captures the pioneer spirit of families arriving in wagon trains at the dawn of the California Gold Rush. John Sutter built the Fort and his agricultural empire, was critical in the rescue of the tragic Donner Party and served as a diplomat with the Mexican government until it all came crashing down in 1848. A fascinating place to visit for history field trips, kids and adults!

At the State Capitol, the past, present and future of California interact with equal force. The building serves as both a museum and the state’s working seat of government. Visitors to the Capitol can at once experience California’s rich history and witness the making of history through the modern lawmaking process. Since 1869, it has served as home to the legislative branch of state government and the Governor’s office. Guided tours, informative films and recreated historic rooms and exhibits allow visitors to explore the past, present and future of California. The museum offers FREE guided tours to the public daily and to groups of ten and more with reservations. Guided tours of Capitol Park, including the rose garden and Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial are available Memorial Day through Labor Day, or upon special request.

Many of the cars at the California Automobile Museum are set off in eye-catching displays, as a place to educate people about cars; to tell the story of the development of the automobile and its effect on our lives. Approximately 25% of the vehicles are currently owned by the California Vehicle Foundation and the rest are displayed by private exhibitors. Some of the cars are on loan for a month and some for five years, so the display is a constantly changing exhibit of rolling stock.

First opened to the public in 1976, the California State Railroad Museum complex is one of Sacramento's largest and most popular visitor destinations. Over 500,000 visit the Museum annually, with guests traveling from throughout the world to experience this world-renowned facility. With over 225,000 square feet of total exhibit space, the California State Railroad Museum offers stimulating exhibits, enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents, and beautifully restored railroad cars and locomotives to illustrate railroad history in California and the West. The Museum has a variety of facilities in Old Sacramento, suitable for events such as corporate meetings, receptions, dinners, and other social gatherings. The Museum Roundhouse can accommodate up to 550 standing and the historic Eagle Theater is perfect for a presentation for 150. During certain times of the year, you can catch a train ride down the Sacramento River.

Originally built in 1856 by Gold Rush merchant Sheldon Fogus, the Mansion was later purchased and remodeled by Leland and Jane Stanford. Leland Stanford served as Governor of California from 1862-1863. The Mansion served as the office of three governors during the turbulent 1860’s - Leland Stanford, Fredrick Low and Henry Haight. As a pro-Union Civil War governor and president of the Central Pacific Railroad, Leland Stanford negotiated political and business deals at the Mansion that helped complete the transcontinental railroad. Jane Lathrop Stanford gave birth to their only child, Leland, Jr., here on May 14, 1868. The couple’s new wealth enabled them to expand the mansion in 1872, creating the architectural legacy you can see today. In 1900 Jane Stanford gave the mansion to the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, with an endowment of $75,000 in railroad bonds, for the “nurture, care and maintenance of homeless children.” The Sisters of Mercy, and later the Sisters of Social Service, adapted the aging building to their needs. As decades passed, the old neighborhood gave way to state office buildings, and the cost of upkeep grew. In 1987, the Stanford Home for Children moved to new facilities in north Sacramento. In 1978 the State of California purchased the property for use as a state park. The imposing structure was listed as a National Historic Landmark in May 1987. After a 14-year, $22 million restoration and rehabilitation, the Mansion is now open to the public as a museum. It also serves the citizens of California as the state’s official reception center for leaders from around the world. The Leland Stanford Mansion is a stunning example of the splendor and elegance of the Victorian era in California.

The Aerospace Museum of California is one of aviation’s greatest showcases within a spacious modern facility at McClellan Business Park in Sacramento. The Museum provides a world class opportunity to learn about and celebrate aviation’s past, present and future. The Museum has drawn over 250,000 visitors, including over 50,000 students. The Museum’s 37,500 square-foot Hardie Setzer Aerospace Pavilion includes: A massive exhibit hall with aviation and aerospace exhibits A four acre Air Park featuring over 50 historic aircraft The Aerospace Museum of California captures the allure of flight. It’s where children of all ages can explore, climb into, or imagine what it would be like to soar through the skies. Visitors can explore the many aircraft on the ramp. It’s your chance to view thrilling jets like a US Navy Blue Angels’ fighter, A-10 Thunderbolt, or a famous ‘Top Gun’ F-14 Tomcat just like the movie! Learn about space exploration and see the future of manned and unmanned flight and space exploration. Feel the exhilaration of flying in our new Morphis Simulator Ride. Come explore with us because the Aerospace Museum of California is truly a place where dreams take flight and imagination soars!