Living in Sacramento comes with an array of benefits. This vibrant city boasts a rich history, tons of safe neighborhoods, diverse demographics, and an attractive climate. Sacramento, CA, school districts are some of the best in the state and there are plenty of attractions and things to do.
There are 32 Sacramento museums, ranging from art to science, making the Camellia City a history buff’s dream. March 2nd and 3rd are the two free museum days in Sacramento (also known as free museum weekend); you have access to 25 top-tier museums, which are completely free, no matter your age! Visit Sacramento Area Museums to purchase tickets; please note there are limited free spots.
Sacramento is a city of culture, art, and innovation; below are the best museums in Sacramento and the Sacramento area.
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1. Crocker Art Museum | Best Art Museum in Sacramento
Crocker Museum in Sacramento is one of the best art museums in the city. It hosts over 350 programs annually, spans over 150,000 square feet, and houses 25,000 art pieces.
Founded in 1885, it’s the oldest continuously operating art museum in the West and one of the few museums in Sacramento accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). The collection areas range from American to oceanic art, each featuring world-renowned artists and touching displays. You will find European master drawings, international ceramics, and more at this lovely museum in Sacramento.
Crocker Art Museum offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and community outreach initiatives, making it a cultural cornerstone of the city.
This museum boasts an optimal location with ample parking options. There is a parking garage located at 216 O Street; street parking is available around the museum, although it may be limited.
Crocker is one of the top Sacramento museums for many reasons, but mostly because it has a variety of programs and exhibits and is affordable.
- Address: 216 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone number: (916) 808-7000
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday Closed
- Admission price: Adults $15, Seniors (65+) $10, College Students (with ID) $10, Youth (6-17) $8, Children (5 & under) Free
2. California State Railroad Museum | Top Museum in Sacramento CA for Science & Technology Enthusiasts
If you’re looking for one of the most interesting Sacramento museums, the California State Railroad Museum provides a comprehensive perspective on the significance of the Transcontinental Railroad.
The railroad museum in Sacramento is a must-see for various reasons. Not only is there over 225,000 square feet of exhibit space to explore, but it also offers various educational programs for all ages, including school tours, workshops, and the popular “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit for young children, making this museum in Sacramento, CA, a perfect family outing.
When you’re done checking out the 21 restored locomotives, consider a train ride along the Sacramento River, pulled by historic steam and diesel engines!
This museum is a must-visit for train enthusiasts and families. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of rail travel and its profound influence on American history—some even consider it the best museum in Sacramento.
Parking is convenient and easy to access at most Sacramento museums; for this museum, it’s available primarily at the Old Sacramento Parking Garage, located at 125 I Street.
Additionally, limited street parking is available in other public parking garages, such as the Tower Bridge Garage and City Hall Garage, which are within walking distance.
- Address: 125 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone number: (916) 323-9280
- Hours: Daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission price: Adults $12, Youth (6-17) $6, Children (5 & under) Free Museum Admission
3. California State Capitol Museum | One of the Top Museums in Downtown Sacramento
During your visit to the California State Capitol Museum, you can tour California’s capitol building, located in Downtown Sacramento! It’s part of the California State Parks and is known as one of the top history museums in Sacramento! You will find comprehensive exhibits on California’s political history and governance.
California State Capitol Museum is one of the other Sacramento museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). It hosts various special exhibits and events throughout the year, highlighting aspects of California’s history, including political, social, and cultural significance. The museum also provides educational programs and guided tours that offer insights into the workings of the California state government.
This must-see Sacramento, California, museum serves as both a functioning seat of government and a museum open to the public at no cost.
Parking at the California State Capitol Museum is convenient. Metered parking is available around the Capitol building; there is also the Capitol Garage, located at 10th and L Streets. Additional parking is available at the City Hall Garage at 10th and I Streets and the Tower Bridge Garage at Capitol Mall and Front Street.
- Address: 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone number: (916) 324-0333
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Admission price: Free
4. SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity | Best Museums in Sacramento for Science and Technology Buffs
Located in West Sacramento, SMUD Museum in Sacramento aims to enhance scientific literacy and curiosity through hands on interactive exhibits and engaging programs. Its exhibits cover various scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, chemistry, astronomy, and technology.
Thanks to its commitment to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, SMUD offers countless educational programs and workshops curated for students and educators. SMUD sparks imagination in its visitors, which is why it’s one of the best Sacramento museums.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) boasts an extensive dinosaur exhibit that includes life-sized dinosaur models, interactive displays, and educational content that explores the world of dinosaurs. Learn about different dinosaur species, paleontology, and the science behind how these fascinating creatures are studied.
SMUD has a dedicated parking lot for guests near the museum’s entrance. There is no on-site overflow parking, but nearby business buildings and street spots are easy to find.
- Address: 400 Jibboom Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
- Phone number: (916) 674-5000
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday Closed
- Admission price: Adults $15, Seniors (65+) $13, Youth (6-17) $12, Children (2-5) $10, Children (under 2) Free Admission
5. Sacramento Children’s Museum | One of the Many Free Museums in Sacramento CA
The Sacramento Children’s Museum is designed for children ages 0 to 8 and features countless hands-on interactive exhibits, including Waterways, Raceways, and Airways. These exhibits let children explore the various forms of motion of water and air and how they work together.
There is a safe, designated area for toddlers to play, and the museum offers various cultural programs and events that promote diversity and inclusivity through themed activities and celebrations.
Sacramento Children’s Museums is also one of the few free museums in Sacramento, making it an affordable option for larger families, daycare’s, summer camps, or schools. This is a fun activity for the whole family that won’t break the bank!
This museum provides optimal and convenient parking options. The parking lot adjacent to the museum offers free parking for museum visitors, making it convenient for if you have young children. Overflow parking is available in the surrounding areas; nearby businesses and streets usually have ample spaces.
- Address: 2701 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
- Phone number: (916) 638-7225
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday Closed
- Admission price: General Admission $9.50, Seniors (60+) $8.50, Children (under 1) Free Museum Admission
6. Sacramento History Museum | One of The Top Natural History Museums in Sacramento California
The Sacramento History Museum opened in 1985 and was established to preserve and share the rich history of River City, focusing heavily on the California Gold Rush era and the effects it had on the region’s development.
The museum features various permanent and rotating exhibits that cover topics such as the gold rush, pioneer life, city development, Native American history, and more! It also offers an extensive archive and research library with historical documents, photographs, maps, and other resources open to the general public.
This is one of the select museums in Sacramento that is accessible via Sacramento’s public transportation program, Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT). The museum is within walking distance from the Sacramento Valley Station, which serves Amtrak trains, SacRT buses, and light rail.
Sacramento History Museum is one of the top natural history Sacramento, CA, museums and is beloved by all of its annual visitors.
- Address: 101 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
- Phone number: (916) 808-7059
- Hours: Daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission price: Adults $10, Seniors (60+) $8, Youth (6-17) $5, Children (5 & under) Free
7. California Automobile Museum
The California Automobile Museum hosts collectible cars from the past and present. Visitors in the reviews say the exhibits are unique, informative, and a must-do activity for any car buffs residing in the Sacramento area.
Many exhibits emphasize the automotive industry’s cultural and technological advancements. You will find over 150 antique and modern automobiles to learn about. Programs you can attend include guided tours, workshops, and special events that explore automotive history, technology, and design.
Sacramento museums are always a great time, especially when they offer amenities like this one. Visitors can access a gift shop, rental spaces for private events, and ample parking. The museum is family-friendly and designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
- Address: 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
- Phone number: (916) 442-6802
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission price: Adults $10, Seniors (65+) $9, Students (with ID) $5, Youth (6-17) $5, Children (5 and under) Free
Additional Museums Near Sacramento
- Roseville Utility Exploration Center – Science museum near Sacramento
- Museum of Medical History – Medical history Sacramento museum
- Folsom History Museum – Sacramento history museum
- Aerospace Museum of California – Aerospace museum
- Sacramento Regional Fire Museum – History museum of Sacramento Fire Departments
Map of Museums in Sacramento CA
Explore these Sacramento, California, museums with this handy map.
Planning Your Trip to the Top Museums in Sacramento California
Sacramento museums are plentiful, so choosing the best one can feel overwhelming. You now have all the necessary information to plan a perfect day at one of these beloved museums in Sacramento!
If you’re exploring these educational entities pending relocation to the Sacramento area, let Mother Lode Moving provide our moving industry expertise and knowledge. We have top Sacramento movers who are ready to serve you; give us a call at (916) 631-4285.
