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In the heart of Sacramento on 10th Street between L and N Streets, California’s State Capitol embodies the best of California’s past and present. Forty acres of lawns, flower gardens and memorials to California history surround the building. Stately trees in Capitol Park, including many exotic species planted over 100 years ago, thrive in Sacramento’s climate.
The Capitol is a hub of activity - visitors might be inspired to join a rally for a favorite cause, attend a legislative session, visit lawmakers in their Capitol offices, or relax on the lawn for a shady picnic. During the holiday season, visitors might discover a festive musical concert in the first floor Rotunda. Informative exhibits on California’s 58 counties highlight the first floor of the East Annex.
Home of the California Legislature since 1869, the State Capitol underwent a major renovation completed in 1981 that restored much of the building's original look. The Capitol has gone through many changes. Electricity first augmented, then replaced gaslight between 1892 and 1895. In 1906 a remodeling of the area now called the West Wing created more office space. The East Annex, completed in 1952, added even more offices. When a 1972 study of the building showed it to be unsafe in the event of an earthquake, the “Old Capitol” was scheduled for renovation. By 1982 the building was restored to its original early twentieth-century elegance. Today it is a working museum.
Period displays include the 1906- era Governor’s office suite; the Treasurer’s Office circa 1906 and 1933; and the 1902 office of the Secretary of State. For a special treat, visit the Rotunda, which begins on the first floor and rises 120 feet to the inner dome.
Visitors can tour the restored historic offices of the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Governor of the State of California. The building features exhibits and tours - and possibly an opportunity to watch the legislators debate a bill or cast a vote.
Capitol Park
During the winter of 1870, the original four square blocks of the Capitol grounds were planted with 800 trees and flowering shrubs of nearly 200 varieties from all parts of the world. Today there are more than 450 varieties represented.
Capitol Park features memorials to significant events involving California:
A Civil War Memorial Grove planted in 1897 with saplings from famous Civil War battlefields.
A life-sized statue of Father Junípero Serra, a Roman Catholic missionary sent by Spain to help colonize California. At its base is a map of California's 21 missions, from San Diego to Sonoma.
The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with bronze statues of service men and women depicting military life in Vietnam and featuring engravings of names of Californians killed or missing in action.
The California Veterans Memorial, a granite obelisk honoring California Veterans from the Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.
During the winter of 1870, the original four square blocks of the Capitol grounds were planted with 800 trees and flowering shrubs of nearly 200 varieties from all parts of the world. Today there are more than 450 varieties represented.
Capitol Park features memorials to significant events involving California:
A Civil War Memorial Grove planted in 1897 with saplings from famous Civil War battlefields.
A life-sized statue of Father Junípero Serra, a Roman Catholic missionary sent by Spain to help colonize California. At its base is a map of California's 21 missions, from San Diego to Sonoma.
The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with bronze statues of service men and women depicting military life in Vietnam and featuring engravings of names of Californians killed or missing in action.
The California Veterans Memorial, a granite obelisk honoring California Veterans from the Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.
Getting There
The park is located in downtown Sacramento at 10th and L Streets.
The ADA accessible entrance is on 11th and L Streets.
There is a parking garage at 10th and L Streets, and metered parking surrounds the Capitol.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.5767 / -121.4919
The park is located in downtown Sacramento at 10th and L Streets.
The ADA accessible entrance is on 11th and L Streets.
There is a parking garage at 10th and L Streets, and metered parking surrounds the Capitol.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.5767 / -121.4919
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised
Summer and spring are warm; fall and winter can be cool. Layered clothing is advised
Operating Hours & Contact
Museum Information:
Guided Tours: 10 am to 4 pm (on the hour)
Weekends & Holidays: Use 11th & "L" Street Entrance
Tour Reservations: (866) 240-4655
General Information: (916) 324-0333
The State Capitol Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day
Museum Information:
Guided Tours: 10 am to 4 pm (on the hour)
Weekends & Holidays: Use 11th & "L" Street Entrance
Tour Reservations: (866) 240-4655
General Information: (916) 324-0333
The State Capitol Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day
Activities
Legislative Sessions & Committee Meetings:
Visit the restored Legislative Chambers and watch today’s lawmakers at work in surroundings that echo the past. Seated at desks built in the 1860s, representatives propose, discuss and vote on new laws, helping to create the world of tomorrow. Legislative sessions are held on Monday and Thursday from early January through late August. First come, first served gallery seating is available to the public during sessions, and committee meetings take place during every day of the business week.
Living History Events:
The State Capitol Museum presents free living history events. Election Day, 1906 Earthquake, Governor’s Day and California Admission Day Living History Programs transport visitors back to the early days of California government. Costumed volunteers participate in these events.
School/Group Tours:
Free guided school and group tours are by reservation only. Groups are limited to 35 persons. We recommend a ratio of ten students to one adult chaperone. For tour reservations, call 866-240-4655. To receive educational materials and school group rules, visit our web site or call the Tour Office at 916-324-0333.
Public Tours:
The State Capitol Museum conducts tours daily, on the hour, from 9 am to 4pm.
Legislative Sessions & Committee Meetings:
Visit the restored Legislative Chambers and watch today’s lawmakers at work in surroundings that echo the past. Seated at desks built in the 1860s, representatives propose, discuss and vote on new laws, helping to create the world of tomorrow. Legislative sessions are held on Monday and Thursday from early January through late August. First come, first served gallery seating is available to the public during sessions, and committee meetings take place during every day of the business week.
Living History Events:
The State Capitol Museum presents free living history events. Election Day, 1906 Earthquake, Governor’s Day and California Admission Day Living History Programs transport visitors back to the early days of California government. Costumed volunteers participate in these events.
School/Group Tours:
Free guided school and group tours are by reservation only. Groups are limited to 35 persons. We recommend a ratio of ten students to one adult chaperone. For tour reservations, call 866-240-4655. To receive educational materials and school group rules, visit our web site or call the Tour Office at 916-324-0333.
Public Tours:
The State Capitol Museum conducts tours daily, on the hour, from 9 am to 4pm.
Accessible Features
Exhibits/Programs
Much of the restored Capitol is physically accessible, including the restrooms. Elevators provide access to different floors including the gloriously restored Senate and Assembly, where lucky visitors may on occasion watch legislators in action. Free tours are available daily, but visitors must sign up for them. Sign up in Basement Room B-27 weekdays or at the Information Desk in the first floor Rotunda (historic wing) weekends. Assistive listening devices are available for tours. A captioned video presentation and the museum store are also available on the ground floor.
See the State Capitol Museum web pages link above for virtual tours and much more information.
Exhibits/Programs
Much of the restored Capitol is physically accessible, including the restrooms. Elevators provide access to different floors including the gloriously restored Senate and Assembly, where lucky visitors may on occasion watch legislators in action. Free tours are available daily, but visitors must sign up for them. Sign up in Basement Room B-27 weekdays or at the Information Desk in the first floor Rotunda (historic wing) weekends. Assistive listening devices are available for tours. A captioned video presentation and the museum store are also available on the ground floor.
See the State Capitol Museum web pages link above for virtual tours and much more information.
Community Trips
