California State Capitol Museum in California, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento combines historic exhibits with California’s working seat of government. California State Parks interprets restored offices and the Capitol’s history, while the surrounding Capitol Park offers gardens and memorials. Plan an indoor visit for a weekday and allow time for security screening.

Highlights

The restored offices of the Secretary of State, Treasurer and Governor show how the Capitol functioned in earlier years. Guided tours connect the building to state government. Outside, the 40-acre Capitol Park brings together plants from around the world and memorials that provide a different way to explore the grounds.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Entry screening

Expect a metal detector and examination of bags. Bags must not exceed 14 inches wide by 13 inches high by 4 inches deep. Weapons, toy guns, ammunition, fireworks, knives, pepper spray, razors, box cutters and pointed objects other than pens and pencils are prohibited. Check the museum entrance guidelines before packing.

Museum and park rules

Flash photography and equipment stands, including tripods, are prohibited. Only trained service animals may enter the building, though dogs are allowed in Capitol Park. Strollers cannot enter the Assembly or Senate galleries. Drugs, narcotics and non-aerosol sprays are prohibited unless medically prescribed.

Tour reservations and event permits

Individuals sign up for public tours at the information desk in the first-floor rotunda. Schools and groups book through Reserve California at least seven days ahead. Use the official Capitol tour instructions for booking details. Events on Capitol grounds, including weddings, rallies and large gatherings, require a California Highway Patrol permit.

Maps, location, and access

The Capitol stands at 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. The museum has no public parking. Metered street parking and garages are alternatives, with payment required at most locations. Parking in front on 10th Street between L and N Streets is reserved for buses. The Capitol Garage is at 10th and L Streets.

Nearby historic parks

Old Sacramento State Historic Park can be reached from Interstate 5’s J Street exit, with parking approaches at 3rd and J Streets or Capitol Mall and Front Streets. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park lies in Midtown, with entry through the east gate facing 28th Street. Walkway renovations can temporarily interrupt access there.

Things to do

Choose a guided tour to follow the Capitol’s historic rooms with an interpreter, or use a downloadable self-guided brochure to explore independently. Continue into Capitol Park for its memorials and varied trees. Legislative activity may also be visible when the building’s working schedule allows.

Facilities and accessibility

Ramps serve the north entrance on L Street and south entrance on N Street. Elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are on either side of the first-floor rotunda. The information desk loans wheelchairs, holding a driver’s license until return, and provides assistive listening devices for guided tours. Drinking water is available.

About the Capitol

The museum is part of a building that continues to serve California’s legislature. This combination makes an exhibit visit different from a visit to a museum devoted only to the past.

History

The California Legislature has used the Capitol since 1869. A major restoration returned much of its original appearance and preserved historic offices for interpretation.

Gardens and plant collections

Capitol Park contains plant species from many parts of the world. Its planted landscape and memorials are part of the visit, alongside the indoor historic rooms.

Contact

Call the Capitol Tour Office at 916-324-0333. The California State Capitol Museum website provides current visiting information. Address: 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.