Directory of Sacramento Museums

Formerly the McClellan Aviation Museum, this museum pays tribute to Sacramento’s aviation heritage while educating the public on aerospace science. Visitor’s can take in the museum’s Hardie Setzer Aerospace Pavilion, McClellan Memorial Plaza, Air Park, Aerospace Learning Center, and the Aviation Historic Center.

• Hours: Tuesday–Sun,10 a.m.–4 p.m
• Admission: $15 for adults 18 and older; $10 for seniors, veterans, students under 18 and teachers; children 5 and under, active military personnel and museum members enter for free

The museum displays the some of the state’s rich foundry history dating back to the Gold Rush era. There are visual displays, photographs, oral interview transcripts, and artifacts from various men and women who were the backbone to California’s foundry industry. The museum is now located in Lodi as part of their larger San Joaquin County Historical Museum

• Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in the winter.  Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. in the summer.
• Admission: $5 for adults over 18, $4 for seniors and teens 13–17, $2 for children 6–12, free for SJC Historical Society member

This museum is a working museum that is located in the home of the state’s legislative branch and the Governor’s office. Guided tour visitors are treated to the Capitol Rotunda’s grand architecture or feel a great sense of civic duty while sitting in the Assembly or Senate chambers.

• Hours: Weekdays, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Weekends, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Admission: Free

There were more than 150 Native American tribes that called California home. This museum displays beads, basketwork, photographs and other artifacts from the more than 500,000 Indians that resided here. There are also interactive stations where visitors can use Indian tools or pump a drill that is used in beadwork.

• Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Admission: Free

Trains big and small and everything in between can be appreciated at the California State Railroad Museum. During certain times of the year, the museum operates a steam locomotive on the Sacramento Southern Railroad. The museum also offers various special events.

• Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
• Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for kids aged 6–17. Children under the age of 5 are admitted for free. 

Art from California, Asia, Europe and American are among the many artifacts that can be found at Crocker. Art appreciators can gaze on early California paintings, master drawings, Meissen Porcelain, and contemporary works from California artists.

• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Admission: $12 for adults; $8 for seniors, college students and military personnel; $5 for youth aged 6–17. Kids 6 and under are free. 

This museum is a replica of one-room schools that were found throughout the Sacramento valley. The interior of the museum is furnished with period pieces, such as desks, a stove, and photographs.

• Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
• Admission: Free

If you appreciate cars, a visit the California Auto Museum is a must. Classic autos from the 1880 double-decker Omnibus wagon to a 2002 NASCAR Chevy Monte are on display. Not satisfied with just looking at them? Then own one. Some cars are for sale from an ever-changing inventory.

• Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., last admission is at 4 p.m.
• Admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, student and military personnel; $5 for children ages 5–17; children under 5 can enter for free.

There are two Sacramento locations for these museums. The Old Sacramento location is a smaller museum displaying various Gold Rush era artifacts. The downtown location features a walk-in agents office and original Concord Coach.

• Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Old Sac) and Weekdays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Downtown)
• Admission: Both locations are free