California State Capitol Museum

The state capital is a great place to go to see history in the making. You can go up to the third floor and watch the Assembly in action. Today it was closed, but it's usually open to the public. Just be sure to turn off your phones and be quite while you're up there. It's really a fun thing to see.Right now there is a lot of construction going on at the capital. One whole wing of the new building is gone. Thus where you used to see the county exhibits is now missing as that was in the wing they are revamping. Walking around the capital is tricky these days, due to the construction. You have to be willing to walk across the street in a few places to get around the construction. Even with the construction, you can still go inside and visit. Just take off your purse, wallet, keys ect and put it thorough the scanner and walk through the metal detector and you're in. They don't id you when you enter.The front steps are also open to the public and are the perfect spot for that iconic and instragramable picture. When we were there we saw a lot of people lining up for their picture to be taken.

We were visiting the area for a work conference. We knew we wanted to visit the State Capitol, but we didn't get there in time for a tour with a guide. We ended up doing a self tour in the areas we were able to go to.Currently, they are renovating the area and they had a separate entrance. There a lot of photo opportunities of the State's history and a LOT of stairs. They do have elevators to get you up and down to each level you're aiming to go on.I found the treasury office was the neatest.

Came here after visiting some family this summer In Sacramento! We love visiting state capitol buildings, touring inside and outside, and discovering and learning. Parking around this area, as most capitol building are, is a bit challenging, so if you are unable to walk farther distances, you may be have a hard time getting here. Because the front entrances are blocked off at the front, you will find side entrances. Since it was our first time, it took us quite a bit of time figuring out how to get to any entrance coming from the side/back garden area, with some frustration because of lack of signage. The outside garden is well kept for the most part, and although there is quite a lot of construction, we enjoyed the garden area! It was huge and was a nice walk (although, it is still downtown). Inside after security was very cool to see! We loved being able to walk through different hallways, all the way up the different stories/levels and peak our heads into room displays and historically staged areas. There were some educational areas you could walk through, as well as the actual rooms where meeting are conducted and you can watch from the balcony above. A bonus that there are elevators and stairs, restrooms and water fountains that are well kept! Overall, we enjoyed the experience walking through each floor and getting to experience the capitol building of the state we once lived in. It is a lower volume place, so I wouldn't suggest going with younger kids that can't keep inside voices, and there aren't many interactives inside to keep them excited, but for adults who want to take in the history and present, it's a cool place to be!

Short but free! The first time I visited, I took my daughter to get her used to walking around old buildings. There's a lot of interesting history in this three-story building. I went with a friend the second time. We walked through everything we were permitted to in an hour. Parking on the street was $2/hr. The security was friendly. Some of the rooms are still used. You can also schedule a tour.

First and foremost our tour guide was amazing! Isabel has been there for six years giving tours and she is very knowledgeable about the history of the capital as well as California. I wish everyone could request her. Did you know that they almost demolished that beautiful building and replaced it with twin high rises? Do you know why Sacramento is the capital of California? These are just some of the facts you can learn. Old and young can learn from this tour. Our visit this time of the year also included a special event of the local high school symphony orchestra and chorus performance. Awesome acoustics in this beautiful rotunda and they certainly "broke a leg." If you do nothing else in Sacramento, this is worth the trip alone. Enjoy. PS- Don't forget to visit the Jerry Brown portrait!

SO cute during Christmas with decor outside and it was wonderful to look at old time rooms. I didn't do a tour but I think they are free. There was not really parking so we went from golden one stadium. I thought it was nice to see the past here :) especially being form CA you get to see history and where the representatives meet

A whole lot of neat stuff in here , the California state Capitol building is a beautiful place with lots of history, the tours are neat and informative. I've been here twice over the years and have enjoyed my visit each and every time . Definitely worth a visit , I got to see a live session of the California state assembly , that was awesome .

Hubby & I were on an overnight trip to Sacramento. We decided to visit the State Capitol during our stay last week. We found paid street parking about 1/4 mile away. Currently the Capitol is under renovation but there's a side entrance. We went through security and made our way to the rotunda where there's a tour desk. We made it for the 1 pm guided tour. Tours given on the hour on weekdays. It was very busy due to spring break. Many visitors including school age kids.The docent led tour begins on the ground floor, then moves upstairs. We were lucky the day we visited. Both the Assembly and the Senate were in session.After the tour ended hubby and I went down to the basement. There's a small gift shop, an eating area, and a statue of Ronald Reagan, former California governor and US president.We spent about 1 1/2 hours.

4.5 stars. Our tax dollars at work here. I love being able to visit the state capitol with no entry fee. They are checking bags and you go through a metal detector now, but it's a small inconvenience for seeing a beautiful building with no entrance fee.Staff are very helpful. Self guided tours are available as well as docent led tours. Very nice architecture and woodwork. If in Sacramento, it's worth a visit.

Wow 10 stars and free! Tours on top of the hour. I suggest calling ahead of time to ensure there are tours!