I think everyone must visit their state capitol at least once in their lifetime. I believe it is important to see where laws affecting your state are being created, debated and approved. This is the place that is mostly affected by our votes. Granted, you might not like politicians and politics but usually state capitols are places full of history. This is also the case at the California State Capitol in Sacramento.
A visit to the California Sate Capitol is a must anytime you visit Sacramento. In fact, the State Capitol comes high on my list of best things to do in Sacramento. So, let’s take our time and explore the best things to do at California State Capitol by visiting this beautiful piece of California history.
My Favorite Tourist Attractions at the California State Capitol
- Take your time to stroll through the State Capitol Park. Roses, palm trees, lemon trees and a pond. It’s beautiful!
- Before heading further into the building, take a look at the displays showing all California counties. This is right by the Governor’s office. Some time ago, in California’s recent history, if you hang around a little longer you could’ve seen Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Visit the Rotunda and look up to see the inside of the dome. It is pretty cool.
- Wander to the right and to the left of the Rotunda and take a look at the old offices of the state controller and treasurer. They preserved them very well and they look great. I always like old stuff.
1. California State Capitol is Impressive
The State Capitol building in Sacramento, California
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If you’re walking through the State Capitol Park and coming towards the State Capitol building you will start seeing it little by little through the many trees in the park. As you come closer and closer the building gets larger and larger until you’re right in front of it. It is an impressive building, all white and with a large dome on the top of building.
My guide for the California State Capitol Park
2. California State Capitol is Full of History
Old offices are on display at the California State Capitol museum in Sacramento.
See my photos of California State Capitol
They did a very good job preserving the old offices of the various state officials: state controller and treasurer for example. There are about ten old offices to the left and right of the Rotunda. You get to see lots of old offices with a myriad of little drawers. All these offices have tall ceilings, I mean really tall ceilings.
3. California State Capitol is Home to California Politics
The Senate room, also known as the Red Room, is the California Senate deliberations room at the California State Capitol in Sacramento.
See my photos of California State Capitol
If you climb to the third floor you can actually sit in on Senate deliberations on the north side of the building or you can sit in on the Representatives deliberations on the south side of the building. Both rooms are open to the public and you’re welcome to listen as long as you don’t start shouting and protesting. If you do that you might bi taken away very quickly and end up in handcuffs.
4. California State Capitol Helps Put History Together
The Great Seal of the State of California at the Sacramento State Capitol Museum.
See my photos of California State Capitol
If you live in California, you can’t help feeling proud when you walk around the California State Capitol. There is great history being shown everywhere in the building. I couldn’t help but think of how California started as the Wild West and where it is now as the largest and most powerful state in the US in terms of population and economics. This is the great state of California we’re talking about.
Plan Your Trip to the Sacramento State Capitol
Coming north on the I5 freeway look for signs indicating Capitol Mall. This exit will put you on N St. Just follow it East until you will see the Capitol Building on the right hand side. Remember that streets in Downtown Sacramento are one way streets. Park on the street and make sure you pay the fee for parking. They have cool parking meters in Downtown Sacramento, you can pay with cash or credit card. The State Capitol area is located between L and N streets and 9th and 15th street. It’s a large area and if you get lost you can always ask.
Is California State Capitol Worth Visiting?
If you don’t’ come on a very hot day, you will have a very pleasant visit at the California State Capitol building and Park. There is a lot to see there and you could very well spend four to five hours inside and outside and still not see everything there is to see. If you like history then this is a great place for you. If you don’t I still think that you will enjoy the visit.
