Sacramento History Museum
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Sacramento History Museum

4.5
·896 reviews·Sacramento, United States

Explore Sacramento's buried past and Gold Rush heritage through immersive exhibits and unique underground tours in Old Sacramento.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
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Sacramento History Museum

Sacramento History Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Sacramento's buried past and Gold Rush heritage through immersive exhibits and unique underground tours in Old Sacramento.

4.5
(896 reviews)

"The highlight was definitely our tour guide/actor—he was completely into his character and made the whole experience come alive!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Discount Alert!

Show your receipt from the California State Railroad Museum for a discount on museum or underground tour tickets.

⏳ Book Underground Tours Early

These popular tours fill up fast! Check schedules and book in advance to avoid disappointment.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 896 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Tour

Underground Tour

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Descend into Sacramento's buried past and explore the city's original street level. A truly unique historical experience!

Historic Print Shop

Historic Print Shop

Museum Exhibit

See a working 19th-century print shop and learn about the art of letterpress printing. Witness history in action!

Gold Rush Era Exhibits

Gold Rush Era Exhibits

Museum Exhibit

Discover the stories and artifacts from California's pivotal Gold Rush period. Understand Sacramento's role in this transformative era.

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Planning Your Visit

Unlock Sacramento's Past

Dive into Sacramento's rich heritage at the Sacramento History Museum. Explore exhibits on the Gold Rush, a historic print shop, and the city's formation. Don't miss the unique underground tours for a glimpse into Old Sacramento's buried past! Reddit

Plan Your Visit Wisely

Consider visiting after exploring the nearby California State Railroad Museum for a potential discount on your tickets. Check tour times in advance, as the popular underground tours can fill up quickly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, guided tours active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We get a lot of questions from viewers about how we get ready to print in our print shop exhibit at the Sacramento History Museum. Well, today is a great day to cover that because September 21st is National Get Ready Day! For today, we are showing every step of the letterpress printing process. The video begins with Howard entering the shop and putting on his apron and sleeve protectors. Then we ...
@sachistorymuseum
16.5K likes • 468.2K views

🎟️ Discount Alert!

Show your receipt from the California State Railroad Museum for a discount on museum or underground tour tickets. Reddit

⏳ Book Underground Tours Early

These popular tours fill up fast! Check schedules and book in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

We honestly did not think we would get this far. #sachistorymuseum #printingpress #printing #asmr #oddlysatisfying #learnontiktok #edutok #sacramento
@sachistorymuseum
5.3M likes • 25.9M views
Welcome to the Sacramento History Museum! We have two floors of exhibits on the 1st and 3rd floors with restrooms and staff offices on the 2nd floor. In this video, Howard gives a quick tour of the museum. #SacHistoryMuseum #housetour #sacramento #museum #history #sabrinacarpenter #oldsacramento
sachistorymuseum
836 likes • 18.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Sac Afterwards

The museum is a great starting point for exploring the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront. Reddit

♿ Wheelchair Accessible

The museum is accessible with an elevator for visitors using wheelchairs. Reddit

ON THIS DAY IN BLACK HISTORY September 22nd 📖 presented by Myana and Judah 🖤🖤🖤 support our cause and book a tour, bring us to your school, visit and donate to the museum! We’re open Thursdays to Saturdays 12-5pm. . . . . #fyp #blackhistory #sacramento #history #museums #museum #museumsinsacramento #didyouknow #politics #americanhistory #sacramentohistorymuseum #explore
sojomuseum
21 likes • 176 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Discount Alert!

Show your receipt from the California State Railroad Museum for a discount on museum or underground tour tickets. Reddit

⏳ Book Underground Tours Early

These popular tours fill up fast! Check schedules and book in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Old Sac Afterwards

The museum is a great starting point for exploring the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront. Reddit

♿ Wheelchair Accessible

The museum is accessible with an elevator for visitors using wheelchairs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(896 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Sacramento History Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly the unique underground tours that offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's buried past. The historic print shop and Gold Rush displays are also highlights, providing rich historical context. While some find the exhibits informative, others note that they could benefit from updates, but the overall experience is considered worthwhile, especially with discounts. Reddit

"If you go to the Train Museum next door first bring your receipt to get a discount on the museum or the underground tours.

Cute little museum. With discount by showing train museum receipt we paid $12 for two. It was worth it for that price. We missed the underground tour, 😢. But hopefully next time we can catch one.

I didn't know about Campbell's and it's history in Sacramento so I learned something new.

Staff was ok not much interaction there except purchasing tickets. Bathrooms clean. Wheelchair accessible and there is a elevator.

Cute museum glad we saw it."

K M

"The Sacramento History Museum has so much information about the rich history of this area that more than one visit is recommended. There is something for everyone, from children to grandparents. Learn about the formation of the Capital City, view a kitchen from the 1920's, and learn about the historic fires that have happened in the Golden State. There is also an exhibit about the earthquake of 1906 in San Francisco and an enormous amount of data from the formation of Sacramento, to the raising of Sacramento's buildings following the Great Flood of 1862, to the Gold Rush era, which brought many miners and their families to Northern California in search of riches. There is so much more to offer in this incredible museum and we highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in learning about the history of Sacramento and Northern California."

Bruce S.

"It was such a fun experience! I've lived in the Sacramento area for over 15 years now and I still learned more about this area!
The staff are very friendly and helpful. And there's a plethora of different topics with historical items so you're bound to find something you're interested in!
I came down April 5th specifically as they were holding a collaboration event with the California OES to learn more about earthquakes and how to prepare and be safe! The earthquake simulator was very fun and I learned a lot about how I can prepare for a natural disaster that comes with no warning.
It was also very nice to see the printing press I've seen in so many of their official TikTok/YouTube videos. I didn't get to meet Howard this time but I did get a photo with Alex who also features in their social media posts!
Overall such a good time and walking around old sac afterwards is always fun 10/10!!"

Pptat0

What People Like

Fascinating underground tours
Engaging Gold Rush exhibits
Historic print shop demonstration

What People Dislike

Exhibits could use updates

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sacramento History Museum is located in Old Sacramento Waterfront. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options, including light rail and bus routes, also serve the Old Sacramento area. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple parking garages and street parking options in the Old Sacramento Waterfront area. Rates can vary, so it's good to check signage. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is a pleasant walk from many downtown Sacramento locations, especially if you're exploring the Capitol area first. Reddit

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) operates bus and light rail lines that stop near Old Sacramento. Check the RT website for specific routes and schedules. Reddit

Yes, it's centrally located within the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront, making it a prominent landmark. Look for signs directing you to the museum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but general admission is affordable. Look for potential discounts, such as showing a receipt from the California State Railroad Museum. Reddit

While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance, especially for the popular underground tours, is highly recommended to secure your spot. Reddit

Yes, a common tip is to bring your receipt from the California State Railroad Museum next door for a discount on admission. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Sacramento History Museum website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours. Reddit

Yes, tickets for the underground tours are often sold separately or as part of a package. These are highly sought after, so book early! Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Key attractions include exhibits on the Gold Rush, a historic print shop, and the highly popular underground tours that explore the city's buried past. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers exhibits that appeal to all ages, including interactive elements and historical stories that can engage children. Reddit

A typical visit can range from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you take a guided tour. The underground tour adds about an hour. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers guided tours, most notably the immersive underground tours led by knowledgeable guides who often embody historical characters. Reddit

The museum is wheelchair accessible and features an elevator to help visitors navigate different levels. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a restaurant. However, the Old Sacramento Waterfront is filled with numerous dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Reddit

You'll find a variety of cuisines in Old Sacramento, including American classics, BBQ, pizza, and more. Many offer historic ambiance. Reddit

Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum exhibits to protect the artifacts. There are usually places to store belongings. Reddit

Yes, Old Sacramento has several casual eateries and cafes that offer more affordable meal choices. Reddit

Popular spots often include those offering American fare and waterfront views. Exploring the area will reveal many choices to suit your taste. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the museum, but flash photography might be restricted to protect exhibits. Always check for posted signs. Reddit

The historic print shop, artifacts from the Gold Rush, and the unique underground tunnels offer great photo opportunities. The exterior of the museum in Old Sacramento is also picturesque. Reddit

While personal photos are usually fine, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Check with museum staff if you plan extensive shoots. Reddit

Daytime visits offer natural light for interior shots. For exterior photos of Old Sacramento, consider the golden hours around sunrise or sunset. Reddit

Photography is typically allowed during the underground tours, but be mindful of the lighting conditions and the guide's instructions. Reddit

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