California State Capitol Museum, Sacramento (must see)

The Capitol building houses the chambers of California's working bicameral state legislature. It was completed in 1874, after construction began in 1860, and was designed to be reminiscent of the US Capitol in Washington DC. In fact, it was partially modeled after the US Capitol. The Senate chamber's red decorations refer to the British House of Lords, while the green tones in the Assembly chamber come from the House of Commons.

Parts of the lower level and first floor of the State Capitol building are dedicated to museum exhibits and historic rooms. The tour information desk is located in the first-floor rotunda, while the gift shop is on the lower level. The first floor includes several historic offices that have been restored, including those of the Secretary of State, Governor, and Treasurer. There are also rotating exhibits that highlight the history of the state. Forty acres of gardens surround the building, with nearly 2,000 trees, flowering shrubs, and bushes representing more than 200 varieties.

Besides seeing the operating chambers of state government, the Capitol also houses an extensive art collection that features paintings, statues, murals, portraits, and antiques. Particularly noteworthy are the historic murals, including Arthur F. Mathews' series depicting California's past, present, and future. Throughout the Capitol, you will also see portraits of California's governors. The murals are arranged in four groups of three around the circular space of the lower-level rotunda.

The grounds of the building are worth strolling around. One notable stop is the Pioneer Camellia Grove, located east of the Capitol in the section of the park between 11th and 12th Streets. Nearby, at the 13th and L Street side of Capitol Park, stands the California Native American Monument, unveiled in 2023.

Before heading over, check the current opening and tour schedule. If you're in town from fall through early spring, be sure to see the camellias. More than 800 varieties grow in Capitol Park, with showy and colorful white, red, pink, striped, and speckled flowers.