Guide to the California Automotive Museum in Sacramento

If you are a car enthusiast, a history buff, or a family looking for a unique weekend outing, there is one destination in Northern California that belongs at the top of your list: the California Automotive Museum in Sacramento.

Spanning over 72,000 square feet and housing a world-class collection of more than 150 vehicles, this museum isn’t just a warehouse for old cars—it is a living, breathing timeline of the American “love affair” with the automobile. From the brass-era buggies of the late 1800s to the high-performance supercars of the modern age, the California Automotive Museum offers an immersive experience that tells the story of how wheels changed the world.

In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the history, the must-see exhibits, and the visitor information you need to plan your perfect trip to the California Automotive Museum.

A Legacy of Chrome and Steel: The History of the Museum

The story of the California Automotive Museum (originally known as the Towe Ford Museum) began in 1983. Founded as the California Vehicle Foundation, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1987. At the time, it held the distinction of displaying the largest collection of Fords in the world, thanks to a massive loan from Montana banker Edward Towe.

In 1997, the museum began to diversify, welcoming vehicles of all makes and models to better reflect the broad spectrum of automotive history. By 2009, the board officially changed the name to the California Automotive Museum. Today, it stands as the first automobile museum in the West established in perpetuity, dedicated to preserving the engineering marvels that defined the 20th century.

Our Visit During Free Museum Weekend

Taking advantage of Sacramento’s Free Museum Weekend was the perfect excuse for a family outing. We got four free tickets which of course made us extra happy!

With our 5- and 7-year-olds with us, we weren’t sure how long their attention spans would hold, but the museum’s interactive nature kept them completely engaged as they explored the massive collection of cars from so many eras. Their favorite parts were definitely when they got to sit inside vintage cars that were nearly 100 years old!

While the kids were busy hunting for the most colorful cars, my husband—a true car enthusiast—was in his element in the “Brass Era” section. He spent the most amount of time marveling at the earliest days of automotive creation, fascinated by the transition from horse-drawn carriages to the very first motorized engines.

Browse through this blog post to see photos from our visit!

What to See: Iconic Exhibits at the California Automotive Museum

One of the most unique aspects of the California Automotive Museum is its layout. The vehicles are arranged in a chronological timeline, allowing visitors to literally walk through history.

1. The Brass Era and Early Pioneers

Your journey begins with the very dawn of the automotive age. You’ll find meticulously maintained (or perfectly preserved) replicas and originals from the late 1800s.

• 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen Replica: See the vehicle that started it all.
• The Ford Model T Collection: A nod to the museum’s roots, featuring various iterations of the “Tin Lizzie” that put America on wheels.

2. Cars of the Stars and Political History

Sacramento is the capital of California, so it’s only fitting that the museum features cars with political and celebrity pedigrees.

• Gov. Jerry Brown’s 1974 Plymouth Satellite: A humble choice for a governor, reflecting the era’s sensibilities.
• Linda Ronstadt’s 1982 Porsche 911 SC Targa: A sleek symbol of 80s stardom.
• Rita Hayworth’s 1956 Cadillac Eldorado: Pure Hollywood glamour on four wheels.
• The “Ford v Ferrari” Shelby Cobra Replica: A treat for movie buffs, this car was used in the filming of the Academy Award-winning film.

3. Post-War Optimism and Muscle Cars

The section dedicated to the 1950s and 60s is a riot of pastel colors, tailfins, and raw horsepower. Here, you’ll find the iconic 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, various Ford Mustangs, and the muscle cars that dominated the drag strips of the 1970s.

4. Alternative Power and Future Tech

The California Automotive Museum doesn’t just look back; it looks forward. The “Going Green” exhibit explores the history of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.

• 1997 General Motors EV1: One of the few surviving models of the world’s first mass-produced electric car.
• The Solar Powered Race Cars: High-tech marvels designed by university students to push the boundaries of efficiency.

Kid-Friendly Exhibits and Museum Areas for Little Visitors

While the word “museum” might sometimes suggest a “look but don’t touch” environment, the California Automotive Museum is surprisingly interactive, making it a fantastic destination for families with toddlers and school-aged children. The museum has intentionally designed spaces where “little sparkplugs” can engage with automotive history through play and tactile exploration.

1. Hands-On “Sitter” Cars

The highlight for most young children is the collection of designated sitter cars. While most of the 150+ vehicles are preserved behind ropes, the museum features several vintage cars and trucks that visitors—especially kids—are encouraged to climb into.

• The Experience: Children can sit behind the wheel, play with the oversized steering wheels, and imagine driving through a different era.
• Photo Ops: These are great for taking cute family photos!

2. Tinker Time (First Saturdays)

If you can time your visit for the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss Tinker Time. Held at 11:00 AM, this program is specifically designed for children to explore S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) concepts.

• Interactive Activities: Past sessions have included everything from learning how cars are designed using clay models to creating pinstripe art and even building paper Model Ts.
• The “Bertha Benz” Connection: Some sessions focus on historical figures, like Bertha Benz, where kids can see a replica of the first-ever patented motor car in action.

3. The Play and Education Area

Located within the museum, there is a dedicated space for younger children to take a break from walking.

• Tactile Learning: You’ll find activities like “color matching,” where kids can match buttons to the colors of nearby cars, or large tires designed for climbing.
• Books and Trains: For a quieter moment, there is a small play area stocked with automotive-themed books and toy train sets to keep toddlers entertained while parents admire the nearby exhibits.

4. Interactive Mechanics for Older Kids

For school-aged children who are starting to ask “how things work,” the museum features cutaway engines and mechanical displays. These exhibits help demystify what happens under the hood, showing how cylinders move and how gas powers a vehicle, turning a fun outing into a subtle science lesson.

5. Scavenger Hunts

To keep kids engaged as you walk through the chronological timeline, ask the front desk about current scavenger hunts. These guides encourage children to look for specific details—like a certain hood ornament or a unique paint color—turning the museum tour into a giant game of “I Spy.”

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Hours, and Location

If you’re planning a trip to the California Automotive Museum, here is everything you need to know:

• Location: 2200 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. (Located just south of Old Sacramento along the scenic Sacramento River).
• Hours: Open Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM). Closed on Tuesdays.
• Admission Prices:
  • Adults: $14
  • Seniors (65+), Military, and Students: $12
  • Youth (6-17): $8
  • Children (5 and under): Free
• Parking: The museum offers plenty of free parking in their private lot, which is a major plus in the downtown Sacramento area.

Accessibility and Discounts

The museum is fully ADA accessible. Additionally, they participate in the “Museums for All” program, offering $5 admission to visitors with a valid SNAP EBT or WIC card. They also offer free admission to Bank of America cardholders on the first full weekend of every month.

Beyond the Showroom: Events and Interactive Programs

What sets the California Automotive Museum apart from other museums is its commitment to engagement. It is a “working” museum where the cars are meant to be enjoyed, not just stared at.

Sunday Drives

On the third Sunday of every month, the museum offers Sunday Drives. For the price of admission, visitors can actually take a ride in one of the museum’s vintage vehicles. There is nothing quite like the smell of old leather and the sound of a carbureted engine to bring history to life.

Museum Workshops and Classes

Ever wanted to learn how to drive a Model T? The museum offers specialized driving classes where you can learn the eccentricities of the three-pedal system used by Henry Ford’s most famous creation. They also host “ARTomotive” photography workshops and technical seminars for those interested in the nuts and bolts of restoration.

Special Events

The museum is a hub for the Sacramento car community. Throughout the year, they host:

• CruiseFest on Fulton Ave: A massive community car show and parade.
• The Memorial Day Car Show: A tribute to veterans featuring hundreds of local classic cars.
• Microcar Shows and Japanese Classic Car Meets: Rotating outdoor exhibits that celebrate specific niches of car culture.

Membership and Volunteering: Join the “Pit Crew”

If you live in the Sacramento area, consider becoming a member. Membership includes unlimited free admission, discounts in the gift shop, and access to the “Road Crew”—a group of volunteers who take the museum’s cars to outreach events and parades.

For those who want to get their hands dirty, the Pit Crew and Detail Crew are volunteer groups that help maintain the collection. Whether you are a master mechanic or someone who just likes to wax chrome, there is a place for you at the museum.

Make it a Day Trip: Things To Do Near the California Automotive Museum

Because the California Automotive Museum is situated along the scenic Sacramento River and just south of the city’s historic core, it is the perfect anchor for a full day of exploration. Whether you want to stay outdoors or continue your deep dive into history, here are the best spots within a few minutes of the museum.

1. Explore Old Sacramento Waterfront

Just a mile north of the museum (a 5-minute drive or a pleasant 20-minute walk along the river) lies the Old Sacramento Waterfront. This 28-acre historic district is a time capsule of the 1850s Gold Rush era.

• The California State Railroad Museum: Often cited as the best railroad museum in North America, this is the perfect companion to your automotive tour.
• Underground Tours: Take a guided tour to see how the city was raised in the 1860s to escape flooding. You’ll walk through hollow sidewalks and original street levels now hidden beneath the city.
• Sacramento Southern Railroad: On weekends from April through September, you can board a vintage excursion train that departs from Old Sacramento and travels right past the California Automotive Museum along the river levee.
• Grab a Meal: Grabbing a meal at the Old Sacramento Waterfront offers everything from the historic elegance of The Firehouse Restaurant to a unique riverside experience aboard the Delta King riverboat.

2. Relax at Miller Regional Park

Located practically next door to the museum, Miller Regional Park offers a peaceful escape with sweeping views of the Sacramento River.

• Riverside Picnics: The park features 56 acres of shaded green space, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. It’s a great spot to watch the boats go by after a morning in the museum.
• The Sacramento River Bike Trail: This paved trail runs directly behind the museum. You can walk or bike north toward Old Sacramento or south toward the pocket neighborhoods for some of the best river views in the city.

3. Visit the Crocker Art Museum

Located just a few blocks away at 216 O Street, the Crocker Art Museum is the oldest art museum in the Western United States. It features a stunning contrast between its original 1872 Victorian mansion and a soaring modern expansion, housing a world-renowned collection of Californian and European art.

Final Thoughts

The California Automotive Museum is more than just a building full of cars. It is a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of the open road. Whether you’re marveling at a 100-year-old steam car or snapping a selfie with a futuristic EV, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the machines that shaped our modern life.

Next time you find yourself in Sacramento, make a pit stop at 2200 Front Street. History is waiting for you—and it has a lot of horsepower.