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California Automobile Museum: A Ride Through Automotive History

Explore over 150 classic cars at Sacramento's California Automobile Museum, showcasing automotive history from the early 1900s to the present day.

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The California Automobile Museum in Sacramento showcases over 150 classic, vintage, and rare vehicles, illustrating the evolution and impact of the automobile. Exhibits range from early 20th-century models to alternative power vehicles, offering an engaging experience for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

A brief summary to California Automobile Museum

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the third Sunday of the month for 'Sunday Drives' and a chance to ride in a museum car with your admission.
  • Check the museum's calendar for special events, rotating exhibits, and educational programs for both adults and children.
  • Active U.S. military members and their families receive free admission from mid-May to early September as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
  • Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders can get free admission on the first full weekend of every month through the Museums on Us program.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Old Sacramento, head south on Front Street. The museum is located approximately 10 minutes away on foot, south of R Street. Enjoy the stroll along the riverfront as you approach the museum.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near the California Automobile Museum. Check local Sacramento Regional Transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. From downtown Sacramento, bus routes 102, 11, 30, 51, and 86 will get you close to the museum. A single ride fare is typically $2.50.

  • Driving

    The California Automobile Museum is located at 2200 Front Street in Sacramento. From Interstate 5, take the Q Street exit and head east, turning left onto Front Street. From U.S. Highway 50, take the 16th Street exit and head north, turning left onto R Street and then right onto Front Street. The museum offers free parking in its lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Unlock the Best of California Automobile Museum

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Discover more about California Automobile Museum

Located in Sacramento, the California Automobile Museum offers a captivating journey through automotive history. Founded in 1983 and opened to the public in 1987, the museum has evolved from displaying solely Ford vehicles to showcasing a diverse collection of over 150 cars. The museum's mission is to preserve, exhibit, and teach the story of the automobile and its influence on our lives. The museum's exhibits feature a wide array of vehicles, including luxury cars, sports cars, muscle cars, and everyday commuters. Visitors can explore the evolution of automotive design, technology, and manufacturing through the decades. Exhibits are arranged chronologically, providing a comprehensive overview of automotive development from its inception to the present day. Highlights include vintage cars from the early 1900s, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the automotive industry's pioneers. The museum also features vehicles from the golden age of automobiles (1920s-1950s), with iconic models like the Cadillac Eldorado and Ford Thunderbird. Additionally, notable cars on display include a 1982 Porsche 911 SC Targa formerly owned by Linda Ronstadt and a 1974 Plymouth Satellite formerly owned by Jerry Brown. The museum also offers interactive displays and educational programs, making it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

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