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Soak up history at the State Capitol building in Sacramento
1303 10th StSacramento, CA 95814-4900 Phone: (916) 324-0333About
Tour elegant rooms depicting various eras in California's past. A walk through the lovely 19th-century State Capitol is a must on any visitor’s list. Free tours of the building leave hourly, ushering you in to admire the salmon-pink Senate Gallery and the lush green Assembly Room. In the Assembly Room, look for the gargoyle jutting from the molding; do you think it's an accident that the tongue is sticking out at the speaker’s podium Permanent exhibits include rooms authentically furnished to capture the look of important points in California's history. In addition, special exhibits may cover other interesting topics, such as the 1906 quake. Inside tip: Be sure to visit the building's remarkable basement, decorated with impressive murals. One block south of the Capitol, check out the California Museum and the California Hall of Fame , conceived by First Lady Maria Shriver. The exhibit recognizes and commemorates legendary Californians--icons like pilot Chuck Yaeger, farm workers' hero Cesar Chavez, astronaut Sally Ride, filmmaker George Lucas, former president Ronald Reagan, and athlete Rafer Johnson--who have influenced the state, the nation, and the world. Back outside, take a stroll through the adjacent 40-acre Capitol Park, where you can enjoy the shade (a blessing in summer) of trees from around the world.
