Exploring the California State Capitol and nearby Midtown is an easy way to experience two sides of Sacramento: its role as California’s capital and the lively neighborhoods that surround the city center.
Start at the Capitol and Capitol Park, then continue on foot into Midtown, where tree-lined streets, historic homes, restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries and public art make this one of Sacramento’s most walkable areas.
California State Capitol
The California State Capitol has been home to California’s state government since the 1860s and remains a working government building as well as a historic landmark.
Visitors can explore public areas of the Capitol and learn about California government and history through exhibits and tours. Because access and tour arrangements can change, check current visitor information before you go.
Capitol Park
Surrounding the Capitol is Capitol Park, a landscaped park covering several city blocks. It contains the World Peace Rose Garden with hundreds of roses in a peaceful garden setting, and trees and plants from around the world.
Take some time to wander through the grounds and look for the monuments, memorials and historic plantings throughout the park. The combination of the Capitol building, mature trees and gardens makes the park worth exploring in its own right.
Explore Midtown
From Capitol Park, continue into Midtown, where tree-lined streets lined with Victorian homes and mid-century architecture meet independent restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries for a lively, distinctly Sacramento neighborhood experience.
There’s no single route to follow, but a few destinations can give you somewhere to aim while leaving plenty of room to explore along the way. Choose a destination that interests you and use the walk there as a chance to explore the neighborhood.
Fremont Park and the surrounding streets offer an easy introduction to Midtown’s residential blocks and neighborhood businesses.
Continue toward 20th and K streets, where restaurants, shops and nightlife cluster around Midtown Central and Lavender Heights. On Saturday mornings, the area is also home to the Midtown Farmers Market, with produce, prepared foods, local makers and other vendors spread across several blocks.
Or head south toward the R Street Corridor and Ice Blocks, a former warehouse and industrial district that has been redeveloped with restaurants, cafes, shops, public art and housing. The name Ice Blocks comes from the Crystal Ice and Cold Storage plant that once operated here. Today, the three-block Ice Blocks development reflects R Street’s transformation while retaining elements of the area’s industrial character.
Food, coffee and shopping
Midtown has one of Sacramento’s largest concentrations of restaurants, cafes and independent businesses. You’ll find everything from coffee shops and casual restaurants to bakeries and bars so explore the neighborhood and choose somewhere that appeals to you.
Arts and culture
Murals, galleries, performance spaces and public art can be found throughout Midtown and the R Street Corridor. Check Explore Midtown for current events, markets and other activities like Second Saturday — A monthly celebration of Midtown’s arts and culture, held on the second Saturday of the month from May through October.
What connects these experiences
The Capitol and Midtown areas show two different, but closely connected sides of Sacramento. The Capitol reflects the city’s role at the center of California government, while the surrounding neighborhoods offer a glimpse of everyday city life. Together, they make an easy introduction to Sacramento as both the state capital and a city of established neighborhoods.
How to use this
Start at the Capitol and Capitol Park, then continue into Midtown on foot. There’s no need to follow a fixed route or see everything. Choose streets, shops, restaurants and cultural stops according to your interests and the amount of time you have. Check the Capitol website for current building access, tour schedules and security information before visiting. Sacramento can be very hot in summer. Bring water and plan longer walks for cooler parts of the day.
Accessibility
The Capitol has accessible entrances, elevators and restrooms, and wheelchairs and assistive-listening devices are available for visitors. Capitol Park has paved paths, although routes may occasionally be affected by construction. Midtown is generally explored along city streets and sidewalks, but conditions and accessibility vary by location. Check individual attractions and businesses for specific accessibility information.
How much time to allow
Allow about 1–2 hours to explore the Capitol and Capitol Park. Add another 1–2 hours to walk through Midtown, have coffee or lunch and browse shops or galleries. Together, the Capitol and Midtown make an easy half-day outing, although you can spend longer if you add a tour, meal, market or cultural activity.
Parking
Street parking and public garages are available throughout the Capitol and Midtown. Metered spaces have posted time limits and rates. If you plan to explore both the Capitol and Midtown, consider parking once and doing the rest of the outing on foot.
Learn more
The California State Capitol Museum has current information about visiting the Capitol. Explore Midtown has information about restaurants, shopping, arts, events and other things to do in Midtown.