The Ultimate California History Trail: Top Museums, Missions & Historic Towns (Currently Open)
A Journey Through Time in the Golden State
California’s story is a blend of gold rush dreams, Spanish missions, Hollywood glitz, and innovation that changed the world. From the rugged coastline of the Pacific to the rolling hills of wine country and the deserts of the south, the Golden State’s landscape is dotted with treasures of history—museums, missions, and preserved towns that tell tales spanning centuries.
This isn’t just a travel itinerary—it’s a time machine. The California History Trail invites visitors to walk where pioneers, padres, miners, and movie stars once stood. Whether you’re a history buff, a family traveler, or a curious adventurer, this guide will take you through the top historic sites in California that are currently open and welcoming visitors.
The California State Railroad Museum – Sacramento
All aboard for a trip back to the age when trains shaped America! The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is one of the nation’s finest railway museums and the perfect place to kick off your historical journey.
Why it’s iconic:
Located in Old Sacramento State Historic Park, the museum celebrates the railroads that connected California to the rest of the country during the 19th century.
Over 200,000 square feet of exhibits, including restored locomotives and passenger cars.
Immersive displays that recreate the Transcontinental Railroad experience.
Must-see highlights:
The “Chinese Workers’ Exhibit”, honoring the thousands of immigrants who built the railroads.
A real train ride along the Sacramento River during select weekends.
Family Tip: Kids can climb into train cars, ring bells, and meet docents in period attire—making history fun for all ages.
Mission San Juan Capistrano – Orange County
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is perhaps the most beloved of California’s 21 Spanish missions. Founded in 1776 by Father Junípero Serra, it stands as a symbol of California’s colonial and cultural roots.
What makes it special:
Home to the famous returning swallows each spring, a natural phenomenon celebrated since the early 1900s.
Beautifully preserved architecture, including the Great Stone Church ruins and serene mission gardens.
Museum exhibits exploring Spanish, Native American, and Mexican heritage.
Why visit now:
The mission remains open to visitors and continues to serve as an active parish and cultural center. Seasonal events, guided tours, and art exhibits keep history alive year-round.
Hearst Castle – San Simeon
Perched above the Pacific Ocean on the Central Coast, Hearst Castle is a monument to wealth, art, and ambition. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century, this estate is part museum, part architectural masterpiece.
Signature experiences:
Tours of Hearst’s Grand Rooms, gardens, and Neptune Pool.
Priceless art collections including Greek vases, tapestries, and Renaissance paintings.
Panoramic coastal views that reveal why Hearst called it “La Cuesta Encantada,” or the Enchanted Hill.
Currently open: Guided tours are operating again, making it the perfect time to experience this California icon.
Fun Fact: Hearst Castle was once the playground of celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable—Hollywood’s elite mingled here during the golden age of cinema.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – San Diego
Step into California’s birthplace at Old Town San Diego, a living museum that recreates life between 1820 and 1870. Here, adobe buildings, museums, and shops transport you to the early days of the state’s first Spanish settlement.
Highlights include:
Restored 19th-century buildings such as the Casa de Estudillo and Robinson-Rose House.
Costumed interpreters and artisans demonstrating early California crafts.
Delicious Mexican cuisine at Casa de Reyes or Old Town Mexican Café—set in original historic buildings.
Why go now:
The park remains open and thriving, with weekend performances, folkloric dancers, and family-friendly walking tours that make history come alive.
The Presidio of San Francisco – San Francisco
Few places combine natural beauty and military history like The Presidio, a former Spanish fort turned U.S. Army post that now serves as a national park site.
Why it’s remarkable:
Established in 1776, the same year as the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Home to Crissy Field, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the Presidio Officers’ Club Museum—one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco.
Panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Area.
What’s currently open:
Trails, museums, and exhibits are all welcoming visitors, making it easy to mix history with outdoor adventure.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Presidio Tunnel Tops, a new addition that connects the park’s green spaces with interactive cultural exhibits and picnic areas.
Columbia State Historic Park – Tuolumne County
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the Gold Rush era, Columbia State Historic Park delivers the real deal. Known as the “Gem of the Southern Mines,” this town has been lovingly preserved since the 1850s.
What to expect:
Authentic wooden sidewalks, stagecoach rides, and costumed townsfolk.
Blacksmiths, candle-makers, and gold-panning experiences for kids.
Historic saloons and shops still operating as they did during the Gold Rush.
Currently open: The park is fully operational with guided walking tours and seasonal reenactments that transport you back to California’s boomtown days.
Mission Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara
Dubbed the “Queen of the Missions,” Mission Santa Barbara stands as one of California’s most picturesque and best-preserved missions. Founded in 1786, it showcases Spanish Colonial architecture framed by palm trees and mountains.
Why it’s worth visiting:
Stunning twin bell towers and rose gardens.
Mission Museum with original artifacts, vestments, and artwork.
Still home to a Franciscan friary and active parish.
Bonus experience: Take a short drive to El Presidio de Santa Barbara, an 18th-century fort that tells the city’s military history.
Bodie State Historic Park – Mono County
If you’re fascinated by ghost towns, Bodie is a must-see. Frozen in time since the early 1900s, this Gold Rush boomtown offers a rare look at California’s Wild West past.
Highlights:
Preserved buildings filled with artifacts—tables still set, stores stocked, and saloons frozen in time.
Guided tours through the old mine structures.
A hauntingly beautiful setting near the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Currently open: The park operates year-round, though access may depend on weather.
Pro Tip: Visit at sunset—the light over the abandoned town is unforgettable.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park – Sacramento
Before there was gold, there was Sutter’s Fort—the pioneer outpost that helped shape California’s early history. Established in 1839 by John Sutter, the fort became a key hub during the migration westward.
Why it’s important:
The discovery of gold nearby in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush.
Visitors can tour the restored fort, workshops, and living quarters.
Interactive exhibits depict pioneer life and the multicultural roots of the region.
Currently open: Yes! This site is part of California’s capital city’s proud heritage and is ideal for families exploring early frontier life.
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa – San Luis Obispo
Nestled in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, this charming mission remains a cornerstone of community life. Founded in 1772, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating missions in California.
What to enjoy:
Peaceful gardens and beautiful Spanish architecture.
Onsite museum showcasing Native American artifacts and mission-era relics.
Active parish with regular services and cultural events.
Currently open: Visitors are welcome daily, with docent-led tours available for deeper insight into its 250-year-old legacy.
The Autry Museum of the American West – Los Angeles
Located in Griffith Park, The Autry Museum celebrates the art, history, and culture of the American West. It’s a perfect stop for understanding California’s frontier spirit.
What you’ll find:
Exhibits on cowboy culture, Indigenous heritage, film Westerns, and the California frontier.
Rotating art displays and family programs.
A fun blend of artifacts and pop culture, from saddles to silver screen memorabilia.
Currently open: Yes, and it remains one of LA’s most engaging cultural experiences for all ages.
Old Monterey & Custom House Plaza – Monterey
Before California was American, it was Spanish—and Old Monterey tells that story beautifully. Once the capital of Alta California, this seaside town blends history with coastal charm.
Key attractions:
Custom House, California’s oldest government building.
Path of History Walking Tour, connecting more than 40 historic sites.
Nearby Cannery Row, immortalized by author John Steinbeck, adds literary history to the mix.
Why visit now:
Many sites and museums are currently open and easily walkable, making Monterey one of California’s most accessible and scenic historic districts.
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo – Carmel-by-the-Sea
Founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1770, Mission San Carlos Borromeo is the second of California’s 21 missions and one of its most beautiful. Its stone architecture and coastal setting create a peaceful, reflective atmosphere.
What to experience:
The basilica, with intricate Moorish details.
Serra’s tomb, honoring the founder of the California mission system.
Lush gardens that mirror the original 18th-century layout.
Currently open: Yes, with guided and self-led tours available.
Fun Fact: This mission serves as the headquarters of the California mission chain.
Gold Bug Park & Mine – Placerville
Travel underground to relive California’s gold fever at Gold Bug Park & Mine, located in historic Placerville—once known as “Hangtown.”
Why it’s unique:
A real hard rock gold mine open for self-guided tours.
Museum exhibits on mining life and equipment.
Picnic areas and hiking trails for outdoor fun.
Currently open: Yes, and perfect for families seeking hands-on history.
Sonoma Plaza & Mission San Francisco Solano – Sonoma
Rounding out your history trail is the Sonoma Plaza, the northernmost point in California’s mission chain. The plaza and surrounding town are rich with stories of independence and California’s path to statehood.
Highlights:
Mission San Francisco Solano, the last mission built in 1823.
Sonoma Barracks, where the Bear Flag Revolt was launched in 1846.
Wine tasting rooms and boutique shops set among historic adobes.
Why go now:
Sonoma seamlessly blends past and present—making it the perfect finale to your California history adventure.
Tips for Exploring California’s History Trail
Before you set out on your historical road trip, keep these quick tips in mind:
Plan ahead: Many sites require advance tickets for tours.
Visit midweek: You’ll avoid crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
Bring layers: California’s weather shifts fast—coastal fog meets inland sun.
Support local: Grab lunch at small cafés or buy souvenirs from local artisans.
Capture memories: Many of these sites are incredibly photogenic—perfect for travel journals or social media.
Conclusion: Step Into the Stories That Built California
California’s history is more than words on a plaque—it’s living, breathing, and waiting for you to experience it firsthand. From Spanish missions and Gold Rush towns to railroad museums and movie-era estates, each stop on this history trail tells part of the story that shaped the West.
Whether you’re wandering through the adobe courtyards of San Juan Capistrano, gazing at the ocean from Hearst Castle, or panning for gold in Columbia, you’re walking through centuries of innovation, resilience, and beauty.
So hit the road, follow the trail, and let California’s past inspire your present. The stories are timeless—and every one of them is currently open for discovery.