Make sure a visit to the State Capitol is on your agenda for Sacramento. The historic building, restored in 1982, is bustling with political energy. If the Legislature is in session during your visit, you can watch the proceedings from viewing galleries above the floor. The State Capitol Museum holds portraits of every California governor, as well as a number of antique artifacts that speak to facets of California’s rich history. Two beautiful murals are on display at the Capitol: one offers a 1914 perspective of California’s past, present and future, and the other tells of the origin of the state’s naming. Tours of the Capitol, which take you all around the famous marble mosaic floors and imposing staircases, are available hourly. To arrange tours for large groups, call in advance.