Experience Victorian elegance at the Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park. It is located in downtown Sacramento, California at N and 8th Streets. This grand Second Empire–style mansion not only showcases Gilded Age craftsmanship—it doubles as the official reception site for California dignitaries.
What Makes Leland Stanford Mansion Unique
The mansion was built in 1856. Governor Leland Stanford extensively remodeled it in 1872. The mansion blends ornate French-inspired architecture. It has a prestigious history and a modern civic function. The house’s towering ceilings, intricate woodwork, crystal chandeliers, original furnishings—and lush 19th-century gardens—offer a rare, richly detailed glimpse into elite Victorian life, civil leadership and railroad-era politics.
Top Activities & Amenities
🎩 Guided Tours
Guided tours run hourly from 10 am to 4 pm daily (park is open 10–5). Knowledgeable docents lead intimate, 45–60-minute tours through restored rooms. They share stories of the Stanford family, the railroad, and flood mitigation. They also discuss the house’s role as an orphanage. Meanwhile, guests glimpse where governors still entertain dignitaries.
🚶 Self-Guided & Audio Tours
An adjacent visitor center offers free audio tour devices and interactive exhibits. Visitors cannot explore the mansion on their own. However, they can wander through the center’s displays and gardens at their own pace before or after the guided tour.
🖼️ Historical Exhibits & Gardens
Period artifacts, restored wallpapers, and original furniture fill the mansion’s Regency-style rooms. Outside, Victorian-era gardens—with seating and shaded pathways—create a serene setting reminiscent of 19th-century urban estates, fully accessible via paved paths and ramps.
🛍️ Gift Shop & Visitor Facilities
A small gift shop in the visitor center offers books on California history, replica decor, local art, and souvenirs. Restrooms are ADA-compliant, and the center provides water fountains and wheelchair accessibility throughout.
📷 Photography Allowed & Event Rentals
Photography is encouraged—no flash—in both interiors and exteriors. The mansion is also available for special events and rentals, such as small weddings or receptions, blending historic elegance with modern amenities.
👨🏫 Educational & Group Programs
School, group and audio tours are available by reservation. A robust calendar of educational programs—from docent-led family days to historical seminars—ensures engagement for all ages and interests.
Visitor Tips
- Hours & Tours: Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10–5. Guided tours depart on the hour from 10–4; arrive 15 minutes early. Tours may be canceled during official receptions—call ahead.
- Admission: Tours are free. Audio guides and exhibits in visitor center are included.
- Parking: Limited on-site parking; nearby garages are available. Street parking may require fees.
- Pets: Only service animals allowed inside and on grounds.
- Accessibility: Ramps, elevator access, and audio guides ensure ADA compliance.
- Photography: Non-flash photography permitted inside; tripods prohibited.
- Group Tours: School and group tours must be booked in advance (Tues–Thurs preferred).
- Closures: Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day; tours may pause during state events.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Visit in spring when the Victorian flower beds bloom—a gorgeous backdrop for garden photography. Combine your tour with a stroll to the nearby Capitol grounds or Old Sacramento district for a full-day historic experience. For a hidden gem moment, ask to view the tactile mansion model in the visitor center—perfect for kids or low-vision guests to feel the grandeur of this architectural masterpiece.