The museum grounds were once home to a major U.S. Air Force repair facility responsible for maintaining thousands of aircraft during the Cold War.
The collection includes the A-12 Oxcart, a predecessor to the SR-71 Blackbird, which is rarely seen in public displays.
The museum houses a restored F-104 Starfighter that serves as a focal point for Cold War-era interceptor technology.
It is one of the few museums worldwide that maintains an active relationship with regional aerospace engineering firms to host rotating technical exhibits.
The outdoor collection features diverse aircraft spanning from the early jet age to modern tactical fighters.
The facility was formerly known as the McClellan Aviation Museum before rebranding to its current title in 2006.
The Aerospace Museum of California is situated on the historic site of the former McClellan Air Force Base in McClellan Park. The museum features an extensive collection of over 40 military and civilian aircraft displayed both indoors and on a large outdoor tarmac. Exhibits chronicle the evolution of aviation, including significant aerospace technology and space exploration artifacts. Visitors can utilize various hands-on flight simulators to experience pilot training environments. The facility serves as an educational center with a focus on STEM programs for students and the community. Much of the collection honors the legacy of the Sacramento Air Logistics Center. The museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, ensuring high standards for historical preservation and educational programming. It serves as an active preservation site for vintage aircraft restoration projects.
The flight line on the outdoor tarmac, specifically positioned to capture the A-12 Oxcart against the backdrop of the hangar.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the outdoor aircraft display spans several acres of tarmac.
Bring sunglasses and sun protection, as the vast majority of the outdoor exhibit area is unshaded.
Allocate time to speak with the volunteer docents, who are often retired pilots or former aerospace engineers with deep technical knowledge.
Do not attempt to visit without confirming the date against their calendar, as the outdoor tarmac occasionally closes for private events or specialized maintenance.
Closed on Mondays and major holidays.
Do not climb on aircraft or touch control surfaces unless explicitly permitted by staff.
