Location: Placerville
Top Things to do in Placerville
10 Things to do Good for Couples in Placerville That You Shouldn't Miss
Placerville (/ˈplæsərvɪl/, PLASS-ər-vil; formerly Old Dry Diggings, Dry Diggings, and Hangtown) is the county seat of El Dorado County, California. The population was 10,389 at the 2010 census, up from 9,610 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Sacramento–Arden-Arcade–Roseville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Placerville
1. Community Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
View Stars, Planets, Galaxies, Nebulae and even our own Sun through our telescopes. We have a 17" CDK Reflecting Telescope and a 4" APO Refracting telescope in the observatory for you to look through. While waiting your turn at the eyepiece you can view images on a monitor from our 14" SCT telescope outfitted with a special astronomy video camera that is many times more sensitive to light than your eyes. This allows you to see the beautiful colors of stellar nurseries, galaxies and more. We also have a 16" and 6" Dobsonian portable telescopes for you to use and learn about how to use a telescope. We also have an outdoor "Sky Theater" where docents give tours of the constellations outlining them with their laser pointers showing you what is up in the sky during your visit. On the first Saturday of each month we are open from 10am until noon showing you our Sun through our safe solar telescopes. We can show you the sunspots on the photosphere in "white light" and prominences, filaments, and flares in the chromasphere in Hydrogen Alpha light. Look for us on Facebook and YouTube.
2. Sherwood Demonstration Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
The Sherwood Demonstration Garden is built and run by the UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County. Sixteen themed educational gardens feature sustainably grown plants chosen for our Mediterranean climate. You will enjoy its beauty while learning from the Master Gardeners. No pets.
3. Hangtown's Gold Bug Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
You'll step back in time when you enter Gold Bug Park! It'a a REAL mining site from the Gold Rush days. Explore the park and then the mining museum. Find your riches in the gem panning trough. Be sure to visit our historic Stamp Mill and working Blacksmith Shop. Hattie's Gift Shop will be open for that special one-of-a-kind memento of your mining experience. Be sure to top off your visit with an audio tour of the Gold Bug Mine (see below; fee applies). Our Hours: April thru October: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Daily November thru March: 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM on WEEKENDS ONLY During your self-guided audio tour of the Gold Bug you'll hear a California Gold Rush miner tell about the tools he used to get at that elusive yellow metal - GOLD! As you enter the 352 foot drift of this hard rock mine, you will feel the cool air brush against your face. Activity Suggestions: Bring a picnic lunch. Take a relaxing hike suitable for all ages along our dog-friendly trails. Check out the gold rush museum and perhaps stumble upon a lively blacksmith or a "real" 49er to share stories of the good ol' days. Gold Bug Park promises to be a wonderful experience for you and your family. Outdoor Pavilion rental available for groups of up to 75 people - suitable for summer graduations, family picnics, weddings, reunions, and more. For Schools: We offer educational and entertaining guided tours for both schools and private groups. Contact the park to bring your California history curriculum to life.
Reviewed By pljimison - El Dorado Hills, United States
We have been enjoying Gold Bug for years and years. We brought our kids when they were fairly young and we still enjoy going every now and then. I have brought student field trips here as well and the staff has been knowledgeable. It’s a wonderful side trip into the past!
4. Lava Cap Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Celebrate the magic of mountain-grown grapes and the beauty that surrounds Lava Cap Winery. Savor the taste of well-balanced wines rich with full flavor and body, vibrant fruit, crisp acidity and soft tannins. Bring a picnic and relax on the deck overlooking our vineyards.
Reviewed By k9lvrchris - Fair Oaks, United States
We had been to Lava Cap a few times over the past couple years and decided to become wine club members. The handwritten welcome card from the family was a nice touch, as was the personal follow-up email after I experienced a glitch in processing my membership. Their club pickup parties are fun but not free. They are quite generous with the pours and varieties of wine offered during these parties. And the December blow out event is not to be missed. This is not a criticism of Lava Cap in particular, but their wine can sometimes be found cheaper at certain local grocery stores and national retailers. I have heard that club members are the backbones of wineries and would like to think that members would receive the absolute best possible pricing. Even with the member discount, I can sometimes do better elsewhere. Not all Lava Cap wines, of course, are available in stores which is why we stay. Again, Lava Cap is hardly alone in this regard. This is one of the oldest wineries in the rapidly growing El Dorado County wine region and is starting to get recognition on the national level. Highly recommend a visit!
5. Starfield Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
We go to great lengths to create extraordinary wines that reflect the exceptional terroir of the Sierra Foothills while providing guests with an array of unparalleled experiences to enjoy! Starfield Vineyards is located outside of Placerville, Ca, and 5 minutes off HWY 50. Please join us in experiencing wine in a completely new way. Reservations highly recommended on the weekends.
6. Boeger Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
One of the most historic and enchanting wineries in the foothills, Boeger is considered the pioneer of Barbera in California. The oldest commercial winery in El Dorado County, Boeger produces unique varietals and artisan blends. If you are looking for the best in wine and ambiance, please join us in our intimate tasting room and enjoy our historic grounds and beautiful gardens.
Reviewed By Askme11
We made an appointment for tasting. Once there we were warmly greeted and given tasting choices that were delivered to us in an outdoor tented area with firepit. The grounds are peaceful and comfortable, the staff is always friendly ( especially Yvonne), the wines delicious. Always a wonderful experience!
7. Sierra Vista Winery and Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
One of the most beautiful properties in the Sierra Foothills, Sierra Vista is true to its name with picturesque views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains & views all the way Mt. Diablo in San Francisco. An Eldorado original with a 45 year history featuring Rhone and Bordeaux estate wines & other varietals from around the world is only 15 minutes off Highway 50. Acres of rolling vineyards, a family oriented friendly atmosphere, an event room to plan your own event & numerous events around the year will sure to excite all. The estate wines are from ancient original rootstock with some lineage traces to the French regions of Cotie Rotie & Hermitage that create bolder more intense flavors that are true to their natural varietal. Sierra Vista has been making award winning wines since its inception and now has new family owners that are carrying on the tradition of the award winning wine making while further enhancing the estate to make it's guests enjoy their experience even more than ever.
Reviewed By WSacFountains
I reserved a pod for my husband's birthday (first time "indoors" at a restaurant in a year thanks to Covid!) It was absolutely lovely. We tasted 6 wonderful wines (and ate yummy french bread pizza) while enjoying a gorgeous view of the snow-covered mountains. I highly recommend Sierra Vista for the wine and the unique experience.
8. Jodar Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Spectacular grounds and fabulous chardonnays and cabernets make this winery a worthwhile visit.
Reviewed By kland2015 - Chico, United States
So friendly and fun! Four ladies stopped for a tasting because it was recommended by another tasting room and it was a wonderful surprise! Not especially fancy looking, but we bought several of their wines. They were so good. Will was our server and super knowledgeable and just plain fun! We really enjoyed talking about food with the wine too. One of our group had never been wine tasting before and now she's hooked!
9. David Girard Vineyards
10. Holly's Hill Vineyard
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