Location: Placerville
Top Things to do in Placerville
Top 10 Things to do in Placerville, California (CA)
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. 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!
2. High Hill Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
High Hill Ranch serves up the best-selling Apple Pies, Apple Donuts, & Apple Fritters in all of Apple Hill. A prime Apple Hill location for breakfast, lunch & dinner, High Hill Ranch is also host to the largest selection of Apple Hill Outdoor Activities offering a Fishing Pond, Pony Rides, Tractor Hayrides, Field Trips, Wine Tasting, & Apple Hill's Largest Arts & Craft Show. Open Daily in beautiful Placerville, CA August 18th - December 24th! We welcome you to visit the largest, upmost popular Apple Hill Farm today.
Reviewed By pattih581
I want to bring my grandchildren back. It is a beautiful place, park like setting room to run. picnic, fishing great food. Place for couples, family, friends even business picnics I would think.
3. Larsen's Apples
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The oldest apple tree here is over 140.
Reviewed By DoloresJacoby - West Palm Beach, United States
Visiting the Aople Hill Growers creates a wonderful day! Nelson’s was a favorite with a walk around the property, a visit to the museum, delicious lunch in the cafe/bakery and tasting and purchases in the Apple barn. We loved the tasting bar and purchased several varieties of apples, peaches and pears, all of which are so delicious. Enjoy your visit!
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. 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!
6. 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.
7. Eldorado National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
The hiking areas are located within this forest.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We made another trip to Eldorado National Forest. This is a huge forest area in the Sierras, There is great places to hike, snow play in winter, camp, picnic, or find a nice place to stay. There are also good restaurants. One can also find wildlife.
8. Boa Vista Orchards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Open 363 Days a Year Offering Fresh Fruits, Pies, Ciders, Donuts, Wines, Veggies, Juices & More! We Also Offer Seasonal Events: Pumpkin Patch, Berry Festivals, Egg Hunt, Christmas Trees & More!
Reviewed By joani121
This is a MUST if you are in the Placerville area. Easy to get there from the highway. They have a wide variety of fresh produce to buy and their freshly made jams, syrup, sauces and apple cider is fantastic! they have freshly made donuts and they are sooooo good! I can't wait to go back and buy more!
9. Placerville Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 38 reviews
Located in the oldest building in Placerville.
Reviewed By 222oakland - Oakland, United States
This is review number (MAESTRO or MAESTRA a few notes on the piano if you please) THIRTY EIGHT of this! Yes small museum but similarities to Sacra History Museum! There exhibits of Placerville! Placer is word not remembering what language, means Sand Bar! Okay for any Local People of town Placerville, they living in Sand Bar Ville! Very knowledgable docents! Similaries and differences to Sacra History Museum! There exhibits of Placerville, there exhibits of gold miners and gold panning! Ah yes, is reciprocal with Sacra History Musem!
10. Red Hawk Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 348 reviews
Red Hawk Casino offers a variety of gaming options. We're proud to offer a world-class gaming experience, with something for everyone.
Reviewed By Jane-Santa-Rosa
Love going into Redhawk Casino for an enjoyable gaming experience and great buffet. The buffet is especially good on Friday and Saturday nights when they feature a seafood buffet.
