Location: Placerville
Top Things to do in Placerville
What to do and see in Placerville, California (CA): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Bolster's Hilltop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Pick your own apples.
2. 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!
3. Goldbud Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
4. 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.
5. Grandpa's Cellar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
The orchard is well known for its pies.
Reviewed By AncientPlanter - Medford, United States
We've been to Apple Hill many times over the years, but never knew about Grandpa's Cellar. Such a lovely spot! Today we had been trying to find fresh apple turnovers at several of the larger, more popular farms, but none had them. One even said that they didn't know of any farms that did. I wasn't going to take 'no' for an answer; someone *had* to be selling apple turnovers *somewhere* up here! My friend said to look at Grandpa's Cellar, and give her the number so she could call and ask. Out came the phone to look up online, but nowhere on their site did I see a phone number. I couldn't find any way to call them and was about to say we should give up, but then I looked at their online order sheet (which mentioned phoning in an order). Nope, couldn't find a phone number, but the sheet did mention that they sold apple turnovers. Success! Off to Grandpa's we went, and were we glad we did. This small farm has a small bake shop and a small gift shop, and a large grassy lawn dotted with apple trees and a few picnic tables. Definitely not one of those large, overly crowded places that one finds up here. Grandpa's was quiet and pleasant. They welcome dogs with a bowl of water and even let them come in the gift shop (but not the bake shop, of course). We got our turnovers (as well as an apple pie cheesecake and apple spice cake and apple cookie dough all frozen and ready to take home for later enjoyment) and sat under the trees to just soak in the peaceful ambience. The turnovers were delicious and no one wanted to leave. When our dogs begged for a bite of anything apple, some sweet boys (grandchildren of the owners?) who were picking apples off the grass to keep them from rotting gave several to our dogs (we were careful not to let the pups eat but a few bites, and not the core, of course). I snuck in a couple of bites for myself and just about swooned with the wonderful taste of those apples. Grandpa's Cellar now goes to the top of the list of farms to visit whenever we come to Apple Hill.
6. Hooverville Orchards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
7. 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!
8. Abel's Acres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Rides and treats abound here.
Reviewed By roberthU7067PS - El Dorado Hills, United States
Touring Apple Hill is a prime-time October experience in west El Dorado county. The region is known for its rural ambiance, apple products including pies and cider, and other produce and attractions. Chief among those is Able's Acres. The "barn" features house-made pies and hand-dipped candies as well as candied apples. There are screened-in eating areas on the back patio, plus other family-friendly attractions. We took a stroll through the various vendor booths and found some unique earrings that were being made right on-site as we watched as a gift for our daughter.
9. 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!
10. Bell Tower
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 61 reviews
Placerville's fire alarm in 1856.
Reviewed By AdventureTaco - Placerville, United States
You can take a seat at the Belltower and watch the world go by. Stroll up and down the historic Main Street and see all of the unique shops. The Belltower used to be a fire lookout. Placerville is full of fascinating history and quaint places to visit.
