Location: Placerville
Top Things to do in Placerville
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What to do and see in Placerville, California (CA): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. El Dorado County Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
This history museum of this Gold Rush community displays old mining tools and railroad equipment.
Reviewed By SpiritLilly - Georgetown, United States
The museum is small & quaint but the information and history inside is overwhelming and fascinating. The staff is very knowledgeable and when Mary tells stories you can tell she loves what she does. If they don't know an answer they'll find it! Just LOVE this little gem in Placerville!
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. 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. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. 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.
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!
