Location: Placerville
Top Things to do in Placerville
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What to do and see in Placerville, California (CA): The Best Free 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. 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. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
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. Hooverville Orchards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
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!
