What to do while visiting El Dorado County
Plan an event, team building conference, planning meeting, or personal event. Stay in any one of several hotels, group of B&B’s, campgrounds, or vacations rentals. Experience the variety of recreational opportunities. Planning a wedding and reception? El Dorado County has a variety of beautiful locations.
Fly into any one of four general aviation airports in South Lake Tahoe, Georgetown, Placerville or Cameron Park.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park -- Coloma, CA
James Marshall’s cabin, museum and gift shop, Sutter’s Mill, original gold discovery site, two historic churches, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, cemetery, the Noteware-Thomas House, hiking trails. Bring the family and a picnic lunch and plan to spend the day in the historic park that is located near the beautiful South Fork of the American River. http://www.parks.ca.gov/
Wakamatsu Tea & Silk Factory Memorial -- Gold Hill, CA
Dedicated on June 7, 1969 by then Governor Ronald Reagan and several Japanese Officials, this unassuming small monument has drawn visitors from around the world. Visitors who are curious about the history of a young Japanese girl called Okei who died in 1871 at just 19 years old and who is buried on a hillside nearby on private land.
http://www.directcon.net/pharmer/Wakamatsu/Wakamatsu.html
Olde Coloma Theater -- Coloma, CA
This historic theater is located in Coloma and when attending a play, most people think they have just stepped through a time warp and traveled back in time. The theater is small and everyone sits on benches while the stage of actors is almost within arms reach. Booing, hissing and throwing popcorn at the villain/s is highly recommended. http://www.oldecolomatheatre.com
Gold Panning at the South Fork of the American River -- Coloma, CA
Rent a pan or bring your own. There is an area just across the river from Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park where you can settle in and try your luck. If Rodney is around, he is a fixture in the park, you might be lucky enough to get a lesson in gold panning from him.
Whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River, Coloma, CA
The South Fork of the American River has been referred to as the best rafting in the country. The guides are well trained and provide every safety possible if you choose to participate in one of the most exciting outdoor adventures available anywhere. Read more...
Gold Bug Mine and Park -- Placerville, CA
Hattie’s museum, the 362-foot hard rock mine, gift shop, stamp mill, hiking trails and gold panning make for a terrific outdoor adventure for the whole family. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day of history and fun at the park. http://www.goldbugpark.org/
Placerville’s Historic Main Street -- Placerville, CA
Art galleries, gift shops, antiques, and the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi, Hangman’s Tree Saloon, Historic Cary House Hotel, restaurants, clothiers, bakeries and more make for a great day on Historic Main St. Two hours free parking.
http://www.placerville-downtown.org/
Wine Tasting
There are over fifty wineries throughout the county in the areas of Gold Hill, Apple Hill, Camino, Pleasant Valley and Fair Play. Enjoy Barbera, Zinfandel, Shiraz, and many other fine varieties as well as the great hospitality extended by our vintners. There is also a group of wineries in the Apple Hill area known as the Apple Hill Wine Trail. http://www.eldoradobusiness.com
Apple Hill
Over fifty farms and ranches provide farm fresh fruit and vegetables, baked and canned goods, and crafts and entertainment. Apples are their claim to fame but there is much more to see and do in the beautiful El Dorado countryside. Their high season is from early September to December but some farms are open year round. http://www.applehill.com
El Dorado County Historical Museum -- Placerville, CA
Open Wednesday through Sunday. This museum is a wonderful representation of the county's history, complete with a research center. http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/museum
Fountain-Tallman Museum -- Main Street, Placerville, CA
Open weekend afternoons. Located on Placerville’s Main Street, the little museum is packed with historic information.
Skiing
Sierra At Tahoe, Twin Bridges and Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe offer world class skiing, snowboarding and winter sports in a world-renowned location. Read more...
Outdoor Recreation and Parks
El Dorado County is one of the most diverse, exciting and beautiful places you’ll ever experience. Nestled in the foothills the area provides an incredibly affordable vacation for anyone who enjoys nature, outdoor sports or gold panning. There is tremendous about of diversity in the local flora and fauna. Read more...
Crystal Basin Recreation Area -- Eldorado National Forest
Eldorado National Forest - Contact the El Dorado Information Center at 530.647.5415 for information or go the their website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado.
Sly Park Recreation Area
For information call the El Dorado Irrigation District -- Park: 530.644.2545, for reservations call 530.644.2792 or visit www.eid.org.
Bonsai Gardens
This 5-acre site is ideally situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills; 4 miles from Coloma, the site of gold discovery in California. It is a full service Bonsai nursery with reasonable prices and excellent quality for the master and enthusiast. http://www.lotusbonsai.com
Lake Tahoe
The lake, hiking, camping, boating, accommodations, dining and entertainment. It's all here for your enjoyment. www.bluelaketahoe.com
Farmer’s Markets
Late spring to early fall -- South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park/Shingle Springs, Folsom and Placerville. http://www.eldoradofarmersmarket.com
Christmas Trees
Many farms and varieties of trees to choose from. Over 30 farms throughout the county and many of the farms have saws and all have care instructions. http://www.chooseandcut.com
Micro Breweries
Three to choose from or visit them all in the areas of Gold Hill, Apple Hill and Placerville.
Gold Hill Brewery -- http://www.goldhillvineyard.com/brewery.html
Jack Russell Brewing Company -- http://www.jackrussellbrewing.com/main.sc
Placerville Brewing Company -- http://www.placervillebrewing.com/history_press.asp
Golf Courses
The mild climate on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range makes golf a favorite year-round sport. There are several courses to choose from in the area. http://www.eldoradobusiness.com -- Golf course listings
Olive Oil
El Dorado County is home to two world-class olive oil companies, Gold Hill Olive Oil Company and Winterhill. Come out to El Dorado County to relax, taste and enjoy.
www.WinterHillFarms.com
www.GoldHillOliveOilCo.com
Wagon Train
Come Ride with California & Nevada’s Oldest, Authentic and Historic Wagon Train. Visit www.hwy50wagontrain.com or call 530.644.3761.