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Downtown Placerville. Photo: RedTail Photography

An afternoon in Placerville

If you are looking to plan a trip to the Gold Country but don’t know where to begin, Placerville is the perfect place to start. Placerville has gorgeous scenery, an abundance of shops and museums, several wineries all in one place, and is alive with a fascinating history. Want to know the best places to go? We’ll walk you through the perfect afternoon in Placerville.

Photo: RedTail Photography

Pachamama Coffee

312 Main Street 104, Placerville, CA 95667

Start off your adventure at Pachamama Coffee (formerly Totem Coffee Roasters), an artisanal coffee shop and cafe on Historic Main Street. They roast their own coffee, often using organic beans. It’s delicious! Grab a seat inside or enjoy their outdoor courtyard. Don’t forget to buy some beans to take with you.

Sweetie Pies Bakery and Restaurant

577 Main Street, Placerville, CA 95667

Next, it’s a short walk to Sweetie Pies Bakery and Restaurant for their famous homemade Pecan Cinnamon Rolls (You will not regret it!). Sweetie Pies is located in a gorgeous, Victorian home and has fantastic breakfasts. Think omelets, quiches, sandwiches with homemade bread, muffins, and more, all made in generous portions. You’ll know this place is good just by seeing it because it’s so popular among the locals that it is frequently packed! Come early and come hungry; they’ll take care of you at Sweetie Pies.

Historic Main Street

After enjoying your meal, take a walk down Placerville’s Historic Main Street where you’ll find a whole variety of fun shops to explore. There are antique shops, craft stores, used book shops, candy shops with homemade candy and fudge, and even the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi. Taking a walk down Main Street is like taking a walk back in time. Most of the shops are located in historic buildings, and the pace of life is slower and very relaxed.

downtown placerville main street

El Dorado County Historical Museum

100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, CA 95667

When you’re ready to explore a little further, drive to the El Dorado County Historical Museum to see how Placerville came to be. If you’re a history buff, you will love all the displays on life during the Gold Rush. We highly recommend taking a tour with a docent because they will make the museum come alive with a whole new level of insight and stories. Everyone at the museum is friendly, very proud to be a part of Placerville, and will probably give you some great insight on where to go during the rest of your stay in Placerville.


Boeger Winery
boeger winery at night

1709 Carson Road, Placerville, CA 95667

When you’re ready for a breath of fresh air, take a drive to Boeger Winery for wine tasting. Not only do they have a fabulous glass of Barbera but they also have a stunning property popular for country weddings. Enjoy your wine in the picnic area by the pond or take a walk out in the vineyard. When sunset hits, these grounds come alive with vibrant colors and become the perfect photo op to capture your trip.

Whether you’ve come to Placerville for the wine, the history, some shopping, or even just the fantastic food, there is something for anyone in this awesome mountain town. Stay for awhile. We hope you enjoy your visit.

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Upcoming El Dorado County Events

An afternoon in Placerville
An afternoon in Placerville
An afternoon in Placerville
An afternoon in Placerville

Community Events Calendar

March 7, 2024
Youth Art Month
March 29, 2024
REGISTER NOW: "Buckaroo" Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp
6:00 pm Sip and Paint at the Moose Lodge
March 30, 2024
Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt
Placerville Speedway
7:00 am 19th Annual Honor Our Troops All American Breakfast Fundraiser
9:00 am Swap Meet
11:00 am EASTER BRUNCH
11:00 am Farm Tours at Sonny's Farm