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.
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.
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.
GOLD PANNING AT THE SO. 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 out door adventures available anywhere.
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.
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. Two hours free parking
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.
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.
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.
FOUNTAIN-TALLMAN MUSEUM
Main St., Placerville, CA – Open weekend afternoons. Located on Placerville’s Main Street, the little museum is packed with historic information.
SKIING
Sierra At Tahoe, Highway 50 and Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe. World class skiing, snow boarding and winter sports in a world-renowned location.
CRYSTAL BASIN RECREATION AREA
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
IRIS AND BLUEBERRIES -
Spring, El Dorado County, CA
FALL COLORS
Late Fall – El Dorado County, CA
BONSAI GARDENS
Two locations, one in Lotus and one in Placerville.
LAKE TAHOE
The lake, hiking, camping, boating, accommodations, dining and entertainment. It all here for your enjoyment.
FARMER’S MARKETS
Late spring to early fall – South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park/Shingle Springs, Folsom and Placerville. Click here for dates and locations.
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.
MICRO-BREWERIES
Three to choose from or visit them all in the areas of Gold Hill, Apple Hill and Placerville.
GOLF COURSES
Apple Mountain Golf Resort, Bass Lake and Camino Heights golf courses invite you to come out and play.
OLIVE OIL TASTING
Gold Hill Olive Oil Company and Windmill Creek, the county’s only olive oil companies. Come out to relax, taste and enjoy.
WAGON TRAIN
Come Ride with California & Nevada’s Oldest, Authentic and Historic Wagon Train. Visit www.hwy50wagontrain.com or call 530.644.3761.
AIRPORTS
Fly into any one of four general aviation airports in South Lake Tahoe, Georgetown, Placerville or Cameron Park.
EVENTS
Click here for a list of events in the county.

Call the El Dorado County Visitors’ Authority with questions relating to these listings at: (800) 457-6279.