 Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a business retreat, or just getting away, there's much to see and do in El Dorado County.
Add to the enjoyment of your visit by taking time for sightseeing, activities, and excursions. Plan your itinerary with the help of this website and our Innkeepers, and make yours an unforgettable journey of romance and adventure in El Dorado County. See also Events.
Our historic bed and breakfast inns are an attraction unto themselves. You'll want to see and experience each one in turn to savor the full flavor of our intriguing Gold Rush past.
 And when you're ready to venture out of your nostalgic accommodations and continue your journey of romance and adventure, there's plenty to see and do in the surrounding countryside.
A walk down historic Main Street in Placerville, a.k.a. Old Hangtown, is a must. You can visit a variety of shops and cafes lining the main thoroughfare and tucked away in little side malls. Shopping for fine art and antiques is popular here. Award-winning wineries, fruit stands, and bakeries dot the scenery from Placerville to Camino, the renowned Apple Hill area.
 For a close look at our Gold Rush history, spend time at the El Dorado County Historical Museum, tour the Gold Bug Mine and Stamp Mill, then take an excursion to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in nearby Coloma. And speaking of historic places, Georgetown awaits quietly in the pines.
Whitewater rafting starts at Chili Bar on the American River just north of Placerville. South County has fine vineyards, wine tasting, and beautiful scenery, including the Cosumnes River.
 Are you visiting in winter? Skiing is here. Sierra-at-Tahoe and Heavenly ski resorts are within an hour of Placerville on US Hwy. 50. Other snow activities include snowmobiling, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, and sleigh rides, not to mention roadside snowman crafting!
If you're heading for South Lake Tahoe, we recommend the view of Emerald Bay from Inspiration Point and a visit to Vikingsholm.
Outdoor recreation abounds at Crystal Basin, just northeast of Pollock Pines. There are lakes, rivers, and streams for swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing, along with nicely maintained grounds for camping, all nestled within the Eldorado National Forest. Hiking is enjoyed in and around Desolation Wilderness, and jeeping is ever popular along the world famous Rubicon Trail.
For further information about things to see and do in El Dorado County, see the links below, contact one of our Innkeepers or visit the El Dorado Visitors Authority website.
Tour El Dorado County
Explore El Dorado County - Come explore the unparalleled opportunities for fun in the Sierra foothills. Discover winding backroads that lead past breathtaking scenery to vineyards, parks, farms and ranches.
Majestic and incomparable natural beauty and opportunities for excitement abound in state parks that echo with history, on wild rivers and georgeous mountain scenery.
Whitewater Rafting
The South Fork of the American River, just minutes from our Inns, boasts the most popular whitewater rafting run west of the Rockies. Many experienced outfitters are available to make your rafting experience a splashing success.
Adventure Connection - Experience nature. Discover yourself on the American River.
American Whitewater Expeditions - Escape the city...raft the American River.
ARTA River Trips - They have been in business for over 40 years and offer a wide range of trip options for all experience levels.
Mother Lode River Center - Enjoy the best in Whitewater Rafting: great food, great guides, great fun! With over 30 years of whitewater experience.
River Runners - The American River located in the Sierra foothills of Northern California is excellent for both beginner and intermediate rafters.
South Fork American River Whitewater Recreation Program - From El Dorado County Parks & Recreation, information on river flows, list of permitted outfitters, and recommendations for having a fun, safe trip.
The American River - Maps, information and directory of whitewater outfitters for the American River.
Tributary Whitewater Tours - Tributary Whitewater Tours has been guiding California whitewater rafting trips since 1978 and offers something for all levels, from family California rafting vacation trips suitable for kids, to extreme California white water rafting adventures for the expert.
W.E.T. River Trips - California whitewater rafting on the American River: offering Class III-IV-V rapids.
Whitewater Excitement - Whitewater Excitement offers 1/2 to 3-day California river rafting trips for beginners to experienced rafters, with "Best in Class" standards of safety, service, pricing and quality on 4 of California's finest rivers for American river rafting in California.
Wineries & Vineyards
From the gold discovery sites near Coloma to the Sierra views of Apple Hill to the Fair Play viticultural area of southern El Dorado County, you will find rolling vistas, excellent wines, and winemakers eager to share their best vintages with you.
El Dorado Winery Association - Maps and descriptions of wineries throughout western El Dorado County.
Wineries of Fair Play - Calendar of events, wine-maker profiles, maps and more about the wineries of the Fair Play appellation.
Yes, El Dorado County is a wonderful journey of romance and adventure. Come visit us. Stay at our inns. Explore our surroundings.
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