The Placerville center point is around the area of Downtown Placerville and the area of El Dorado County Museum.
Visit Placerville during the fall or spring to enjoy pleasant weather without the crowds. These shoulder seasons have warm weather with average highs in the mid-60s to high 80s Fahrenheit. Enjoying these ideal sightseeing conditions won't cost much money either, as demand is not as high during the summer. Make sure you book early if you want to visit during festival season. The metro area has the Sacramento Music Festival in May, Gold Rush Days in September, and the California Capital Airshow in October.
Summer isn't simply busy; it's also quite hot. Highs in the 90s are common, and unless you love the heat, you may want to schedule your visit for another season.
Winters in Placerville are milder than in many parts of the country. However, rain is common and often relentless. Miserable gloomy weather can make the days, which regularly sit in the low to mid-50s, seem colder.
If you're part of select groups, you could qualify for a big discount at one of the following hotels. Make sure you bring identification when you check in to secure your preferred room rate.
Best Western PLUS Placerville Inn has special rates for AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors and AARP members, and government and military employees. The rooms are chic and modern, with flat-screen TVs, large bathroom vanities, coffeemakers, and hot breakfast included in the room rate. The fitness center is small but well-appointed, with a treadmill, stationary bike, and other gym equipment. Best Western PLUS Placerville Inn also has a pretty outdoor pool and hot tub area.
The same groups can save at Holiday Inn Express & Suites El Dorado Hills, although the hotel also treats Canadian travelers who work for the government or have a CAA auto club card. Entertainment Card holders also receive a discount here. The rooms are modern with large wall-mounted TVs and ergonomic workstations. While these workstations should be enough for most travelers, the hotel also has its own business center and a meeting room for guests who can't leave their professional duties behind. Enjoy the free hot Express Start breakfast before sightseeing or hitting the hotel's outdoor pool.
The following Placerville hotels pride themselves on delivering their guests true value. You'll appreciate the complimentary perks and friendly service at these accommodation providers.
Historic Cary House Hotel in Placerville was founded in 1857, and many of its antiques and furniture date back to this period. It's been a favorite of famous guests such as Mark Twain, Elvis Presley, and Bette Davis, so why not you? You're buying much more than nostalgia when you stay here though. The hotel's employees go the extra mile to make your stay special. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free for guests.
Best Western Stagecoach Inn, in nearby Pollock Pines, is ideally located near the Sierra Mountains. Its rooms are charming, with wooden furnishings, premium bedding, and flat-screen TVs. Some have fireplaces and kitchenettes. The outdoor pool is also inviting. When you're done swimming, the pool area's lounge chairs are ideal for reading and afternoon naps. Help yourself to a continental buffet breakfast in the morning before heading out for the day.
Many of Placerville's historic sites are conveniently located on Main Street. Get your walking shoes on and discover all of the popular Placerville attractions.
The corner of Main and Sacramento Streets was the western terminus of Buffalo Bill's Pony Express. From 1860 to 1861, a team of 80 riders on horseback, including the infamous Buffalo Bill, transported mail between Missouri and Sacramento.
Don't be surprised if visiting 305 Main St. feels a little in the era. It's the spot of Hangman's Tree, where men were hung for their crimes in 1849. The Hangman's Tree Ice Cream Saloon now marks the spot.
The Masonic Lodge Building has stood proudly at 419 Main St. since 1893. It's the period's only three-story building still standing today.
Retail stores don't typically earn a place in history, but Placerville Hardware is no ordinary hardware store. This 441 Main St. store is the oldest continuously operating store of its kind west of the Mississippi River. It's been owned and operated by the Fausel family for more than 55 years.
The Bell Tower that stands proudly in the center of Main Street dates to 1865. This tower had an important job alerting Placerville's fire brigade and residents of local fires.
The El Dorado County Historical Society's Fountain & Tallman Museum, at 524 Main St., now shares stories of Placerville's past. But the building itself has its own history. This brick and stone building was once the Fountain & Tallman Soda Works. A spring behind the building provided the water that was bottled and sold to miners during the California Gold Rush. It miraculously survived the Great Fire of 1856.
While only a plaque stands now, John Studebaker's auto shop at 543 Main St. still holds a special place in the hearts of Placerville residents. Studebaker famously made wheelbarrows for miners during the gold rush. He is remembered with a wheelbarrow race during summer's El Dorado County Fair.
A monument erected by the Druids in 1926 still stands at the intersection of Main Street and Cedar Ravine. The site recognizes California's first Druid Grove.
Visiting Placerville is like stepping back in time. While walking around its streets, you get a taste of what life must have been like during the gold rush. However, the city also offers the modern accommodations and restaurants travelers love. For a Californian vacation with a difference, head to Placerville.
Below are reviews of the city of Placerville, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Love ❤️ the downtown. Friendly. Good Mexican restaurant. Shopping was good too.
Charming!
The room was clean, and the staff was friendly! Placerville is such a beautiful place. It's close to many wineries and breweries, with beautiful views in the hills. We love it so much; we got married here!
Best shopping ever! Antiques and lots of cute shops and restaurants!
Best shopping ever! Antiques and lots of cute shops and restaurants!
Enchanted Forest and Sweetie Pie's were both fantastic restaurants to eat at with amazing staff. We also went wine tasting at Nello Olivo under Sequoia Mansion and had an amazing time.
We were there for a destination wedding.
Great downtown....wish I had time to enjoy all the bars, cafes and restaurants. Definitely check out the music memorabilia shop if you're a classic rock fan!
We were there specifically for a wedding so we didn't visit the town. The wedding venue was beautiful and the limo shuttle was very luxurious.
We were there for a destination wedding.
Placerville is a cute small town I'd love to visit again and explore more of Main Street and the wineries that are in the area. Love the historical architecture, the beautiful view of the trees, the quaint shops, and quality places to dine out.
The city of Placerville is wonderful. Great food, cute shops, wonderful people!
Quaint town!
Quaint, friendly town. Convenient Tesla charging station.
Great
The shops!
Visited Red Hawk.
Close to family members that live there in Placerville. Also very close to Apple Hill.
We enjoy the hiking trails, the shopping and good restaurants.
Impressive eateries & unique shops!
Walking the downtown area I found restaurants to eat at and coffee houses for mochas. There are many businesses that prove to be helpful if you need anything.
I loved it. Just a great place to stay.
Wineries, Main St., Placerville.