Aside from North America’s largest alpine lake, which needs no introduction, there are many more precious gems to discover and explore in Placer County. “Placer County offers abundant and world-class outdoor adventures, including majestic mountains, incredible lakes and rivers, and a historic foothill region teeming with Gold Rush history,” says Tiffany McKenzie, marketing director for Visit Placer (visitplacer.com). Look a little closer and you’ll also find a thriving culinary scene, quaint wineries and breweries, a lively arts scene, and charming communities that celebrate their past alongside hip shops and eateries. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys a good glass of wine, there is something to see and do.

Uncork Adventure

Spend a day along the Placer Wine & Ale Trail (placerwine.com), where rolling vineyards meet hop-filled havens. With over 20 stops, you can expect top-notch tastings and vineyard views. “Most wineries are family-owned and most likely you’ll find the winemaker pouring in the tasting room,” McKenzie says. Mother’s Day weekend will be extra special along the trail, with food trucks, vendors, music, and more. 

Stroll Through History

Step back in time in Old Town Auburn (oldtownauburnca.com)—a Gold Rush-era district that’s packed with charm, from antique shops and old-timey saloons to art galleries and unique boutiques. When it’s time to refuel, head to The Pour Choice (thepourchoice.com), a local favorite craft coffee bar and one room: tap room. Before you leave, be sure to visit the towering statue of gold miner Claude Chana, the man who struck gold and put Auburn on the map!

Take A Hike

Outdoor enthusiasts will find a slice of paradise at Auburn State Recreation Area (parks.ca.gov/?page_id=502), a sprawling sanctuary for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, gold panning, and camping. “Explore the Confluence area and hike to Lake Clementine,” suggests McKenzie. “This moderate trail follows along the river and under the Foresthill Bridge—the tallest in California—and ends with a spectacular view of the falls over Lake Clementine Dam. Lake Clementine is also a fabulous spot for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.”

Climb, Zip, & Rock Out

Part adventure park, part entertainment hub, Quarry Park (rocklin.ca.us/qp) is the place to climb, zip-line, or enjoy a concert under the stars. The nation's only adventure park built within a rock quarry, Quarry Park Adventures (quarrypark.com) is a playground for adrenaline seekers. Whether you’re tackling the ropes course with your kids, taking in a live show, or just soaking in the scenery, Quarry Park offers a rock-solid outing in the heart of Rocklin.

Sip, Snack, & Smell The Roses

A hidden gem in Loomis, High-Hand (highhandnursery.com) is a unique destination with lush gardens, an extensive nursery, farm-to-table café, and a craft brewery. Operating on the site of Loomis’ historic fruit sheds, High-Hand is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. And if you’re looking for the perfect plants for your own garden, High-Hand’s nursery offers inspiration in spades.

Go Back In Time

History buffs, rejoice! The Placer County Museum (placer.ca.gov/2489/museums), located in Auburn’s historic courthouse, brings history to life with exhibits on the early Nisenan inhabitants and Gold Rush settlers—and admission is free. See authentic Native American artifacts, historic jail cells, and a working scale once used to weigh gold dust. Or head up the hill to North Lake Tahoe, where the Museum of Sierra Ski History (sierraskimuseum.com) celebrates the region’s rich skiing heritage.

Get Artsy

Blue Line Arts (bluelinearts.org) is a dynamic nonprofit gallery in Roseville celebrating contemporary art and creativity. Showcasing rotating exhibitions, local and international artists, and diverse mediums, it’s a hub for art lovers and emerging talent alike. Beyond its exhibits, the space buzzes with creativity, hosting engaging workshops, kids’ camps, live music, poetry readings, and more.

Visit A Fruit Farm

Placer County has a rich history in citrus cultivation, and is especially known for its high-quality mandarins. Mandarin Hill Orchards (mandarinhillorchards.com) in Penryn has been at the forefront of this legacy, nurturing trees that trace their roots back to the 1880s. The annual Mountain Mandarin Festival (mandarinfestival.com)—this year from November 21-23—is a can’t-miss event that brings thousands of the hand-picked, citrusy delights, plus artisan crafts, live music, and more to town. Meanwhile, Otow Orchard (otoworchard.com) in Granite Bay specializes in hoshigaki, the meticulous Japanese art of hand-drying persimmons—a process that involves peeling, stringing, and massaging the fruit over many weeks to achieve a tender, sweet delicacy. 

Ride The Rapids

For adrenaline seekers, whitewater rafting on the American River is an unforgettable experience. Tributary Whitewater Tours (whitewatertours.com) offers an adventure for everyone, from easy floats for the whole family to heart-pounding class IV rapids and even multi-day excursions. Prime rafting season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with water levels peaking in late spring due to snowmelt.

Stay Awhile

For a stay that’s both rustic and cozy, check into Miner’s Camp (foresthillminerscamp.com), a Gold Rush-themed retreat in Foresthill that offers 16 uniquely themed cabins, each named after historic mines, such as the Blue Eyes Mine and the Bogus Thunder Mine. The cabins blend modern amenities with rustic charm, while the forested 10-acre property features fire pits, lawn games, and BBQs.  

by Jennifer Maragoni

Placer Wine Trail photo by Heirloom Photography. Stevens Trail photo courtesy of Placer County. Old Town Auburn photo courtesy of Visit Placer. Placer County Museum photo courtesy of Erik Bergen, Placer County. High-Hand Nursery, Otow Orchard and Miner's Camp photos courtesy of Visit Placer. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.