Placerville, CA

Where The West is Still Wild

`Placerville is a charming gold-rush town that sits just between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Placerville saw its founding as gold mining outpost during the 1840’s, owning to the gold bearing placer found in the bottom of the local streams. In 1954, Placerville was incorporated and became California’s third largest city. Since then, Placerville continued to grow but at a much slower rate than the rest of the California. These days, it is a lovely small town that has kept much of its original character but without the ruggedness of its gold mining past. Great for stopping through or even for a weekend stay, Placerville is a lovely little destination worth exploring. The downtown area is a charming collection of small shops, eateries, galleries and cafes that occupy the towns original buildings. There is a wonderful mix of perfectly preserved Victorian homes, original brick general stores and an original bell tower in the center of town.

Placerville’s location in Northern California make it a perfect base for trips to the name natural attractions in the region. Lake Tahoe with its incredible winter and summer outdoor adventures is just about 60 miles away with drive times rarely longer than an hour. Staying in Placerville is a great way to enjoy all of Lake Tahoe but without all of the crowds and traffic. The South Fork River and its whitewater rapids also draw outdoor enthusiasts to Placerville. Professionally staffed outfitters are available to provide guides and equipment. It is just outside of town and it is ideal for beginners and intermediate rafters. While there are no major brand hotels or resorts in Placerville, there are some wonderful B&B and Inns. At the Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast, guests can relax in rooms featuring private balconies, wood fireplaces and king-size beds. Its authentic European styling, beautiful setting and friendly staff make the Bella Vista a perfect place to stay while visiting Placerville.