A Visitors Guide to Living Life at Its Peak in Placer County
Stretching hundreds of miles and packed with endless adventure, history and gorgeous landscapes at every turn, there’s never been a better time to visit Placer County. From Roseville in the west to Kings Beach in the east, there’s a lot of exciting ground to cover, and we’re here to help. We’ve got a little something for everyone here in Placer County— imbibe at one of our local breweries or wineries, conquer heart-pounding white water rapids, fly down fresh powder at world-renowned ski resorts or spend a day enjoying the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re getting ready for your first trip to Placer County or returning to your favorite weekend getaway, we’re here to make your trip one to remember.
Let’s begin in the western part of the county, where abundant farmlands gradually melt into the oak-covered foothills of the Sierras. As you make your way east out of the foothills and into the pine and aspen-filled Sierra Mountains, take in gorgeous panoramic views of the American River from the scenic Foresthill Bridge. The eastern part of Placer County is a four-season alpine activity wonderland. Fly down world-class ski runs in winter, take a springtime hike to see magical waterfalls, cool off on a hot summer’s day with a dip in the alpine waters of Lake Tahoe, and enjoy a scenic mountain bike ride through a kaleidoscope of colors in the autumn. You could say we live life at its peak all year long.
Gold mining exhibit at Auburn Courthouse Museum
Calling All History Buffs
Placer County is full of historic sites, monuments and museums to visit! Plan a trip to learn about Placer County’s fascinating role in California’s history—learn stories of the original 49ers during the Gold Rush, walk in the footsteps of Lake Tahoe’s first visitors, trace the history of the Maidu tribe back thousands of years or relive the 1960 Winter Olympics. The area has eons of history just waiting to be discovered.
A family enjoys a local mandarin orchard. Photo credit: Erik Bergen, Placer County
Only in Placer County
The county’s annual fairs and festivals are as diverse as its towns and regions. Every fall, enjoy the bounty of the Sierra Nevada foothills at Auburn’s Mountain Mandarin Festival. In the winter, North Lake Tahoe celebrates all things snow with its family-friendly SNOWFEST mountain festival, featuring events like community parades, concerts, a snow golf tournament, a very chilly Polar Bear Swim and more. Next up, celebrate spring with the Lincoln Wine Fest in April. This annual festival celebrates the grapes grown in Placer County and the Sierra foothills, including Zinfandel, Barbera, Syrah and Viognier.
Kayaking on Lake Clementine. Photo credit: Jamie Kingham
Four Seasons of Outdoor Fun
From hardcore athletic pursuits to family-friendly escapades, Placer County delivers outdoor fun any time of year. Fall means grape harvesting and strolling or biking through Placer County’s wine country. When winter arrives, head to the mountains for heart-pounding skiing and snowboarding, peaceful snowshoeing or simple relaxation next to a crackling fire while you soak up the view. Spring brings melted snow and scenic hikes to jaw-dropping waterfalls, or a little bit of strolling and shopping in one of our historic downtowns. Last but not least, summer kicks off all kinds of outdoor fun – whitewater rafting, biking, boating, rounds of golf and fishing are just the beginning of your fun-filled summer in the great outdoors.
GoatHouse Brewing Co., in Lincoln, CA
Farm-to-Table Fresh
Hungry after a day of active adventures? Placer County “walks the walk” when it comes to farm-to-table cuisine. With some of the country’s freshest produce, Placer County’s restaurants, bars, coffee shops and farmers markets are not to be missed. Our local chefs, winemakers, brewers, bakers and distillers have the luxury of sourcing local farms for fresh ingredients that you can really taste. From year-round farmers markets, to small cafes, to fine dining, there’s always something new on the menu here in Placer County.
Now’s the time to start planning your Placer County visit! Whether you’re looking for a wine-tasting trip with friends, a luxurious spa weekend in the mountains or a family-friendly week on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Placer County has it all. Home to state parks, national forests, historical sites, farm fresh food, endless recreational opportunities and beautiful landscapes all around, it’s time to Live Life at Its Peak in Placer County.
So, is Placer County good to visit? In a word, absolutely! Learn more about the best places to explore in Placer County and then head over to our Things to Do page to plan your vacation.