Placer County

Placer County was forged in gold and founded on fruit. Hewn from parts of Yuba and El Doradao counties in 1848 shortly after California statehood, the county saw massive immediate growth in population and industry from migrants hoping to share in the discovery of gold in nearby Coloma. The gold rush only lasted a few years, but the new Placer County residents stayed and turned to farming, transforming the warm furtle hills into bountiful fruit orchards. With the railroad already in place, farmers had easy means to transport their goods across the county.

Placer County Communities

Placer County contains the cities of Roseville (the largest city within the county's borders), Rocklin, Loomis, Auburn, Newcastle and Lincoln. It covers a total area of 1,367 square miles, with about half that area is land and the other half water, and boasts over a million acres of national forest land. Roseville hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular Strawberry Festival and the Downtown Tuesday Nights, where you can enjoy live music, food, and local vendors. Rocklin offers family-friendly attractions such as Quarry Park Adventures, an outdoor adventure park with zip lines, rock climbing, and more. 

Placer County Attractions and Wineries

There’s a lot more to do than just visit fascinating historical sites, gold rush museums and still-bustling old west towns. Stretching from just north of Sacramento all the way to Lake Tahoe, Placer County offers incredible natural beauty, outstanding wineries, farming and craft foods, and an outdoor sports paradise.  The region is home to stunning lakes, including the popular Lake Tahoe, where you can indulge in water sports, fishing, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. For hiking enthusiasts, the Auburn State Recreation Area boasts miles of trails that wind through beautiful canyons, showcasing breathtaking views of the American River. 

The region is dotted with award-winning wineries and vineyards, offering wine tasting experiences that rival those of more famous wine regions. Take a scenic drive through the vineyards, savor the flavors of locally produced wines, and soak in the serene ambiance of the rolling hills.

Colwell Ranch tasting room and shop
Farms

Colwell Thundering Herd Ranch

Colwell Thundering Herd Ranch features fresh mandarin oranges in season and award winning specialty olive oil and balsamic vinegar year round.
Vintage wagon at entrance to Mt. Vernon Winery
Wineries

Mt. Vernon Winery

Mt. Vernon Winery is nestled in a beautiful little green valley in north Auburn. Although not far from the modern bustle of traffic on Highway 49, it feels worlds away once you turn into the gravel driveway. The old-world charm and easy drinking wines provide an oasis.
Lone Buffalo Vineyards patio area
Wineries

Lone Buffalo Vineyards

Focused on hand crafted small-lot wines, Lone Buffalo Vinyards is dedicated to showcasing the amazing varietals this region has to offer.
Struble Ranch House
Farms

Struble Ranch

Struble Ranch is a third generation owned and operated ranch. Open seasonally on weekends, the farm sells fresh manderin, navel oranges, and other citrus grown on the property. Enjoy the gorgeous 360 degree view of Loomis Basin Valley while sampling some amazing oranges.
Quarry Park Adventures
Outdoor Activities

Quarry Park Adventures

Climb towering cliffs, rappel down dizzying heights, and zip-line over rocky pools, all at Quarry Park Adventures. There's climbing for smaller adventurers too, and paddle boats and picnic tables for a more serene afternoon.
Exterior of the Gold Rush Museum
Museums

The Gold Rush Museum

Pan for gold, see what it was like inside a gold mine, and explore Gold Rush history in this charming museum, open Friday through Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Fun for kids and parents, and free!
The Golden Drift Museum
Museums

The Golden Drift Museum

Explore the rich history of Dutch Flat and surrounding gold rush towns in the Golden Drift Museum though interpretive exhibits, photographs and artifacts. Open noon to 4pm from Memorial Day through September.