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.

Photo from Dewit Museum
Museums

The DeWitt History Museum

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the DeWitt History Museum is filled with artifacts, images and interpretations of life in the hospital during the second World War.
Persimmon hanging at Otow Orchards
Farms

Otow Orchards

Rustic family farm selling many varieties of persimmons and other exotic local tree fruit.
Auburn City Hall
Museums

Placer County Museum

Located on the first floor of Auburn’s iconic courthouse, the Placer County Museum tells the story of Placer County’s history starting from the original Nisenan Maidu inhabitants through to the latter half of the 20th century.
Pond at Dueling Dogs
Breweries

Dueling Dogs Brewing

Sample farm-fresh beer, ciders and meads in a lovely country setting. Weekends feature food trucks and live music, with plenty of picnic tables to enjoy both. Or bring your own picnic to enjoy while sampling their locally made brews.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Parks and Wilderness

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and all kinds of water sports at the Folsom State Recreation Area. At almost twenty thousand acres and over one hundred miles of trails, this popular park boasts a huge variety of activities, all surrounded by spectacular scenery and natural beauty.
Exterior of Newcastle Produce
Food

Newcastle Produce

Located next to the historic fruit sheds, Newcastle Produce is a local market, maker of delicious deli sandwiches, and provider of local Newcastle goods and produce. It’s a great place to stop and grab a picnic before exploring the area, or for finding unique gifts, and especially for picking up fantastic local produce.
Entrance to Secret Ravine Winery
Wineries

Secret Ravine Vinyards

Secret Ravine Vinyards is an award winning, family owned winery located in the warm rolling hills of Loomis. Open for tasting Fri-Sun 12pm to 5pm.
The patio at Dono dal Cielo
Wineries

Dono dal Cielo

Dono Dal Cielo is an estate vineyard nestled in the warm rolling foothills of Newcastle. Taste award winning wines in a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere, either in the spacious barn or out on the patio overlooking the vineyards and farm.