Major city · United States
Placerville
Spend 1–2 days: explore historic downtown, Apple Hill orchards, and nearby Gold Rush sites; stay one night if you want a relaxed pace.
Placerville is a small Gold Country town midway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Its compact historic centre, nearby Apple Hill farms and easy access to Coloma make it a good half‑day or full‑day stop, with one night if you prefer a slower pace.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, limited indoor cooling)
- Airport
- SMF
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Placerville911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Placerville, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyPlacerville is generally safe; typical small‑town precautions apply—keep valuables secure, especially at festivals.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 911 fire · 911 ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckSMF Sacramento International Airport (≈40 mi west by car (check shuttle options).).
- Getting aroundcheckCar is fastest; El Dorado Transit Route 20 runs through town (check schedule).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (café)$3–5
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Fountain & Tallman)$5–8
- Budget bedCapsule or hostel bunk, a night, per personUS$35
- Mid-range bedStandard double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedStandard double room, a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SMF Sacramento International Airport (≈40 mi west by car (check shuttle options).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Care
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Aug
Care
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Sep
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Nov
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Mar (7 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Placerville: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
6 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Jul
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Aug
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
1 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Oct
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is fastest; El Dorado Transit Route 20 runs through town (check schedule). Walkable downtown, bike rentals limited.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Apple Hill
goDoor to door: ≈20 min round‑trip
Drive east on Highway 50, about 10 min
Seasonal orchards, cider, pies; busiest Oct weekends.
Coloma (Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park)
goDoor to door: ≈30 min round‑trip
Drive north on Highway 49, about 15 min
Gold‑rush museum, gold‑panning demonstration.
El Dorado County Fairgrounds (June fair)
cautionDoor to door: ≈15 min round‑trip
Drive south on Highway 50, about 5 min
Fair runs Father's Day weekend; check dates each year.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Best Western Placerville Inn
Convenient to downtown, free Wi‑Fi, parking
Eden Vale Inn
Luxury B&B in foothills, breakfast included
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Standard double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| El Dorado Transit single‑ride fare2 × US$3 | US$6 |
| Apple Hill orchard entry (some farms charge)2 × US$8 | US$16 |
| eSIM data (1 week)2 × US$25 | US$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$46 |
| Trip total≈ US$254 per person per day, bed included | US$508 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (café) | $3–5 |
| Burger or BBQ plate | $10–15 |
| Museum entry (Fountain & Tallman) | $5–8 |
| El Dorado Transit single ridecheck | $2–3 |
| Parking at Community Observatory | $2 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Limited public‑transport frequency; verify bus times in advance (check).
- Summer afternoons can be hot; stay hydrated.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire
- 911
- Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
PlacervillePlacerville
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in Sacramento (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- El Dorado Transit Route 20: about $2–3 per ride, check schedule
- Parking at Community Observatory: $2 flat fee
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑kul‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑to kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the restroom? (don‑de es‑ta el ba‑nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Placerville. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, limited indoor cooling) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add car‑rental guide for Apple Hill and Coloma trips.
- Create detailed bus‑schedule page for El Dorado Transit.
- Add seasonal event calendar (fair, Apple Hill).
Sources
Ask about Placerville
Loading…