If you're looking for a county escape that's far enough away to feel like a mini-vacation but still close enough to get back to the city on Monday morning, Placer County is the place for you.

In Placer, the off-season is not a thing, meaning there is never a bad time to pick up the kids and take the family on a spontaneous weekend getaway that you will all enjoy. Whether you want an action-packed weekend full of adventure or a more laid-back, relaxing time with the family, I guarantee Placer County won't disappoint.

Located just 130 miles away from San Francisco, the area is home to over 1,400 square miles of unspoiled land, beautiful rolling hills, and breathtaking views stretching from the historic Gold Country Foothills to the High Sierras of North Lake Tahoe.

There's no other way to say this: Placer is a superstar Northern California region for outdoor activities, offering something for everyone. From hiking and cycling to boating, fishing, or just relaxing on the lake or river beach, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here.

In this blog, I'll go over some of the best hidden gems in Placer County that will make your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re there for a day trip, a weekend warrior or even a longer extended stay, you'll never be bored. I've also included plenty of adult-friendly things to do for couples who are on a romantic weekend.

Picking Mandarins From the Orchards in Newcastle

Mandarin picking is always a blast for the kids, and it's such a bonding experience to be all together picking fresh fruits you'll later get to enjoy. Plus, mandarins are an essential part of Newcastle's local economy, so you get to support local farmers and help the community while having an awesome time! It's also an excellent way to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.

If you're new to mandarin or any type of fruit picking, don't worry! It's much easier than it seems. The farmers are friendly and will gladly answer your questions about the picking process, give you tips on where or how to pick the best varieties, and provide you with buckets before sending you on your way.

You can find mandarin orchards all over Newcastle. Just keep in mind that the season runs only from November to January. Most farms require you to make reservations in advance, and the time slots do fill up quickly. My recommendation is to sign-up for the farm's newsletter so you receive the notifications when the season begins and instructions on how to make reservations.

Top U-Pick Mandarin Farms Near Newcastle

Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits - They have u-pick available by reservation.
Newcastle Mandarin Ranch - They have u-pick available by reservation.
Mandarin Hill Orchards - They have u-pick available by reservation.
Black Oak Farm - You can shop a variety of types of mandarins during a farm visit, but they don’t have u-pick available.
S and J Mandarin Grove - You can visit the farm and buy fresh fruit, but no u-pick for customers.
Mad Mandarines - They don’t offer u-pick, but club members will receive invites to exclusive orchard events.
Thomas Ranch - You can visit the farm and buy fresh fruit, but no u-pick for customers.
Burgeson Family Farm-Mandarin Farm - Google has listed this farm as permanently closed, but it was actually just purchased by a new family who plan to continue the farm. It will have a new name, but this farm does plan on re-opening.

Place Wine Trail

One of the things Placer County is well known for is the premium and sought-after wine that the region produces. Wine lovers and enthusiasts will especially love this part of the trip, because the Placer Wine Trail has so many scenic spots to visit.

The Placer County Wine Trail offers a unique opportunity for personal wine tasting experiences at all kinds of different wineries. They really focus on giving you the authentic experience with respect to the vineyards and winemakers, so you get to learn about the unique culture, history, and character of each one. Whether you like white or red wine, you'll find something that suits your palate.

The Trail also hosts special events throughout the year, like exclusive access to wine-tasting events, Summer BBQs, and Food Festivals, so there's always something fun going on! Tickets get sold out pretty fast, so if this is an experience you don't want to miss, I'd recommend staying up to date with their newsletters and booking in advance.

Hotel Stays Along the Placer Wine Trail:

Basecamp in Tahoe City

Basecamp is a local chain of boutique hotels that have a retro camping theme. The properties are decorated with very cute outdoorsy motifs. You can see photos from our stay at the South Lake Tahoe Basecamp here.

Book Hotel

Park Victorian

The Park Victorian in Auburn is a historical hotel that has been renovated to meet modern standards, but still maintains its old world charm. This is a great place for a romantic weekend away.

Book Hotel

Hyatt Place in Roseville

When you book your stay in Roseville, you’ll be located in the heart of the metro area in Placer County. Nearby there’ll be great dining and shopping options.

Book Hotel

Top Things to Do in Roseville

Roseville is the largest city in the bounds of Placer County, located just outside the Sacramento Metropolitan Area. In recent years Roseville has undergone a big transformation with tons of new construction and a population boom. The Old Town Roseville downtown area still has the quaint charm of a small town, while the surrounding areas have big and modern shopping areas, parks, scenic neighborhoods and more.

Keep reading to discover new suggestions on what to do in Roseville.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Roseville

Shopping at the Galleria & The Fountains

Roseville's Galleria and The Fountains are among the top shopping destinations in Northern California, with plenty of high-end stores and dining options to choose from. You'll definitely find something there that catches your eye and makes your shopping experience more fun.

My favorite brands at The Fountains are Sephora, Anthropologie and J. Crew. For lunch they have Whole Foods, Pressed Juicery, Jack’s Urban Eats and Zocalo. For families with kids they have a playground, interactive water fountains and even a train ride.

At the Westfield Galleria I love to shop H&M, Lululemon, Madewell and Urban Outfitters. This shopping center is mostly indoors so it’s great for super hot days and rainy days.

At the malls they also often host interactive workshops the kids can participate in and concerts and events you can enjoy with the whole family.

Top 35 Hidden Gems in Placer County - Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits Mandarin you-pick farm in Newcastle. — Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits Mandarin you-pick farm in Newcastle.

Miners Ravine Trail Loop

If you're looking for a fun activity for the whole family, consider the Miners Ravine Trail Loop in Roseville. This 8 mile out and back hike is rated easy, lasting around 3 hours on average. It's packed with beautiful green scenery that will make you feel like you're in a woodland fairy tale. Along the way you may see wild turkeys, a herd of goats, wildflowers and creeks with running water.

The trail is 100% paved with lots of shade along the way, so you can even bike through it if you want to spice it up. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Maidu Regional Park

The Maidu Regional Park is great if you want to get out and enjoy nature in a controlled setting. This huge 152-acre park has many recreational facilities, including walking trails, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts, and playgrounds for all ages. You'll also find a fully functioning skate park that's great for skaters of all ages.

Roseville Golfland Sunsplash

With over 30 rides and attractions all conveniently located in one place, Roseville Golfland Sunsplash is the place to be for family fun at Roseville. It's open all year round and features giant wave pools, lazy rivers, tube slides for younger kids, and more thrilling rides for older kids and adults. There are plenty of other attractions, including bumper cars, miniature golf courses, arcade games, and much more! If you plan on being there the whole day, a Cabana rental may be the perfect choice so you can rest in between all the fun, and the kids can take some time off the sun.

Where to Eat in Roseville

Elevated Dining at Sienna

Located in the heart of Roseville, Sienna offers a delightful and classy dining experience. With an extensive menu of modern American food, attentive service, and sophisticated and rustic decor, The Sienna is a fantastic place for a date night or a drink to help you unwind after a long day. The atmosphere is relaxed but still offers the experience of a high-class restaurant.

Scroll to the bottom to see photos from my company’s holiday party which was hosted at Sienna in Roseville.

Mendocino Farms

If you're looking for something healthy and delicious that won't break the bank and that everybody can enjoy, then Mendocino Farms is a must on your trip to Placer County. It's got a massive selection of 'cheffy' sandwiches, as they call them. These are some of the most flavorfully packed sandwiches around, and they're totally addicting, so be prepared to go back for more! There are also plenty of salad options and a kid's menu, so even the pickiest eaters will be happy.

Top 35 Hidden Gems in Placer County - Bad Bakers Donuts in Roseville. — Bad Bakers Donuts in Roseville.

Bad Baker Donuts

If you're in the mood to be a little bad, you must check out Bad Baker Donuts in Roseville. They have a fantastic selection of off-the-wall flavors such as Movie Theater Popcorn, S’mores, Walter White Coconut... and that's just naming a few! My absolute favorite is their mochi donuts. Scroll down to see photos from our visit to the Bad Baker Donuts in Roseville.

Top 35 Hidden Gems in Placer County - Yankee Jim’s Suspension Bridge in Colfax. — Yankee Jim’s Suspension Bridge in Colfax.

Summer Outdoor Activities in Placer County

On most summer days the weather in Placer County is hot and dry. A popular summer past time is partaking in water play and swimming. Taking advantage of one of the local natural bodies of water is the best way to cool off. See the top Placer County swimming spots listed in this guide.

Yankee Jim’s Swimming Hole

If you’re looking for a summer spot that is truly hidden away, the Yankee Jim’s Swimming Hole makes for a very adventurous day trip. This small section of the North Fork American River has bright turquoise blue waters and perfectly calm pools created by mother nature. See my complete guide to finding the Yankee Jim’s Swimming Hole here.

Auburn Swimming Hole the American River Confluence

During my first summer living in Sacramento, my friends and I roadtripped into Auburn to find the popular swimming hole known as the American River Confluence. This is the intersection point between North Fork American River and the Middle Fork American River. The water is very clear and calm in this area, which makes it ideal for swimming. The easiest way to find this spot is Google either the “Tall Green Bridge” or the “Auburn Swim Hole on American River” in Google Maps.

Scroll down to see photos from our visit to the Auburn Swimming Hole.

Skylandia State Park and Beach in Tahoe City

Lake Tahoe is the largest freshwater lake in the region and is known for its incredible beauty and year-round activities. It's surrounded by forests, mountains, and meadows that are just as beautiful as the lake itself.

Lake Tahoe is an enormous body of water and it actually falls into multiple counties. Tahoe City is in Placer County and Skylandia Park is a popular and well-maintained public lake-side beach.

This state park spans 24 acres and has everything you need for a fun day outdoors. There are organized facilities for barbecues, picnic tables, public bathrooms. The water here is calm and clear, great for swimming. The beach is sandy and there’s even a pier. If all of that wasn't enough to convince you, there are also shaded areas available at Skylandia Park so that no one goes home sunburned.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Another great swimming spot in Lake Tahoe is the Kings Beach State Beach. This location has it all - sandy beaches, swimming-friendly water, mountain views and trees for shade. There’s also kayak rentals available for visitors.

The lakeside town of Kings Beach is a popular tourist destination with great dining and hotels. If you want to book a stay right next to the water I recommend the Crown Motel or the Red Wolf Lakeside Lodge.

Water Activities in Folsom Lake

Folsom lake is a place of boundless natural beauty and gorgeous water views surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Foothills. The lake spans three different counties: Placer, El Dorado, and Sacramento, and covers an incredible 11 thousand acres of land.

It's a great place to visit on sunny days, and you'll find a wide variety of water-sports, such as water skiing, jet skiing, boat rentals, kayaks, and paddle-boards. You can rent equipment and stock up on snacks and drinks at Granite Bay, located on the Placer side of Folsom Lake. There's also a sandy beach and a buoyed swim area with a lifeguard on duty during the summer, which is excellent if you have young kids with you.

Where to Find Winter Snow in Placer County

The summers may be hot in Placer County, but the winters are very cold with snow and ice. Placer County averages 55 inches of snow per year, which means there’s no shortage of snow days. The snow season often begins right after Thanksgiving in November and can last as long as April.

If you’re planning a winter road trip, see my guide to finding the best snowy destinations in California.

Blackwood Canyon Sno Park

Blackwood Canyon Sno Park is just a short drive from Tahoe City, so it's easy to get to, and there are so many winter activities that you can do there, not limited to skiing and snowboarding. There are sledding hills, cross-country skiing, snow play, and even dog sledding on offer. It's open only from November to the end of May, and you must purchase your permit before the visit, so I recommend doing some research first if you plan to include it in your trip.

Explore Auburn in Placer County

The city of Auburn is a historic landmark and a beautiful place to visit. The unique combination of modern convenience with its old rustic charm makes this destination perfect for anyone looking to escape the big city life.

Old Town Auburn

Auburn's Old Town is not only the city center but also embodies the pioneer spirit of this old west town. The building exteriors have been preserved with their original 1800's architecture, while inside you'll find modern boutique shops and dining. I have a dedicated guide to exploring Auburn, and I go into details on all my favorite spots in Old Town Auburn.

The Pour Choice in Auburn

My absolute favorite refueling spot in Old Town Auburn is The Pour Choice. This modern and trendy coffee house is always hustling and bustling with patrons eager to get their caffeine fix. They serve barista mixed coffee drinks, tea, kombucha, avocado toast and other light eats. Scroll through the photos in this blog post to see pics from our brunch at The Pour Choice.

Downtown Taylor Road in Loomis

Loomis is a small country town in Placer County, located just up the Highway I-80 from Roseville. The downtown strip known as Taylor Road has undergone a recent revival with the city making big efforts to restore old buildings and bring in new blood restaurant entrepreneurs. Their efforts have resulted in a modern foodie hub with plenty of cuisine options.

The Newly Renovated Red's Bistro

Red's Bistro, a popular restaurant in Loomis, CA, has recently been renovated and is now open to the public. The restaurant has an updated look that is both welcoming and modern, with a vintage touches reminiscent of the art deco oaring 20's era.

Red’s food is elevated American with fancy touches such as truffle oil and fresh herbs. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with a full bar that serves up high-quality cocktails and daily happy hours.

The Popular High-Hand Cafe

To call High Hand Cafe popular is an understatement. It literally took three attempts for my coworkers and I to have a lunch at this restaurant because there was always a long wait for a table. This spacious cafe is nestled into a sprawling nursery filled with lush green plants and flowers.

High Hand is one of the best places to grab a fresh bite, the food is made with local ingredients and incorporates lots of fruits and vegetables. Visitors are encouraged to walk through the premises, visit the onsite shop and browse the different plants and garden art. Complimentary tastings at the High-Hand Olive Oil Company are also available for all.

Loomis Basin Brewing Company Gastropub and Smokehouse

The love for beer and food comes together at the Loomis Basin Brewing Company and Gastropub. They have a massive variety of seasonal and year-round beer, as well as a menu that is both delicious and innovative. The atmosphere is rustic and casual, with a popular outdoor patio overlooking the downtown Loomis streets. I always order a big salad with tri tip steak. Their BBQ meats are definitely their house specialty.

Smithville & Co.

The newest foodie spot to open up in Loomis is the cute as can be Smithville & Co. This versatile space serves as a daytime bright and cheerful coffee shop, and in the evening transforms into a night scene with ambiance and twinkle lights. On the menu you’ll find specialty coffee, healthy shakes, light bites, beer and seltzers.

Gander Taphouse

If you're looking for a low key place to enjoy a beer, consider the long-standing Gander Taphouse in Loomis. They have an extensive list of craft beers from local breweries, with over 30 rotating taps, as well as a menu that features dishes that pair perfectly with your favorite brews. Even if you're not a big beer drinker, you'll still be able to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and outdoor space.

Top 35 Hidden Gems in Placer County - A hot summer day at the Auburn Swimming Hole at the American River Confluence. — A hot summer day at the Auburn Swimming Hole at the American River Confluence.

Top Things to Do in Granite Bay

Granite Bay is a very scenic area of Placer County, especially because there’s so much lakefront property around Folsom Lake. Granite Bay is considered one of the nicest places to live in California because of its upscale community, low crime rates and natural beauty.

Granite Bay Beach and Beal’s Point

At the Granite Bay Main Beach and Beal’s Point you’ll find a popular sandy beach with ideal lake water conditions for swimming. There’s safe sections marked with buoys to indicate calm and clear waters for swimming. There’s also grassy fields with shade and barbecue pits.

Spend the Night at Beals Point Campground

At Beals Point Campground, you'll find plenty of areas where you can spend the night in the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. You can bring your RV, reserve a trailer spot, or just set up your tent and sleep under the stars. What's also lovely is that pets are welcome, and you can bring your four-legged friends along on the trip too.

If you'd like to show off your outdoorsy skills, you can fish during the day and then feast on your catch for dinner. The lake is home to many fish species, including bass, rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and catfish. If you want easy access to a beautiful natural spot with plenty of activities nearby, then camping at Folsom Lake is definitely worth it!

Go Horseback Riding in Granite Bay

Saddle up and get ready to connect with nature as you tour the trails around Folsom Lake on horseback. Boarding on the Lake is one of the most popular horseback riding stables in the area, offering rides for all levels of experience and ages. With miles of wooded trails, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Folsom Lake without having to worry about getting lost or disoriented since you can count on a trusted, experienced guide to lead the way. One thing to note is that riders must be at least 10 years old to participate for their safety.

Top 35 Hidden Gems in Placer County - The Art Deco themed newly renovated Red’s Bistro in Loomis. — The Art Deco themed newly renovated Red’s Bistro in Loomis.

Twin Rocks Estate Winery

The Twin Rocks Estate Winery is a scenic gem in Granite Bay. They are considered part of the Placer Wine Trail and welcome visitors to come and view the property. You can stop by the tasting room and enjoy vineyard tours. Their wine selections include white and red wines, including Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.