Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park -- Coloma, CA
 
James Marshall’s cabin, museum and gift shop, Sutter’s Mill, original gold discovery site, two historic churches, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, cemetery, the Noteware-Thomas House, hiking trails. Bring the family and a picnic lunch and plan to spend the day in the historic park that is located near the beautiful South Fork of the American River. http://www.parks.ca.gov/

Wakamatsu Tea & Silk Factory Memorial -- Gold Hill, CA
 
Dedicated on June 7, 1969 by then Governor Ronald Reagan and several Japanese Officials, this unassuming small monument has drawn visitors from around the world. Visitors who are curious about the history of a young Japanese girl called Okei who died in 1871 at just 19 years old and who is buried on a hillside nearby on private land.
http://www.directcon.net/pharmer/Wakamatsu/Wakamatsu.html

Olde Coloma Theater -- Coloma, CA
 
This historic theater is located in Coloma and when attending a play, most people think they have just stepped through a time warp and traveled back in time. The theater is small and everyone sits on benches while the stage of actors is almost within arms reach. Booing, hissing and throwing popcorn at the villain/s is highly recommended. http://www.oldecolomatheatre.com

Gold Bug Mine and Park -- Placerville, CA
 
Hattie’s museum, the 362-foot hard rock mine, gift shop, stamp mill, hiking trails and gold panning make for a terrific outdoor adventure for the whole family. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day of history and fun at the park. http://www.goldbugpark.org/

El Dorado County Historical Museum -- Placerville, CA
 
Open Wednesday through Sunday. This museum is a wonderful representation of the county's history, complete with a research center. http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/museum

Fountain-Tallman Museum -- Main Street, Placerville, CA
 
Open weekend afternoons. Located on Placerville’s Main Street, the little museum is packed with historic information.

Outdoor Recreation and Parks
 
El Dorado County is one of the most diverse, exciting and beautiful places you’ll ever experience. Nestled in the foothills the area provides an incredibly affordable vacation for anyone who enjoys nature, outdoor sports or gold panning. There is tremendous about of diversity in the local flora and fauna. http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/parks/parks.html

Crystal Basin Recreation Area -- Eldorado National Forest
 
Eldorado National Forest - Contact the El Dorado Information Center at 530.647.5415 for information or go the their website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado.

Sly Park Recreation Area
 
For information call the El Dorado Irrigation District -- Park: 530.644.2545, for reservations call 530.644.2792 or visit www.eid.org.

Bonsai Gardens
 
This 5-acre site is ideally situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills; 4 miles from Coloma, the site of gold discovery in California. It is a full service Bonsai nursery with reasonable prices and excellent quality for the master and enthusiast. http://www.lotusbonsai.com