January 24, 1848, is a significant date in California’s history as it’s when James W. Marshall first discovered gold in Coloma! This sparked the infamous Gold Rush, and visitors flocked to the area in droves hoping to strike it rich. Eventually, the craze died down and many of the miners eventually moved on, but you can still find fascinating remnants of the past today. Enjoy a bit of history and a whole lot of unique charm with a visit to the Gold Rush towns, ghost towns, and other historical attractions in and around Sacramento with a Northern California getaway in Placerville.
Explore Gold Rush Towns near Sacramento
1. COLOMA
The gold rush began in Coloma, an unassuming little town that suddenly became the epicenter of a mad dash for riches. It quickly became a popular destination for miners and their families with thousands flocking here seeking wealth and new opportunities. Buildings quickly sprung up around the area, even though only a small percentage of miners ended up finding gold and staying. The rest left Coloma in search of new opportunities elsewhere as the Gold Rush continued to surge throughout other parts of Northern and Central California. It’s a fantastic place to visit and we highly recommend taking some time to see the sights with historic buildings, beautiful trails, and fun events happening throughout the year! Be sure to check out Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and take a step back in time with fun activities, including your very own opportunity to pan for gold!
2. FOLSOM
The charming city of Folsom is just 30 minutes away from Eden Vale and has a remarkable history as one of the first communities established in Northern California. Situated along the American River, this town experienced a booming gold rush in a similar manner as Coloma, and infrastructure rapidly sprung up to accommodate the many miners setting up operations in the area. It was especially important as a transportation hub, the site of a railroad to transport early travelers in California and to other parts of the Western United States. Explore the area and visit a variety of museums, stop in at the shops, and even enjoy a fun train ride in the park! It’s also an excellent place to take a stroll or go for a bike ride with several charming neighborhoods and walking paths nearby.
3. PLACERVILLE
The origin of our city’s name “placer” refers to the rich, natural deposits that miners would extract from the earth during the gold mining process. Placerville was once a booming Gold Rush town and supplier for mining camps in the area but has undergone quite a few changes since then. You can still enjoy our community’s incredible history and attractions in the area like historical sites and buildings to explore, museums, and more! Some of our favorites include the Fountain & Tallman Museum on Main Street, the El Dorado County Historical Museum, and the Gold Bug Park and Mine. Step back in time and learn more about the Gold Rush history of Placerville and El Dorado County!
Stay in Luxury in Placerville at Eden Vale Inn!
Our 10-acre paradise at Eden Vale Inn is a peaceful escape conveniently located in the Sacramento area. This boutique bed and breakfast is home to lush landscapes, premier amenities, and luxurious accommodations for a truly unforgettable stay. Spend your days strolling the gardens, lounging near the water, and sipping wine on the patio by our fire pit. At night you can enjoy the restful night’s sleep you’ve been dreaming of in our elegant guest rooms with king and queen beds in every room, fireplaces, and outdoor whirlpool tubs on your own private deck. Accommodations like the Cottonwood room feature all of these amenities and more with beautiful French doors that lead to a serene garden patio. In addition, Cottonwood and the Stone Pine room are dog-friendly, that way you don’t have to leave your faithful companion behind on your Northern California getaway. Treat yourself to a relaxing getaway at Eden Vale Inn with a reservation for your favorite room and get one step closer to a rejuvenating weekend in Placerville!
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