The Best Things to Do in the Towns of Diamond Springs and El Dorado
December 10, 2021

The Best Things to Do in the Towns of Diamond Springs and El Dorado

Located south of Highway 50 in El Dorado County, Diamond Springs and El Dorado are known for their oak-dotted landscapes and rolling hills. These foothills communities are rich in Gold Rush history, and the towns themselves are registered California Historic Landmarks. In fact, many of their original buildings still stand today.

Residents of these close-knit communities relish the slower pace that country living affords. But these are no sleepy small towns. There are plenty of things to do here, from gourmet dining and wine tasting to browsing art galleries and exploring the outdoors. Following are some of the top things to do in Diamond Springs and El Dorado.

Enjoy the Outdoors

El Dorado National Forest photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Their location at the base of the Sierra Nevada make Diamond Springs and El Dorado the ideal places for nature lovers. Several streams and creeks run through the area, and Patterson Lake draws boaters and anglers alike. The El Dorado National Forest, with its many hiking trails and natural wonders, is less than an hour away, as are the north and middle forks of the Cosumnes River.

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Go Out to Eat

Photo courtesy Poor Red’s

In El Dorado, Poor Reds Bar-B-Q is a longstanding classic, known for its world-renowned Golden Cadillac cocktail. For rustic French classics such as pâté and boeuf bourguignon, head to Allez in Diamond Springs. The nearby Diamond Springs Hotel offers old-fashioned country cooking such as prime rib and pork chops in a 1916 boarding house. For something sweet, try Anabelle’s Chocolate Lounge, where you can sample house-made sweets and sip local wine.

 

Sample Craft Brews

Photo courtesy Solid Ground Brewing

Craft beer aficionados will have plenty to savor in Diamond Springs, as it’s home to two craft breweries. Solid Ground Brewing Company produces award-winning stouts and lagers as well as several wines, including a sparkling rosé, sauvignon blanc and petite sirah. They also serve elevated pub fare such as polenta tots and smoked cheddar mac and cheese. El Dorado Brewing brews ales, stout and lager and hosts live bands on weekends.

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Sip Local Wines

Photo courtesy El Dorado Winery Association

Diamond Springs and El Dorado are centrally located near some of the best wine-producing regions of the Sierra Nevada. Placerville and Camino wineries are just minutes away, while the northern Amador County town of Plymouth is within a half-hour’s drive, making for an easy wine-tasting getaway.

Browse Art Studios & Galleries

Photo courtesy Sandridge Fine Arts

Art lovers will be right at home in Diamond Springs and El Dorado. Sandidge Fine Arts displays the work of local painter Robert Sandidge, while Gallery El Dorado displays garden sculptures, metal sculptures, photography and other works.

Custom country estates, charming family homes and rural horse properties are a few of the opportunities waiting for you in the communities of Diamond Springs and El Dorado!

 

Category Neighborhood Guides

Elizabeth Penney

Elizabeth Penney is a content writer for Lyon Real Estate and the Lyon Local blog. A Sacramento native with a marketing background, she shares her insider knowledge on restaurants, attractions and outdoor activities throughout the greater Sacramento area and beyond.