El Dorado County (Winter)

Home to Coloma, South Lake Tahoe, Old Hangtown, and a rising star wine region of Fair Play, El Dorado County might win the crown for best all around tourist destination in California. Most know this region for Heavenly Ski Resort up in the Sierra, passing right through the rolling tree-covered hills for craggier attractions. The county also has a reputation for being a historian's paradise — it was in the town of Coloma where James Marshall struck gold, prompting the Gold Rush and causing the largest human migration in history to that point. However, nestled within the wavy hills and higher into the Sierra Mountains, you'll also find plenty ...

Home to Coloma, South Lake Tahoe, Old Hangtown, and a rising star wine region of Fair Play, El Dorado County might win the crown for best all around tourist destination in California. Most know this region for Heavenly Ski Resort up in the Sierra, passing right through the rolling tree-covered hills for craggier attractions. The county also has a reputation for being a historian's paradise — it was in the town of Coloma where James Marshall struck gold, prompting the Gold Rush and causing the largest human migration in history to that point. However, nestled within the wavy hills and higher into the Sierra Mountains, you'll also find plenty of enchanting surprises. Warm up at a winery as you sip red vino and stroll through the chilly vineyards. Farm to table restaurants dot the countryside and inhabit historic buildings. Ski slopes snake down the mountains west of Lake Tahoe. Explore the lesser populated backcountry trails, snowmobile through the Tahoe National Forest, snowshoe surrounded by crystalline landscapes, or tube down the mountainside.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.