El Dorado Hills is the crown jewel of El Dorado County - a sweet enclave right off highway 50, with easy access to any possible amenity, but still private and remote thanks to the larger lots and quiet neighborhoods. With most homes built on the hillsides, residents also enjoy incredible views that span all the way to Sacramento and, in some cases, overlook Folsom Lake, too.
It's easy to see why this little town has made a big splash in the real estate market in recent years, with homes doubling in value (or more) since 2017. But, beyond the killer views and beautiful tranquility of a quiet town with very few street lights - what exactly is there to do?
After all, we all have to leave our homes eventually.
Luckily, as residents and realtors in the area, we know a thing or two about what there is to enjoy in El Dorado Hills. So, whether you're thinking about moving to El Dorado Hills or just need a good reason to get out of your house this coming weekend, we think there will be something on this list for you.
Things To Do in El Dorado Hills:
1. Visit Town Center:
Don't miss the easy stroll down the street affectionately dubbed Town Center. The hub of activity, restaurants, and shopping in town, you'll find plenty of places to eat and grab a coffee, or even a new book, and plenty of room to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of the waterway that run right down the center of it.
Make it all the way up the hill and get the best egg rolls ever at Stickhouse before heading upstairs to catch a movie at the Regal Cinema, where every chair is a luxurious leather recliner.
During the summer, you can enjoy free live music and check out the local Farmer's Market, where you can stock up on locally produced goodies.
And, you won't want to miss Town Center during the holidays, from the fun Halloween trick-or-treat to the massive Easter egg hunt, Town Center knows how to sparkle and shine when it's time to celebrate.
Town Center is the perfect place to catch up with an old friend or let the kids run and play. New places are opening all the time, too, so if you haven't been in awhile, it might be time to stop by and see what you've missed.
2. Go out to eat:
Sure, we know this may not be a totally marvel idea, but hear us out. There are some places in town that you will love, thanks to great food and awesome ambience.
Thanks to Sacramento being the farm-to-fork capital, you'll find many local eateries offer farm-fresh, local ingredients and rotating menus that keep things interesting.
For example, go grab a bite at the family-friendly eatery Selland's, which happens to overlook the waterway that runs through Town Center. This adorable restaurant looks like something straight off a movie set and the food is delicious.
Or, get a burger and fries while you listen to some live music at Brickyard, and don't forget to check out the full bar menu. Sip and relax while enjoying views of the waterway.
Don't forget about Stickhouse, a fan favorite Asian fusion restaurant, with the best egg rolls and customizable noodle bowls. Whether you like the classics or want to try something unique, like orange chicken tacos, Stickhouse has you covered. Play the outdoor games while you wait.
Looking for something smaller that you won't find anywhere else? Go off the beaten path and hit up Flightz and enjoy a wine flight, delicious burgers and the housemade frips.
This is just the tip of the ice berg. You'll find plenty of restaurants and all types of cuisines right here in El Dorado Hills, so whatever you're craving, there's something that will hit the spot. To learn more about our 15 favorite places to eat in EDH, read this post.
3. Get out and play:
El Dorado Hills has some of the best parts and many of them are hidden gems, so you'll often be the only one there or find just a small group of nice locals.
Here are just a few of our favorite parks to go for a walk, play a quick game of soccer or just let the kids play on the playground.
Kalithea Park - A great play structure next to a huge, groomed grassy area makes this a must visit park. The incredible views of Folsom Lake make it fun for mom and dad, too.
EDH Community Park - Enjoy this huge park with a closed off play area for toddlers and a larger park for older kids. A big grassy area nearby is home to the area's soccer leagues and skaters will enjoy the updated skate park. Clean bathrooms are easy accessible, too, which make this a go-to park for locals.
Promontory Park - On the cusp between El Dorado Hills and Folsom, Promontory Park is an expansive park with two separate play areas, clean bathrooms, tennis courts, soccer fields, and a fantastic splash pad with tons of water spraying fun that is free for kids all summer long.
Lake Forest Park - Tucked in a quieter, residential part of town, Lake Forest has a large play area, a bocci ball court, tennis courts, and a short guided walk through a natural area. Covered tables and barbecues make this a hot spot for gatherings and birthday parties, too.
4. Visit the Library:
Love to read? Visit the charming El Dorado Hills library. With a 3D printing area, a full roster of classes and activities, and a quick walk to the nearby duck pond, this is a library the whole family will love. Plus, kids love to walk to the nearby bridge, too.
5. Schedule your tee time:
Do you golf? You'll enjoy playing a game at the pristine El Dorado Hills Golf Course. Built near the beautiful Serrano neighborhood, you'll enjoy the scenic beauty of this course while you play and then can relax after at the club restaurant.
6. Head to the lake:
The Folsom Lake Marina is just a few minutes away and offers tons of options, from relaxing lakeside to going out on a paddle board or kayak. During summer months, some beach areas have lifeguards on duty, too, for added security.
Buy passes to the water activity park when it's open for even more family fun.
7. Go for a drive:
Maybe you're looking for a bigger adventure. Look no further, EDH is a hop, skip and a jump from countless places. Within a thirty minute radius you can visit plenty of shopping, restaurants and activities in these towns:
Cameron Park
Placerville
Folsom
Granite Bay
Fair Oaks
Orangevale
Citrus Heights
Rancho Cordova
Sacramento
Apple Hill
and more!
Or, if you're looking to enjoy more of the beautiful cities in California, you'll be in a prime location to get to all of these iconic Californian towns in a short, few hour drive:
Tahoe
Sonoma
Napa
Mendocino
San Francisco
Sacramento
Carmel
Monterey
Santa Cruz
and many more!
El Dorado Hills only feels like your miles away from it all, when actually you're just a short jaunt from major freeways that can quickly get you wherever you want to go.
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We hope this list gave you some ideas of ways to enjoy the beautiful area around El Dorado Hills. We feel lucky to live here and love helping our clients find their dream homes here.
If you're looking for a realtor in the El Dorado Hills area, call our team at 916.524.9733.