Tour a hard-rock mine and pan for gems.

One of the best places to get a real sense of California's Gold Rush history is at the lively Gold Bug Mine , a fun destination for all ages just off U.S. 50 in Placerville. Here you can tour real mines and hear the brave stories of the men who risked their lives in search of the elusive ore. You can take a self-guided tour of the park's namesake mine, or call to set up a guided tour of adjacent Priest Mine, dug into the hillside by hand in the 1850s. A stamp mill, museum, and a chance to pan for gemstones add to your experience and understanding of this rich chapter in the state's past.

Tours run April through October; the park is open limited hours in winter.

Join 3000 of your closest friends for an afternoon of live music, great food, and over 120 different brews from over 60 breweries. The West Coast Brew Fest benefits the Make A Difference Project and its programs. So come on out, have a great time and support a great cause.