The Coloma-Lotus Valley is your Summertime destination for BIG FAMILY FUN! Here are just a few of the things you can experience while you’re in town: hiking, biking, white-water rafting, nature walks, gold panning, wine tasting, live entertainment, historic park tours and more! Our little valley, tucked along the banks of the South Fork of the American River, is a premiere recreation destination and outdoor playground for kids and adults of all ages! We are just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Reno and the Bay Area.
With guaranteed river flows Thursday to Tuesday through Labor day, the South Fork of the American River offers some of the best family friendly rafting on the west coast. Check out the whitewater pages on this site to find information about rafting and kayaking companies and opportunities.
If splish-splashin’ in the river is not your cup of tea, you can can try a sip of wine while wine tasting at one of our region’s vineyards. There are also hiking trails that are open to hikers, cyclists, equestrians and dogs. Take an interpretive tour through the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, rich with history and mystery! At the end of the day, you can choose from many great restaurants, most of which offer live music and outdoor venues open to all ages, or you can even see some live local theatre!
Whether you pop up a tent, pull-in in an RV, rent a cabin or even a teepee, there are many riverside camping options for you and your family. If you are looking for a little more luxury, you can rest your head at one of our sensational B&B’s, Inns or hotels.
We’ve got everything for the perfect family weekend get-away, including a NEW Farmer’s Market. The LoCol Alliance has organized a great Farmer’s Market every Sunday from June through October! Located in the parking lot near Green Giant Hydroponics & Garden Center from 9:00AM-1:00PM every Sunday, you will find fresh produce, local olive oil, cheese, plants, art, jewelry and more. The Garden Center also provides live music and a bounce house for the kids! I have even heard rumors of delicious snow cones…always a treat to beat the heat!
The Coloma-Lotus Valley: truly a destination for all ages! Come visit and see for yourself! We hope to see you soon!