Top 15 Attractions and Activities in San Ramon, CA

San Ramon is a city of approximately 76,000 residents located within the San Ramon Valley of Contra Costa County. The city is widely recognized for its favorable climate and picturesque setting, featuring a wealth of trees and remarkable views of Mount Diablo. Additionally, it is conveniently positioned just 34 miles from the vibrant metropolis of San Francisco.

San Ramon is also notable for its numerous parks, cafes, restaurants, and shopping destinations, including the Shops at Bishop Ranch, The Marketplace Shopping Center, and Diablo Plaza.

A variety of festivals and events occur in and around San Ramon throughout the year, such as the annual Art and Wine Festival and the Run for Education.

Below are 15 top attractions and activities available in and around San Ramon, California.

1. Get a History Lesson at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historical context of the city and its surrounding communities.

Housed in a meticulously restored building dating back to 1891, this museum collects, conserves, and disseminates the historical narratives of the region through diverse exhibits. During your visit, you will encounter numerous artifacts, photographs, and documents that communicate the valley’s rich history, its inhabitants, and cultural heritage.

Guided tours are available, which also include visits to the Alamo Cemetery and the Old Town district in Danville.

2. Book a Tee Time at the San Ramon Royal Vista Golf Course

The San Ramon Royal Vista Golf Course is a beautifully maintained 18-hole championship course catering to golfers of varying skill levels.

Begin your visit at the practice facilities, which feature two practice greens and a driving range, with lessons available. The course presents numerous challenges, including an island green.

3. Sample the Cuisine of India at Jalsa Kitchen

Located in San Ramon, Jalsa Kitchen specializes in serving traditional Indian cuisine with innovative interpretations in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The ingredients for many dishes are sourced locally from nearby farms. Options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets are available, with a diverse menu featuring appetizers, desserts, and main courses such as Okra Masala, Kadhai Paneer, and Yellow Dal Tadka.

4. Explore the Beauty of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

Located a short drive from San Ramon, the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park encompasses 5,342 acres of untouched nature, offering a serene escape ensconced by rolling hills and valleys.

This park is renowned for its extensive hiking trails, including the Chamise and Bollinger Creek Loop trails. Both trails lead to significant features within the park, namely the ridges at Rocky Ridge and Las Trampas Ridge, where breathtaking views await.

Picnic areas are also available throughout the park.

5. Have a Fun Night out at Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl

For an enjoyable evening out, venture to nearby Dublin for a night filled with entertainment and fun.

Whether you choose to engage in competitive play or simply enjoy a casual experience, Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl offers 40 bowling lanes suitable for all levels, accompanied by a modern scoring system that makes keeping track effortless.

The venue also includes a snack bar, full-service bar, and lounge featuring large screen TVs showcasing current sporting events.

6. Visit the Blackhawk Automotive Museum

Situated in the nearby community of Blackhawk, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum showcases an impressive collection of classic and rare automobiles.

The museum features over 90 vehicles along with a vast array of automotive-related artifacts and memorabilia, including antique gas pumps, a limousine utilized by John F. Kennedy, a Chinese Hongqi, jukeboxes, and numerous other items reflecting the culture, history, and industry of automobiles.

7. Spend a Day Exploring Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Forest Home Farms Historic Park offers visitors a unique combination of outdoor exploration and immersive historical education.

This 16-acre municipal park features an array of exhibits, including several historic structures and sites that are relevant to the history of the San Ramon Valley.

Notable buildings include the Glass House Museum, a walnut processing plant, the Tractor Museum, and a Welcome Center, with exhibits contained within each location.

8. Head for the Iron Horse Trail

The Iron Horse Trail, once functioning as a railway track, has been transformed into a rail trail traversing the East Bay area. Previously a route for the Southern Pacific Railway, this multi-use trail is accessible to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Along the trail, you will encounter beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape and a charming historical railway bridge that spans Walnut Creek.

9. Browse the Danville Farmers’ Market

The Danville Farmers’ Market, located in downtown Danville, presents an excellent opportunity to explore a diverse range of items.

The market features fresh, locally-sourced produce, meats, a vast selection of cheeses, flowers, baked goods, and specialty food items among its offerings.

Throughout the day, various activities including cooking demonstrations and gardening workshops are available.

10. Get the Best of Two Worlds at the Canyon Lakes Golf Course and Brewery

Start your day with a round of golf on an 18-hole, par-71 course designed to provide challenges for golfers of all levels. Following your game, visit the on-site restaurant and brewery for high-quality food and beverages.

This casual eatery serves breakfast and lunch and offers a daily happy hour featuring a variety of exclusive craft beers.

Before leaving, take a moment to explore the on-site golf shop, where you can browse merchandise and receive professional guidance from PGA instructors who provide lessons.

11. Exercise and Have Fun at Rockin’ Jump

Rockin’ Jump, located in nearby Dublin, is a trampoline park that offers enjoyable activities for all age groups. Adults can engage in an effective workout while children have a fun way to exercise without realizing it.

The facility includes a variety of trampolines, including one that allows jumping into a soft foam pit. Explore your agility by flipping, somersaulting, or participating in a trampoline Dodgeball game.

12. Rejuvenate at Jolie Salon & Spa Wellness Center

It is widely acknowledged that travel can deplete one’s energy; at times, taking a respite from continuous exploration is essential. At Jolie Salon & Spa Wellness Center, you can unwind as dedicated professionals provide you with an array of treatments.

Set within a historic building characterized by stunning interior decor and a calming atmosphere, the spa offers various services, including hair treatments, manicures, facials, scalp massages, and an assortment of body massages such as deep tissue and hot stone massages. A curated selection of products is also available for purchase on-site.

13. Enjoy Live Entertainment at The Village Theatre and Art Gallery

The Village Theatre and Art Gallery offers a plethora of artistic and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy. Throughout the year, the venue hosts seven rotating exhibits that showcase local artists.

The theater presents a diverse array of performances ranging from musicals to theatrical productions, along with occasional movie screenings.

Moreover, a variety of workshops and educational events, including art classes, occur at the center throughout the year.

14. Satisfy Your Hunger at JP’s Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge

Whether you come for a casual coffee break, to enjoy a beer during a sporting event, or for a meal with family, JP’s Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge offers a welcoming environment with a diverse menu.

Even the most selective eaters will discover satisfying options, including a wide range of appetizers, pizzas, burgers, wings, vegetarian dishes, and main courses like Lemon Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

Desserts are also featured, and every item is prepared with high-quality ingredients. A selection of local craft beers and unique cocktails is available for enjoyment.

15. Go on an Adventure at Zscape Games

The entire family can participate in the excitement and adventure offered at Zscape Games. Select a themed room and prepare to be locked inside.

Participants are given approximately one hour to escape the room. The key to success lies in solving a series of puzzles and riddles to obtain clues that will lead to unlocking the door.