15 Best Things to Do in San Ramon (CA)

San Ramon is a city of about 76,000 people situated in the San Ramon Valley of Contra Costa County. The city is mostly known for its pleasant weather and beautiful location, which includes an abundance of trees and scenic views of Mount Diablo. It’s also conveniently located only 34 miles away from the major city of San Francisco.

San Ramon is also known for having many parks, cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas, including the Shops at Bishop Ranch, The Marketplace Shopping Center, and Diablo Plaza.

A number of festivals and events take place in and around San Ramon during the year, including the annual Art and Wine Festival and the Run for Education.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around San Ramon, California.

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

Visitors to San Ramon can learn about the history of the city and surrounding areas with a visit to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.

This museum is situated in a restored building constructed in 1891 and collects, preserves, and shares the region’s history through various exhibits. During your visit, you’ll see many artifacts, photos, and documents that tell the story of the valley’s history, people, and culture.

Guided tours are also offered through the museum and include a tour of 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 Golf Course is a scenic, beautifully-maintained 18-hole championship course suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

Start your day at the practice facilities, which include two practice greens and a driving range. Lessons are also available. The course features an abundance of challenges, such as an island green.

3. Sample the Cuisine of India at Jalsa Kitchen

Situated in San Ramon, Jalsa Kitchen serves traditional Indian dishes with a modern twist in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Many of the items used to create the delicious dishes are locally-sourced from nearby farms. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available. You’ll find a wide variety of dishes on the menu, including appetizers, desserts, and main courses like Okra Masala, Kadhai Paneer, and Yellow Dal Tadka.

4. Explore the Beauty of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

Situated only a short drive away from San Ramon is the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Park. The 5,342-acre park provides a relaxing escape into the pristine nature of an area surrounded by valleys and hills.

The park is mostly known for its hiking trails, which include the Chamise and Bollinger Creek Loop trails. Both trails take hikers to another important feature in the park – the ridges at Rocky Ridge and Las Trampas Ridge, where stunning views await.

There are also picnic areas around the park.

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

For a family-friendly night on the town, head to nearby Dublin for an evening of fun and excitement.

Whether you play competitively or for fun, Earl Anthony’s Dublin Bowl has 40 bowling lanes suitable for all levels and a modern scoring board that makes keeping score simple.

Also on site are a snack bar, full-service bar, and lounge, with big screen TV’s playing current sporting events.

6. Visit the Blackhawk Automotive Museum

At the Blackhawk Automotive Museum in the nearby community of Blackhawk, visitors can admire a sizeable collection of classic and rare cars.

There are more than 90 vehicles and a vast assortment of car-related artifacts and memorabilia, including antique gas pumps, a John F. Kennedy limo, a Chinese Hongqi, jukeboxes, and many other items related to the culture, history, and business of driving and the car industry.

7. Spend a Day Exploring Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Forest Home Farms Historic Park provides visitors with the opportunity to indulge in the best of both worlds. On the one hand, you’ll get to spend the day outdoors, while on the other, you’ll get an immersive history lesson.

This 16-acre municipal park features a range of exhibits, including several historic buildings and sites related to the history of the San Ramon Valley.

The Glass House Museum, a walnut Processing plant, The Tractor Museum, and a Welcome Center are just some of the buildings on-site; there are exhibits in each one.

8. Head for the Iron Horse Trail

The Iron Horse Trail was once a railway track but is now a rail trail that passes by the East Bay area. At one time, this was the route of the Southern Pacific Railway. The multi-use trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of the surrounding area and a scenic old railway bridge that crosses over Walnut Creek.

9. Browse the Danville Farmers’ Market

The Danville Farmers’ Market takes place in nearby downtown Danville and is a great place to browse many different items.

Fresh, locally-harvested produce, meat, a wide variety of cheeses, flowers, baked treats, and specialty food items are just some of the things you’ll find as you browse this market.

Throughout the day, you can also enjoy many activities, including cooking and gardening demonstrations.

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

Spend the morning golfing at an 18-hole, par-71 golf course that offers just enough challenges to be suitable for golfers of any level. After your game, head to the property’s restaurant and brewery for some quality food and drink.

This casual eatery and brewery serves breakfast and lunch and hosts a daily happy hour, with a wide range of exclusive craft beers to choose from.

On your way out, stop at the on-site golf shop to browse the items they have for sale and pick up some professional tips from the PGA professionals, who also offer lessons.

11. Exercise and Have Fun at Rockin’ Jump

Rockin’ Jump, situated in nearby Dublin, is a trampoline park with fun facilities for all ages. Adults can get their daily workout in, and kids can have fun while getting exercise without realizing they are.

You’ll find a variety of trampolines, including one that allows you to jump into a pile of soft foam. Jump, flip, and somersault to your heart’s content or join a game of trampoline Dodgeball.

12. Rejuvenate at Jolie Salon & Spa Wellness Center

There’s no doubt that travel can be exhausting; sometimes, we need a break from exploring and running from place to place. At the Jolie Salon & Spa Wellness Center, you can kick back and relax while professional and caring staff tend to you.

This spa is situated in a historic building with beautiful interior decor and a relaxing ambiance.

Some of the spa services offered include hair treatments, manicures, facials, scalp massages, and a variety of body massages, such as deep tissue and hot stone massages. A wide range of products can be purchased on-site as well.

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

At The Village Theatre and Art Gallery, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and cultural experiences. Throughout the year, the center hosts seven rotating exhibits with a focus on local artists.

The theatre hosts a variety of shows, including musicals and theatrical performances. It also shows movies from time to time.

Many workshops and educational events are held at the center throughout the year, including art classes.

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

Whether you stop by for a simple coffee break, a beer during a sporting event, breakfast, lunch, or family dinner, JP’s Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge has everything you’re looking for in a relaxing, friendly environment.

Even the pickiest of eaters will find something on this eatery’s extensive menu, including a wide variety of items such as appetizers, pizzas, burgers, wings, vegetarian options, and a selection of main courses, with items such as Lemon Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo.

Desserts are also available, and everything on the menu is made with the highest quality ingredients. A selection of local craft beers and unique cocktails are also served.

15. Go on an Adventure at Zscape Games

The whole family can get in on the fun and adventure at Zscape Games. Choose your themed room and get locked inside.

You’ll be given about an hour to escape this room. The only way you’ll be able to get out is by solving a variety of puzzles and riddles to get clues that will bring you closer to breaking the lock.