San Ramon CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near San Ramon, California.
1. Art & Wind Festival
SAN RAMON'S LARGEST EVENT
The Art & Wind Festival is San Ramon's largest annual event held in May. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant celebration of art, wind-powered displays, and community activities. The festival showcases local artists, live entertainment, and food vendors in a family-friendly atmosphere.
2. City Center Bishop Ranch
PREMIER SHOPPING AND DINING
City Center Bishop Ranch is the stunning centerpiece of shopping and dining in the heart of San Ramon. This 300,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor complex was designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano and features retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces. The center includes a 10-screen multiplex cinema and a one-acre public square for community gatherings.
3. Iron Horse Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
The Iron Horse Trail is a 32-mile path stretching from Concord to Pleasanton through San Ramon, following the former Southern Pacific Railroad route. The wide, well-paved trail is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and is popular for biking, walking, and running. This flat, accessible trail offers a safe recreation option separate from roads with only a few crossings.
4. Forest Home Farms Historic Park
HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
Forest Home Farms Historic Park preserves San Ramon's agricultural heritage through its historic buildings and educational programs. Visitors can explore the restored David Glass House, barns, and farm equipment dating back to the early 20th century. The park hosts events throughout the year including harvest festivals and educational tours about local farming history.
5. The LOT
LUXURY CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The LOT is a premium entertainment venue in San Ramon offering a luxury cinema and dining experience. Guests can enjoy first-run movies in comfortable reclining seats with in-theater food and beverage service. The venue features a restaurant and bar with California-inspired cuisine for those looking to dine before or after their movie.
6. Escapology Escape Rooms
INTERACTIVE PUZZLE ADVENTURES
Escapology Escape Rooms in San Ramon offers immersive, themed puzzle-solving adventures for groups. Teams work together to solve clues and escape themed rooms within a 60-minute time limit. The facility features multiple room scenarios with varying difficulty levels suitable for families, friends, and corporate team-building events.
7. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
RUGGED OUTDOOR PARADISE
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is a 5,778-acre natural area offering miles of hiking and equestrian trails near San Ramon. The wilderness area features steep ridges, secluded canyons, and spectacular views of Mount Diablo and the San Ramon Valley. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems including oak woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral while observing native wildlife.
8. Museum of the San Ramon Valley
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region's rich history, heritage, and environment. Located in a restored 1891 Southern Pacific Railroad depot, the museum features rotating exhibits showcasing artifacts from early settlers and the valley's development. The museum offers educational programs and walking tours that bring local history to life for visitors of all ages.
9. Mount Diablo State Park
PANORAMIC WILDERNESS VIEWS
Mount Diablo State Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay Area just a short drive from San Ramon. On clear days, visitors to the summit can see up to 200 miles in every direction, encompassing 35 of California's 58 counties. The park features numerous hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities to observe diverse plant and animal life.
10. Morgan Territory Road
SCENIC CYCLING ROUTE
Morgan Territory Road is a picturesque 14.7-mile winding road in Contra Costa County known for its natural beauty. The road runs from Marsh Creek Road to Manning Road, offering cyclists and motorists stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This challenging route is particularly popular among road cyclists seeking both exercise and scenic vistas.
11. San Ramon Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The San Ramon Farmers Market offers fresh local produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted items on a weekly basis. Visitors can interact directly with farmers and producers while enjoying the community atmosphere. The market features seasonal fruits and vegetables alongside prepared foods, baked goods, and occasional live entertainment.
12. Golden Gate Bridge
ICONIC BAY AREA LANDMARK
The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge connecting San Francisco to Marin County and is just a short drive from San Ramon. Spanning 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Strait, this engineering marvel features distinctive International Orange paint and Art Deco design elements. Visitors can walk or bike across the bridge for spectacular views of the bay, cityscape, and Alcatraz Island.
13. Point Reyes National Seashore
COASTAL WILDERNESS RETREAT
Point Reyes National Seashore offers rugged coastal beauty and diverse ecosystems within day-trip distance from San Ramon. Visitors can explore the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, hike along coastal trails, or observe wildlife including elephant seals and tule elk. The protected seashore encompasses beaches, grasslands, hillsides, and forested ridges across its 71,000 acres.
14. Berkeley
CULTURAL ACADEMIC HUB
Berkeley is a vibrant university city offering cultural attractions, dining options, and historic sites near San Ramon. Visitors can explore the renowned University of California Berkeley campus with its botanical garden and museums. The city features diverse dining options, independent bookstores, and Telegraph Avenue's unique shops and street vendors.
15. Alcatraz Island
HISTORIC FEDERAL PRISON
Alcatraz Island is home to the infamous former federal prison that housed notorious criminals including Al Capone and Robert Franklin Stroud. Located in San Francisco Bay and accessible by ferry, the island offers fascinating guided tours of the cell blocks and grounds. Beyond its prison history, Alcatraz features natural beauty, gardens, and significant Civil War-era fortifications.