Looking for scenic open spaces, suburban charm, and Bay Area access? Head to San Ramon! Nestled in California’s East Bay region, San Ramon is a clean, well-planned city surrounded by rolling hills and hiking trails. It offers peaceful parks, family-friendly attractions, and close proximity to both wine country and San Francisco.
San Ramon, CA Highlights:
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hike Las Trampas Regional Wilderness – Climb rugged trails with sweeping views of the valley and Mount Diablo.
- For Families: Visit the Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve – Enjoy easy nature trails, birdwatching, and picnic areas just minutes from downtown.
- For Shoppers: Explore City Center Bishop Ranch – A modern outdoor mall with designer shops, restaurants, and cinema.
- For Golfers: Play at The Bridges Golf Club – A scenic championship course with challenging terrain and panoramic views.
- For Relaxation: Unwind in Central Park – Community hub with fountains, wide green lawns, playgrounds, and seasonal concerts.
Best Time to Visit San Ramon, CA
The best time to visit San Ramon is in the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities are ideal. Summers are warm and dry, perfect for hiking and golf. Winters are mild with some rain but rarely cold.
How to Get to San Ramon, CA
- By Car: Located off I-680, San Ramon is about 40 minutes east of San Francisco and 30 minutes north of San Jose.
- By Air: The closest major airports are Oakland International Airport (OAK, 30–40 min) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO, 45–60 min).
- By Public Transit: The nearby Dublin/Pleasanton BART station provides easy Bay Area access via ride shares or local buses.
Where to Stay in San Ramon, CA
- Recommended for Families: Residence Inn San Ramon – Spacious suites with kitchens, pool, and complimentary breakfast.
- For Business Travelers: Marriott San Ramon – Full-service hotel near City Center and corporate headquarters with sleek amenities.
- For Budget-Conscious Travelers: Extended Stay America – Convenient and affordable option with kitchenettes and pet-friendly rooms.
Best Things to Do in San Ramon, CA
1. Hike into Hillside Serenity at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Hikers, nature photographers, wildlife watchers.
What I Love: ♥ "Rugged ridges, winding trails, and sweeping vistas—Las Trampas feels like a secret wilderness tucked right behind the suburbs. The air smells of chaparral, and the silence is golden."
- Hike the Chamise Trail or Bollinger Creek Loop for breathtaking valley views.
- Explore the twin ridges—Rocky Ridge and Las Trampas Ridge—framing the tranquil canyon.
- Picnic near the trailhead or reserve a group site at nearby Little Hills Picnic Ranch.
Cost: Free to enter; group picnic reservations available for a fee.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall for cooler hiking weather and wildflowers; winter offers lush green hillsides.
Local tips: Bring water—shade is limited on the ridges. Watch for hawks, deer, and even the occasional bobcat.
Distance: About 10 minutes from downtown San Ramon; 45 minutes from San Francisco.
How to Get to Las Trampas Regional Wilderness: From I-680, exit at Crow Canyon Road and head west. Turn left on Bollinger Canyon Road and follow it to the trailhead parking area.
Address: Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 510-544-3276
2. Step Back in Time at Forest Home Farms Historic Park
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: History buffs, families, school groups.
What I Love: ♥ "Walking through the farm feels like stepping back into the 1800s—Victorian charm, vintage tractors, and a story around every corner. It’s living history at its best."
- Tour the Glass House Museum, a restored 1877 Victorian home (by appointment only).
- Explore the Tractor Museum and exhibits on farming life and machinery.
- Visit the Welcome Center for interactive displays, educational programs, and a quaint gift shop.
Cost: General admission is free; private tours and programs may have a fee.
Best time to visit: Year-round; weekends are ideal for family visits and special events.
Local tips: Book a Glass House Museum tour in advance. Don’t miss the seasonal programs and farm demonstrations for kids.
Distance: Less than 10 minutes from central San Ramon; about 40 minutes from San Francisco.
How to Get to Forest Home Farms Historic Park: From I-680, take the Bollinger Canyon Road exit and head east. Turn onto San Ramon Valley Boulevard; the park entrance is clearly marked.
3. Skate to the Beat at The Golden Skate
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Families, birthday parties, skating enthusiasts, youth hockey players, and fun-loving visitors of all ages.
What I Love: ♥ "Bright lights, rolling wheels, and arcade sounds—The Golden Skate isn’t just a rink, it’s a retro-cool celebration of motion, music, and memory-making."
- Skate on inline or quad skates with lessons and hockey programs for all levels.
- Celebrate with private party packages or full venue rentals for special occasions.
- Refuel at the snack bar with pizza, nachos, pretzels, candy, and drinks.
Cost: Varies by session, rental, and program; party packages and group rates available.
Best time to visit: Weekends for public skate sessions and birthday parties; weekday evenings for lessons and hockey programs.
Local tips: Check the website for themed skate nights and special event schedules. Don’t forget a few extra bucks for arcade tokens!
Distance: Just 10 minutes from downtown San Ramon; approximately 40 minutes from Oakland or San Francisco.
How to Get to The Golden Skate: From I-680, take the Crow Canyon Road exit west, then turn left on Camino Ramon and right onto Hooper Drive. The rink is near the end of the road.
Address: 2701 Hooper Dr, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 925-820-2525
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Swing, Sip, and Relax at Canyon Lakes Golf Course & Brewery
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Golfers, craft beer lovers, foodies, event planners, and weekend adventurers.
What I Love: ♥ "Where else can you finish a challenging round of golf and celebrate with a freshly brewed IPA overlooking the greens? It’s laid-back luxury with a local twist."
- Play a public 18-hole, par 71 course designed for all skill levels.
- Dine on breakfast, lunch, and happy hour bites while sipping house-brewed craft beer.
- Celebrate weddings, receptions, or birthdays in a scenic space for up to 120 guests.
Cost: Green fees and dining prices vary; lessons and event packages available upon request.
Best time to visit: Weekdays for relaxed tee times and happy hour; weekends for brunch and brewery buzz.
Local tips: Reserve early for events. Ask the Golf Shop about PGA pro tips or lessons to improve your game.
Distance: Just 10 minutes from downtown San Ramon; about 45 minutes east of San Francisco.
How to Get to Canyon Lakes Golf Course & Brewery: From I-680, take the Bollinger Canyon Road exit east, then turn right onto Canyon Lakes Drive and follow signs to the course entrance on Bollinger Canyon Way.
Address: 640 Bollinger Canyon Way, San Ramon, CA 94582
Phone: 925-735-6511
5. Hit the Fairway at San Ramon Royal Vista Golf Course
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Golfers of all levels, weekend warriors, tournament players, and those looking for a top-tier East Bay golf experience.
What I Love: ♥ "Meticulously groomed fairways, a stunning island green on Hole 9, and a peaceful layout that winds through the Tri-Valley hills—it’s championship-level golf without the pretense."
- Play an 18-hole championship course with scenic design and challenging tees.
- Practice your short game on two greens or hit the lit driving range after hours.
- Learn from PGA pros offering private lessons and group clinics year-round.
Cost: Varies by tee time and day; discounts for juniors, seniors, and twilight rounds.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for quiet rounds; late afternoons for discounted play.
Local tips: Bring your camera for Hole 9’s island green—it's a photo-worthy moment. Book early for weekend tee times.
Distance: About 10 minutes from downtown San Ramon; approximately 40 minutes from San Francisco.
How to Get to San Ramon Royal Vista Golf Course: From I-680, take the Alcosta Boulevard exit east. Turn onto Fircrest Lane; the course entrance is clearly marked.
Address: 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon, CA 94582
Phone: 925-828-6100
6. Crack the Code at Zscape Games
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Puzzle lovers, families, coworkers, birthday groups, and adventure seekers.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s part brain workout, part adrenaline rush—Zscape Games takes teamwork to the next level with immersive plots and clock-ticking tension you’ll want to beat again and again."
- Challenge your mind with escape rooms full of puzzles, clues, and immersive storytelling.
- Compete against the clock with up to 10 players in a one-hour adventure experience.
- Celebrate special events like birthdays, corporate outings, and team-building sessions.
Cost: Pricing varies by room and group size; group and private bookings available.
Best time to visit: Evenings and weekends for maximum energy; weekdays for quieter, focused fun.
Local tips: Book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Arrive early to get briefed and into the mindset!
Distance: 10 minutes from downtown San Ramon; about 45 minutes from San Francisco.
How to Get to Zscape Games: From I-680, exit at Crow Canyon Road west. Turn onto Camino Ramon, then right onto Omega Road. Zscape is located within a business park complex.
Address: 2110 Omega Rd, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 925-808-8869
7. Tee Off in Style at The Bridges Golf Course
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Avid golfers, corporate groups, brunch lovers, and those seeking scenic championship play.
What I Love: ♥ "With sloped fairways, manicured hillsides, and views that rival any postcard, The Bridges offers the kind of round you’ll remember long after the final putt."
- Play an 18-hole championship course renowned for its pristine conditions and tournament pedigree.
- Dine at the Mediterranean-style restaurant offering lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with hillside views.
- Experience one of the East Bay’s most scenic and challenging golf layouts since 1999.
Cost: Rates vary by tee time and membership status; public tee times available.
Best time to visit: Weekdays for a peaceful round; weekends for brunch and golf combo experiences.
Local tips: Book a twilight tee time for amazing sunset play. Great venue for corporate outings and private events.
Distance: About 10 minutes from central San Ramon; approximately 45 minutes east of San Francisco.
How to Get to The Bridges Golf Course: From I-680, take Bollinger Canyon Road east. Turn onto South Gale Ridge Road and follow signs to the club entrance.
Address: 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd, San Ramon, CA 94582
Phone: 925-735-4253
Where to Eat:
8. Savor Comfort with Charm at Clementine’s
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Brunch lovers, Southern food fans, date nights, jazz enthusiasts, and cocktail seekers.
What I Love: ♥ "From beignets to gumbo, Clementine’s wraps you in Southern charm—live jazz hums, cocktails flow, and the flavors bring a bit of the bayou to downtown San Ramon."
- Feast on Cajun-inspired cuisine and classic American comfort food—all made from scratch.
- Sip handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, and imported spirits at the full-service bar.
- Enjoy live jazz performances during select nights in a New Orleans-style setting.
Cost: Moderate; brunch, lunch, and dinner options priced for comfort and value.
Best time to visit: Weekend brunches for indulgent bites; evenings for jazz and cocktails.
Local tips: Breakfast is served all day. Call ahead for live music nights or special events.
Distance: Centrally located in San Ramon; approximately 40 minutes from San Francisco.
How to Get to Clementine’s: From I-680, exit at Crow Canyon Road. Head east, then turn south onto San Ramon Valley Boulevard—Clementine’s is just ahead in the heart of downtown.
Address: 18070 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 925-973-0433
9. Raise a Glass at the Brass Door
Location: San Ramon, CA
Recommended For: Steak lovers, wine connoisseurs, date nights.
What I Love: ♥ "A timeless steakhouse with old-school elegance."
- Dine on signature dishes like Petite Filet Mignon with Béarnaise and Calamare Doré Amandine.
- Unwind with global wines, craft brews, and cocktails in an intimate, polished setting.
- Host private events in banquet rooms perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Cost: Upscale; worth it for quality cuts, refined service, and exceptional ambiance.
Best time to visit: Evenings for elegant dinners; weekday afternoons for happy hour specials like half-price appetizers.
Local tips: Reserve ahead for weekends. Happy hour is a great way to experience high-end dishes at a great value.
Distance: Centrally located in San Ramon; about 40 minutes from San Francisco.
How to Get to The Brass Door: From I-680, take Crow Canyon Road east and turn south onto San Ramon Valley Blvd. The Brass Door is just ahead on the right-hand side.
Address: 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA 94583
Phone: 925-837-2501
Plan Your Trip