Discover San Ramon: Trails, History, and Culture

Discover San Ramon through specific themes: trails of varying lengths and landscapes, the history of the San Ramon Valley, historic architecture, and performing arts. If you’re looking for a hotel in San Ramon, your planned itinerary can help you decide where to stay. Consider whether nature viewing, a trail route, or historical and cultural interests will be the focus of your stay.

Trails and Landscape

The Annabel Trail runs along Annabel Lake and offers opportunities to observe unique plant and animal species. It is 0.76 miles long and rated easy; one trailhead is near Bishop Drive and Sunset Drive. Compared with the 2.84-mile Alamo Creek Trail, it is the shorter option. If you’re considering a shorter route with a connection to the lake and opportunities for nature viewing, these features may be useful in planning.

The Alamo Creek Trail is 2.84 miles long. The Iron Horse Regional Trail runs for 4.5 miles through San Ramon. Walking, running, and cycling are possible on the Iron Horse Trail; horseback riding and leashed dogs are also permitted uses. The different lengths and activities described provide specific points to consider when planning your time outdoors.

The Dougherty Valley Ridge Trail follows the crest of the Dougherty Hills and offers views of the valley and Mt. Diablo. This adds a landscape element to the trail lengths and permitted uses: if you’re especially interested in a ridge and the views, you can consider this trail as a distinct option.

Agricultural History and Historic Architecture

Forest Home Farms Historic Park preserves and presents the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley. A self-guided tour provides background and history about the farm; the Tractor Museum is an exhibit on the grounds. The park is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is closed on federal holidays. As opening hours may change, check them before your visit.

Forest Home Farms was added to the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources in June 2002. The David and Eliza Glass House Museum offers a different historical focus: the white Italianate Victorian home was built in 1877. It opened as a historic house museum in 2010 and focuses on life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this way, the home’s story connects architectural history with life in those eras.

Free public tours of the David and Eliza Glass House Museum with trained guides are listed for Saturdays at 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. Before traveling there, check whether these times apply to your visit.

Performing Arts

The Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center is a modern theater with 587 seats. San Ramon Performing Arts offers rental options for concerts, lectures, dance performances, and theatrical productions; individual programs vary. If you’d like to include a performance in your travel plans, check the schedule for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: San Pablo, Brentwood, Pacheco, Pinole, Alamo, Martinez, Pittsburg, Lafayette

For the broader travel overview: Contra Costa.