Explore San Ramon through its trails, local history, and performing arts. The trails vary in length and landscape features; historic sites offer insights into agriculture in the San Ramon Valley and life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. When planning your trip, you can consider nature trails, historic visits, and culture as distinct areas of focus.
Trails by Length and Landscape
The Alamo Creek Trail is 2.84 miles long. At 0.76 miles, the Annabel Trail is considerably shorter and is specifically rated as easy. Its trailhead is near Bishop Drive and Sunset Drive. The trail runs alongside Annabel Lake and offers opportunities to observe unique wildlife and plant species. Its shorter distance, difficulty rating, and opportunities for wildlife observation make the Annabel Trail a clearly defined choice if you are looking for these features.
The Iron Horse Regional Trail runs for 4.5 miles through San Ramon. The Iron Horse Trail is suitable for walking, running, and cycling; horseback riders and leashed dogs can also use it. The Dougherty Valley Ridge Trail follows the ridge of the Dougherty Hills and offers views of the valley and Mt. Diablo. While the lake and opportunities to observe wildlife and plant species shape the character of the Annabel Trail, the ridge and views define this one. This lets you consider a specific landscape feature alongside trail length when making your selection.
Agricultural History and Historic Homes
Forest Home Farms Historic Park preserves and presents the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley. A self-guided visit provides background on and the history of the farm. The Tractor Museum is an exhibit in the park and adds to this insight into agricultural history. Forest Home Farms was added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources in June 2002.
Forest Home Farms Historic Park is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed on federal holidays. Since opening hours may change, check them before your visit.
The David and Eliza Glass House Museum offers a different historical perspective: the white Victorian home in the Italianate style 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. Its construction date, architecture, and thematic focus give the site a specific historical context. Free public tours with trained guides are scheduled for Saturdays at 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Check before your visit to confirm that these times are still in effect.
Theater and Culture
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; the program varies. If you would like to include a cultural event in your trip plans, check the current program. Along with the historic homes and park, performing arts offer another way to explore San Ramon.
Discover more destinations: Concord, Orinda, Bethel Island, Lafayette, Pittsburg, Discovery Bay, Pacheco, Brentwood
For the broader travel overview: Contra Costa.
