San Ramon is a city in California located in the valley of the same name. It is also to the east of San Francisco. The city has a Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and warm and dry summers. San Ramon hotels often provide such amenities as free Wi-Fi or free parking, and some have pools or restaurants. The city also has a variety of attractions that will appeal to visitors.
1) Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness is about 5.4 miles northwest of San Ramon, and it covers 5,342 acres. There are many trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The park has its own stables and offers riding lessons to people who are at least five years old. There are also two areas for picnicking and another area for camping. There are many birds in the area, including several species of hawk and the occasional golden eagle. Many deer live in the park, and some visitors have also seen squirrels, raccoons, opossums, foxes, and bobcats.
2) Museum of the San Ramon Valley
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located in Danville, which is about three miles north of San Ramon. It is dedicated to the history of the area and thus includes artifacts and photographs of historical buildings. It currently has a temporary exhibit dedicated the centennial of the end World War I that will run through December 30. A second temporary exhibit about Christmas traditions will run from November 20 to December 30.
3) Wine Tasting
San Ramon is located in the Tri-Valley Wine Country, which is one of the oldest wine regions in California. Spanish padres had planted the first grape vines in the area back in the 1760s. Robert Livermore planted the first commercial vineyards roughly 80 years later. Today, there are over 45 wineries, and most of them are owned and operated by families. Wine tasting usually cost about $5.00 or $10.00, but some wineries provide free tastings, while others charge $20.00; the latter group will often pair the wines with gourmet cheeses and meat. Some wineries also offer tours or sell gifts.
4) The Golden Skate
The Golden Skate is an indoor roller skate rink. Patrons may rent skates or bring their own, and they can choose between inline skates and conventional roller skates. It offers lessons in skating and runs a hockey program. Some programs are reserved for children under ten, while Wednesday nights are set aside for adults.
5) Forest Home Historic Park
Forest Home Historic Park was originally a farm bequeathed to the city by its owner, Ruth Quayle Boone. It has 16 acres, and a creek bisects it. The various houses and buildings constructed and used by the Boone family are located in the park’s northern half. The Boone House is a Dutch Colonial that was built in 1900 and has 22 rooms. There is also a barn that was built in the mid-19th century. The Glass House Museum, which was originally a Victorian house built in 1877, is located in the park’s southern half. Free programs are held every Saturday. Upcoming programs include “Holiday on the Farm” on December 8, “Victorian Christmas Cards” on December 15, and “Victorian Tea” on January 12.