If your trip to San Ramon is all organized but your itinerary is looking a bit empty, let us give you a helping hand.Not too far from the city center, Bridges Golf Club is one sight you might like to consider putting on your must-see list. Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve and Crow Canyon Country Club are also not far away and worth checking out.

You’re probably wondering what else is around you. Head a little further afield from the center of San Ramon and you’ll stumble on a few landmark sights. Pier 39 barely needs an introduction. Located about 25 miles away in San Francisco, your travel itinerary should include this unmissable attraction.

Meet the locals while you’re in San Ramon by attending an event at one of the area’s popular convention centers. There are a few terrific things on, so scan through the schedule and write down a date. Recommended places include:

• Kaiser Convention Center (16 miles away).
• Oakland Convention Center (16 miles away).

Having your own car in San Ramon will give you the freedom to go wherever you want. Maybe you just can’t wait to escape town, explore the country laneways, and see where the wind takes you. If that’s the case, collect the keys to one of our full-size or mid-size SUVs and discover the sandy shores in the area. If you’d rather experience the bright lights of the city, slide behind the wheel of something small. Navigating those busy streets will be a lot less stressful in an economy or compact car.

You’ll be happy to hear that there’s a great range of both luxury and economy rental vehicles on offer in San Ramon. What you opt for will depend on your budget and the activities you’ve got planned. Prestige vehicles offer the best in mod cons and comfort. If you’re splurging, why not pick up an SUV with all the bells and whistles, or perhaps an upmarket medium-sized sedan? On the other hand, if you’re just after something to get from A to B as efficiently as possible, maybe go for a budget compact vehicle (or something else that won’t burn a hole in your wallet).

In San Ramon, you’ll have to stick to the right-hand side. When visiting someplace new, it’s always a smart idea to book an automatic vehicle. That way, you can focus on the road ahead and save worrying about gear changes.

It can be. Circling the block looking for a parking spot isn’t unusual in San Ramon. Getting within walking distance of big-name attractions is easier if you plan ahead.

As with most destinations, the roads are generally busy in the rush hours before and after work. However, thanks to its smaller population of roughly 76,100, traffic jams aren’t a big concern in San Ramon.

The residential areas in San Ramon have a 25mph speed limit. Outside these built-up areas, the speed limits normally range between 15mph and 70mph.

Normally, one of two things will happen. Your chosen rental car company may bill the amount of the fine to your credit card. This is the usual practice. Otherwise, it may provide your contact details to the relevant local authority so the fine is sent to you directly.

It is prohibited to use your cell phone while driving in San Ramon, and you could even be fined for simply handling a phone if you’re in control of a vehicle. However, the use of hands-free or Bluetooth functions is allowed, as long as your attention stays on the road.

In San Ramon, it’s a punishable offence to operate a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) higher than 0.08%. If you’re in the mood for a couple of drinks with lunch or dinner, you’d be wise to leave the rental car behind.

Yes, drivers are allowed to turn on a red light in San Ramon. However, before you do you have to bring the car to a total stop. Proceed only when the lane you are turning into is clear of approaching traffic.

Seat belts have to be worn in Contra Costa County. Having said that, the rules may not apply for some vehicles, such as those operated by public transportation systems.