Situated within the Bay Space close to San Francisco, Berkeley is a traditional mix of historical past, artwork, tradition, and delicacies and serves as a breeding floor for writers, artists, and musicians. Berkeley is the house to the distinguished UC Berkeley, also referred to as Cal, and the inception place of activism in the course of the Civil Rights Era.
The city can also be identified for its artwork scene in addition to structure, making it a hidden gem inside the Southern California map. With a wealthy historical past, Berkeley is a city that each California vacationer ought to cease in.
UPDATE: 2023/07/19 16:29 EST BY NOAH STAATS
Berkeley, California, Is A lot Extra Than Meets The Eye!
This text has been refreshed with new locations to see whereas in Berkeley, California, in addition to different useful data for a profitable California getaway. From the College of Berkeley, the marina, 4th Avenue, and even a Nineteen Forties horse racing facility, this city is filled with issues to expertise. Have enjoyable and be protected!
Issues To Do
Berkeley gives a plethora of mind-soothing vacationer hotspots, together with varied cafés, bookstores, meet-up factors, and lodging choices, making it a pleasant weekend getaway within the Bay Space. Here is our final information to the school city and California gem!
1 Catch A Present At The Greek Theatre
Boats crusing on water in Berkeley
One factor to do whereas in Berkeley, California, is to go to the Greek Theatre. Right here, individuals can expertise one of many nation’s most beloved and acknowledged outside leisure facilities.
This amphitheater hosts numerous reside performances in addition to native productions all year long, making it a first-rate spot for tradition. One of many good issues about Berkeley is its love for the humanities.
As well as, the Greek Theatre is an 8,500-seat property owned and operated by the College of California, Berkeley. Like a lot of town, UC Berkeley has its palms on this attraction.
-
Deal with
: Hearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720 -
Hours
: Depending on the present
2 Tour The UC Berkeley Campus
Campanile, UC Berkeley
Take a tour of the a lot acclaimed UC Berkeley, and witness 178 acres of architectural marvel. Begin with Koret Customer Heart, which presents an entire tour of the campus; for these brief on time, go for the self-guided tour option.
Take the elevator on the Sather Tower to succeed in the highest of Cal’s most iconic constructing. Right here, a 200-foot degree platform gives a good looking view of the whole Bay Space and the Cal campus. Take a stroll round Strawberry Creek to get in Zen mode.
Take a photograph on the marble steps of Morrison Library, which serves as a spot for commencement pictures. Go searching for Founders Rock which is the center of the campus.
-
Deal with
: College Avenue and Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94720 -
Hours
: Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm · Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
What (else) is there to see at UC Berkeley?
Notable points of interest embody the historic Sproul Plaza, a middle of scholar exercise and the Free Speech Motion, the third-tallest bell and clock tower, Sather Tower, Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology with over 3 million artifacts, the Botanical Backyard, Hearst Greek Theater, and Lawrence Corridor of Science, providing reveals and planetarium exhibits for all ages, together with 3D movie screenings, with the UC Berkeley Campanile offering breathtaking views of the Bay Space.
Go to The Stunning Botanical Backyard In The Campus
Stretched in round a 34-acre space, this botanical backyard is dwelling to greater than 10,000 sorts of vegetation from the world over. Vacationers can get a tour of this backyard which begins at common intervals. Unwind below shades of timber and seize a fast chew whereas having fun with this nice backyard.
Telegraph Avenue District
Telegraph Avenue is positioned close to the UC Berkeley campus, it serves as a venue for socialization and gathering for UC Berkeley college students, and it’s identified for its roots within the 1960 Berkeley Protest.
That is floor zero for the counter-culture that makes Berkeley quirky.
The road is crammed with cafés, bookstores, and quite a few road distributors. Among the landmark music and bookstores embody Rasputin Music, Amoeba Music, and Moe’s Books.
Koret Customer Heart
That is the place to begin for visiting the UC Berkeley campus; it is a 1 hour 30 minute, student-guided tour and requires on-line reservation beforehand; go to the website for more information.
3 Head Over To Downtown Berkeley
Bay Space Skyline
Like different cities, Berkeley’s downtown is the center of town, surrounded by eating places, espresso retailers, and leisure hubs just like the Repertory Theatre. It is also price noting that the downtown part of Berkeley is taken into account the enterprise district, bringing places of work, eating places, retailers, and monetary establishments to the realm.
That is the place many vacationers wish to do most of their strolling, as it is easy to navigate between the numerous companies. On high of that, Downtown Berkeley is vigorous throughout weekends and holidays, being a favourite for college students and different younger residents.
An illuminated fountain and a farmers’ market are among the many points of interest at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Heart Park, so it is a spot everybody will wish to see whereas in Berkeley.
4 Take In The Sights At Tilden Nationwide Park
The College of California Berkeley, one of many premier studying establishments in america.
Situated within the east of the UC Berkeley campus, this 2077-acre park boasts breathtaking bay views with a wealthy botanical backyard. This park is beloved by youngsters, particularly the interactive little farm, steam practice, and classic carousel.
Guests can soak within the sundown, which is a hike away. This park additionally presents varied sights just like the Lake Anza swimming website, golf course, and varied picnic spots.
-
Deal with
: 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563 -
Hours
: Open every day from 5 am to 10 pm
5 Berkeley Artwork Museum And Pacific Movie Archive (BAMPFA)
College of California, Berkeley
Situated within the coronary heart of Berkeley downtown, it is a concoction of an artwork museum. This repertory movie show has an in depth assortment of roughly 28000 artworks and 18000 movies and movies.
It’s a delight for artwork lovers and serves as an academic house for UC Berkeley students and the general public. Don’t overlook to test their website for the newest exhibitions and movies.
-
Deal with
: 2155 Heart St, Berkeley, CA 94720 -
Hours
: Open Wednesday by means of Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
This artwork museum was first opened in 1970 and has since change into a beacon of town. For individuals who love movie, it is a must-see whereas within the Berkeley space.
6 Bask In The Sundown At Berkeley Marina
Berkeley Marina, California
Situated on College Avenue, this metropolis park is a fast getaway for nature lovers. The huge grassy land gives good picnic spots together with working trails and bike paths.
The Berkeley Marina is the westernmost portion of town of Berkeley, positioned west of the Eastshore Freeway on the foot of College Avenue on San Francisco Bay. That is the place many individuals spend dawn and sundown within the metropolis, watching it over the gorgeous blue water.
The Marina can also be free to enter and stroll round, making this a pleasant inexpensive day journey for company of town. There are fairly a number of eating places right here as effectively, together with ones serving contemporary Californian seafood!
-
Deal with
: 124 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710 (Marina Heart)
7 Store & Eat On 4th Avenue
Autumn Season, Berkeley
Situated north of College Avenue, this stretch is likely one of the busiest locations for refined buying and consuming within the metropolis. The road hosts greater than 70 retailers which can be designed conserving in thoughts the love of suave residing and vogue.
There are infinite shops right here, together with Lulu Lemon, Athletica, Kiehl’s, Madewell, MAC, and Aveda, in addition to smaller, locally-owned companies. Just like the Marina, 4th Street additionally boasts many eating places and public strolling areas, making it one other good place to spend a number of hours within the afternoon or night.
-
Deal with
: Fourth Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710 -
Hours
: Open 24 hours
For individuals not desirous to spend all day within the automotive, 4th Avenue is ideal for strolling or driving metropolis scooters/bikes. There are lots of eating places, retailers, and leisure alternatives all through this space of Berkeley.
8 Take Some Quiet Time At Indian Rock Park
Goats at UC Berkeley
Indian Rock Park is an ideal spot for gazing on the sundown; guests can witness the breathtaking surroundings unfolding in entrance of them because the solar sinks beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
Indian Rock Park is a 1.18-acre public park at 950 Indian Rock Avenue, the place varied social occasions and reside performances happen all year long. For these visiting Berkeley within the spring or summer time, there needs to be fairly a bit occurring all through the park, particularly on weekends.
Course-wise, the park is tucked away on the northeast aspect of Berkeley, about two blocks north of the Arlington/Marin Circle, and straddles Indian Rock Avenue.
This is likely one of the higher public parks within the space and is free to enter. Parking could be difficult within the busier months and seasons, so take into account that earlier than venturing out.
-
Deal with
: 950 Indian Rock Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707 -
Hours
: Open every day from 6 am to 10 pm
9 Store And Discover On San Pablo Avenue
College of California, Berkeley
Witness the evolution and variety of Berkeley tradition at this avenue; guests will discover each little bit of the world doing their enterprise on this joyful place. Right here they may get a number of the greatest avocado toast, thin-crust pizzas, and handcrafted cappuccino on the town.
San Pablo Avenue is a student-friendly neighborhood providing well-known board video games and free popcorn for grad college students. Store for dwelling decor on the well-known Mignonne Décor, or take a look at the expensive Victorian body at Ohmega Salvage.
Guests can discover some unique jewellery at Kiss My Ring and a few actually cool items at Juniper Tree Provides. If anybody within the group must maintain busy for the day, that is actually one spot to think about.
-
Deal with
: 2072 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702 -
Hours
: Open 24 hours
San Pablo Avenue is a significant thoroughfare that runs northwest from the middle of Oakland at Frank Ogawa Plaza to town of Crockett.
10 See A Race Or Live performance At Golden Gate Discipline
Home on road in Berkeley, California
Sports activities fanatics won’t wish to miss this place, it’s a one-stop place for horse watching and sports activities watching, and there are rooms with loads of indoor and outside seating amenities that broadcast a number of sports activities concurrently.
It is price mentioning that this location has been an American horse racing monitor straddling Albany, California, and Berkeley since 1941 and has change into a historic landmark of the realm. Structurally, it is very distinctive and tends to be a sizzling spot for images.
On high of that, there are additionally reside music occasions held right here all year long, making it a pleasant spot to unwind at evening. It is beneficial to test the official website for upcoming occasions and plan accordingly.
-
Deal with
: 1100 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710 -
Hours
: Depending on the occasion
11 Finest Time To Go To Berkeley
College of California, Berkeley
Berkeley enjoys refreshing climate all yr spherical – because of its location within the San Francisco Bay Space, the local weather is often delicate – summers not too sizzling and winters not too chilly!
A very good time to go to is between June to August, which can also be when a variety of vacationers flock to town, so lodge and actions costs are often on the upper aspect.
-
Does Berkeley, California get snow?
No
; it is very uncommon for Berkeley to expertise snow, particularly at its elevation of 171 toes.
12 Finest Methods To Get Round Berkeley
Bay Space Speedy Transit, Berkeley
Berkeley will be reached by way of San Francisco or Oakland airport if guests choose air journey. Take into account flying to Oakland, as it’s a smaller airport, comparatively simpler to handle, and likewise, it’s nearer to Berkeley.
From both of those airports, guests can take a taxi, which will probably be expensive, or they’ll use BART (Bay Space Speedy Transit), take a shuttle to BART, and BART to Berkeley!
Get down at “Downtown Berkeley” station and catch a BearTransitShuttle, or an AC Transit Bus to journey inside the metropolis. Guests also can e-book an Uber for comfy journey.
13 The place To Eat In Berkeley, California
Cafes, Berkeley
Berkeley, with its numerous and widespread meals joints providing genuine delicacies experiences, presents a superb alternative for vacationers to mix their culinary adventures with sightseeing, making it a must-visit vacation spot for meals lovers.
Shattuck & Vine Avenue Neighborhood
Shattuck and Vine Avenue is a culinary heaven! Alice Waters’s Chez Panisse attracted a variety of meals enterprises, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to place up retailers throughout Shattuck Avenue.
Situated on this road is Gourmet Ghetto, which presents meals from the world over at a broad worth vary. Head on to Chez Panisse, which is an upscale American restaurant crafted by Alice Waters and devoted to contemporary and seasonal meals. Take a look at the 400 totally different cheeses provided by the Cheeseboard Collective, which is a worker-owned cooperative. The place hosts an natural farmer’s market each Thursday. Guests also can join a culinary strolling tour or simply roam across the road and discover a number of the most interesting culinary, reward retailers, and self-designed jewellery retailers.
If guests are up for contemporary Indian delicacies, Hop on to Tigerlily or stroll down a number of steps to Epicurious Backyard for Shushi or gelato. Within the temper for some wine tasting? Search for Classic Berkeley wine store and get a fairly priced bottle right here. True espresso lovers cannot miss unique Peet’s Espresso and Tea on the nook of Walnut and Vine store to take pleasure in Berkeley darkish roast java espresso since 1966.
Masse’s Pastries is a mix of artwork and meals that vacationers mustn’t miss when exploring this avenue. If sandwiches and salad sound good, strive Gregoire. E book a culinary strolling tour by Edible Excursion to expertise the North Shattuck’s delicacies in one of the simplest ways potential.
Downtown
Berkeley downtown is crammed with meals corners starting from fast chew retailers to superb eating, do take a look at Collect for omnivorous delicacies and craft cocktails. Zino presents a fine-dining Mediterranean delicacies possibility. Almare Gelato and Italian ice lotions are all-time favorites.
Telegraph Avenue
This four-and-a-half-mile stretch is likely one of the most distinct industrial districts of Berkeley. It’s the birthplace of lattes and has additionally made ice cream and sandwiches well-known. Take a look at The Chicken and High Canine, Henery’s, and Mezzo, the sandwich and salad spot for meals price making an attempt.
Finest Locations To Attempt Berkeley’s Genuine Drinks
Berkeley, California, is dwelling to a vibrant microbrewing scene that originated in 1985 at Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse. This native brewery boasts a devoted fan following because of its dedication to artisanal and alehouse delicacies. Jupiter is one other not-to-be-missed vacation spot, providing handcrafted beers and ales complemented by award-winning wood-fired pizzas. For these looking for an genuine style of Berkeley’s greatest brews, a go to to Gilman Brewing Firm guarantees an expertise crammed with award-winning drinks.
Wine fanatics will discover their haven in West Berkeley, the place a one-block radius is dwelling to a formidable array of half a dozen wineries. Among the many notable wineries are Broc Cellars, Doney & Goat, Lusu Cellars, and Vinca Minor, every providing pleasant and flavorful pure wines. And if one occurs to wander round Fourth Avenue, the elevated wine-tasting expertise at Wine SoCru is to not be neglected.
14 The place To Keep In And Round Berkeley
Resort inside, Berkeley California
Whether or not guests are on a luxurious journey with household having fun with a vacation or backpacking Bay Space and in search of a price range keep, Berkeley has a variety of choices to supply. It’s well-connected with roads, so going from one place to a different will not be a tiresome activity.
Listed below are a number of the most interesting keep choices primarily based on price range.
Downtown Berkeley Inn
Super 8 By Wyndham Berkeley
- Situated on College Avenue near BART and the college campus, this renovated Motel presents all facilities that vacationers count on. Proper from TV and fridge to parking and 24-hour customer support.
-
Deal with:
1619 University Ave, Berkeley, California 94703 - Price: $
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Berkeley
- Situated on College Avenue, the 26-unit property presents free visitor parking, TV, hairdryer, and 24-hour customer support and is close to North Berkeley BART station and CAL.
- Deal with: 1512 College Ave, Berkeley, California 94703
- Price: $$ – $$$
Quality Inn University
Travelodge by Wyndham Berkeley
Bancroft Hotel
- Top-of-the-line inns if vacationers can shell out more money, positioned very near the Cal, this inexperienced lodge presents bay and campus views with all of the facilities.
-
Deal with:
2680 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, California 94704 - Price: $$$
Berkeley City Club
Rose Garden Inn
DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina
- The most effective factor about this luxurious lodge is its location in Berkeley Marina, because it gives an incredible view of the Bay Space, San Francisco skyline, and Golden Bridge. The rooms are spacious and include both balcony or patio.
-
Deal with:
200 Marina Blvd., Berkeley, California 94710 - Price: $$$$
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
15 Ideas For Visiting Berkeley, California
Campanile Structure, Berkeley
Stunning murals on partitions, parks, and driveways will be discovered all through town, so a strolling tour could also be so as. Berkeley is a really numerous metropolis; it accepts individuals coming from totally different walks of life, making its tradition distinctly vibrant.
Berkeley has a sequence of small eating places and retailers which can be genuine to town and can’t be discovered anyplace else. Town ignites creativity in a number of other ways – murals, e-book cafés, hidden stairways in Berkeley Hills, and How Berkeley Can You Be Parade.
16 How To Spend A Excellent Day In Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Berkeley has quite a bit to supply to its vacationers. The wealthy and vibrant tradition of town is seen in its structure, cuisines, and artwork. An ideal day in Berkeley ought to embody a go to to the acclaimed UC Berkeley campus, the place guests can spend time within the Botanical Backyard, Sather Tower, Sproul Plaza, and Lawrence Corridor of Science.
Spend the afternoon visiting BAMPFA, the artwork museum and repertory movie show, and exploring the Shattuck and Vine Avenue and witness a number of the genuine delicacies that Berkeley has to supply.
The night needs to be reserved for a nature stroll at Tilden Park, particularly in the course of the sundown, to seize the gorgeous surroundings of the solar dipping down on the Bay Space. Late evenings will be spent buying on 4th Avenue or Downtown.
FAQ
Q: What’s the greatest time to go to Berkeley?
Finest time to go to Berkeley is between June to August when the temperature is reasonable and town is vigorous.
Q: What actions does Berkeley provide?
Berkeley is a university city identified for artwork, botany, historical past, and the San Francisco Bay. Town of San Francisco itself, the most walkable place in the US, is just a brief day journey away.
Q: What’s Berkeley identified for?
Berkeley is named a university city that is handy to the remainder of the Bay, together with San Francisco. It is one of the must-see places in California for artwork, tradition, and extra.
Recent Comments