Home to the University of California's flagship campus, this city is known for its progressive politics, intellectual atmosphere, and vibrant arts scene. The area has mild weather year-round.
Berkeley, California, sits on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay and is home to the University of California, Berkeley. The city pulses with intellectual energy and creativity. You can climb Sather Tower for panoramic views, browse through quirky shops on Telegraph Avenue, or relax in the terraced Berkeley Rose Garden. Food enthusiasts flock to Chez Panisse, while art lovers explore the Berkeley Art Museum. With its academic roots and forward-thinking community, Berkeley offers a unique urban experience.
Exploring the University of California, Berkeley Campus
The University of California, Berkeley campus forms the city's core. As you walk through Sather Gate, you'll see neoclassical buildings like Wheeler Hall and South Hall. Climb the 307-foot Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, for views stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Berkeley Hills. Visit the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive to view contemporary art exhibitions and rare film screenings.
Discovering Berkeley's Neighborhoods
Berkeley comprises several distinct areas. In North Berkeley, also called the Gourmet Ghetto, you'll find artisanal cheese shops, bakeries, and coffee roasters. The Elmwood district is home to independent bookstores like Mrs. Dalloway's and cozy cafes such as Espresso Roma. In West Berkeley, you can watch glassblowers at work in studios like Avalon Glassworks or browse handmade ceramics at Berkeley Potters Guild.
Exploring Green Spaces
Berkeley has numerous parks and natural areas. At the Berkeley Marina, you can fly kites or watch sailboats on the bay. The Berkeley Rose Garden, a terraced amphitheater with over 3,000 rose bushes, blooms from May to September. For longer hikes, head to Tilden Regional Park, where you can also ride a miniature steam train or visit the Little Farm to feed goats and sheep.
Experiencing Berkeley's Food Scene
Berkeley's restaurants often focus on local, seasonal ingredients. At Chez Panisse, founded by Alice Waters, you can enjoy fixed-price menus that change daily based on available produce. The Berkeley Farmers' Market, held three times a week, sells everything from organic vegetables to artisanal cheeses. For casual dining, try the falafel at Sunrise Deli on Bancroft Way or the wood-fired pizzas at Cheese Board Collective on Shattuck Avenue.
Engaging with Arts and Culture
Berkeley offers a range of cultural experiences. You can watch cutting-edge plays at Berkeley Repertory Theatre or listen to folk and bluegrass at Freight & Salvage. The Lawrence Hall of Science hosts interactive exhibits on topics like earthquakes and animal behavior, along with planetarium shows. Annual events include the Berkeley Kite Festival in July, where you can see giant octopus kites and participate in kite-making workshops.
Getting Around Berkeley
Berkeley has three BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) stations: Ashby, Downtown Berkeley, and North Berkeley, connecting the city to San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area. AC Transit buses run throughout Berkeley and to neighboring cities. The city has over 15 miles of bike lanes, with popular routes along Milvia Street and California Street. Many attractions are within a 20-minute walk from downtown, making it easy to explore on foot.
