Berkeley

Travel Guide
Berkeley
Express yourself in many ways in the eclectic neighborhoods of this city where the Free Speech Movement started in the 1960s.

Berkeley, California, was a focal point during Vietnam War demonstrations in the 1960s. Recently protests have centered on the University of California city’s campus. Visit UC Berkeley and its 178-acre (72-hectare) park-like campus that links sections of the city. Take a self-guided tour and listen to a lecture in the university’s exploratory thinking environment.

Connected to UC Berkeley’s south campus is Telegraph Avenue’s abundance of book and record stores, each one unique. Stroll through this area for an interesting blend of old-time and contemporary California culture.

While Telegraph Avenue is acclaimed for its trendy stores, cafés and highly rated hotels, Gourmet Ghetto and Downtown Berkeley provide varied fine restaurants and local cuisine. Follow the Edible Excursions Culinary Walking Tour, one of the best in the San Francisco Bay area.

Berkeley is a great place for families, with many fun activities. Come to Adventure Playground rated by National Geographic as one of the USA’s best play areas for climbing, zip lining and other attractions. It was built from reclaimed materials and is free. Experience Aquatic Park for hiking, bird watching, boating or a game of Frisbee golf. Try Cesar Chavez Park’s paved trail crossing 90 acres (36 hectares) of gently rolling terrain overlooking San Francisco Bay.

Lawrence Hall of Science has interactive displays for all family members, including a planetarium program and 3-D movie theater. Take younger family members to Habitot Children’s Discovery Museum for scientific concepts introduced in an easy-to-understand format with many art activities as well.

You’ll also find one of the largest reptile specialty stores in the country at East Bay Vivarium, with an outstanding collection of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and tarantulas. Even if you’re just browsing, it offers a fascinating visit. Play one of 800 board or dexterity games while sipping craft coffee or beer or savoring an artisanal pizza at Victory Point Café.

There is plenty to do when visiting Berkeley’s many neighborhoods and experiencing the city’s spirit, which ultimately defines California.

Where to stay in Berkeley

Berkeley which includes a sunset, general coastal views and a river or creek

Downtown Berkeley

5/5(1 area review)

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Downtown Berkeley Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Berkeley
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Albany

Albany is well liked for its seaside views and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Albany
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North Berkeley

While visiting North Berkeley, you might make a stop by sights like Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents.

North Berkeley
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South Berkeley

While you're in South Berkeley, take in top sights like Telegraph Avenue and jump on the metro at Ashby Station to see more of the city.

South Berkeley
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Berkeley Hills

If you're spending some time in Berkeley Hills, Indian Rock Park and Berkeley Municipal Rose Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Berkeley Hills
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Central Berkeley

Central Berkeley might not have many top sights, but Historic Berkeley and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Central Berkeley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM576 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
RM576
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,021 reviews)
"A beautiful Marina View!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM592 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM592
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,361 reviews)
"The property is located at a walking distance from Japan town and retail stores. Restaurants are also nearby."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is RM587 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
RM587
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,203 reviews)
"Amazing staff, hotel convenient Would go back!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (2,532 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Last remodel was in the 70’s."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2024

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Baden Apartments
Baden Apartments
2 out of 5
411 Baden Ave, South San Francisco, CA
Stay at this apartment in South San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi and a microwave. Popular attractions The Shops at Tanforan and Serramonte Center are located nearby. ...
7.4/10 Good! (13 reviews)
"Everything was great with the property. I would have loved to watch tv before bed but all wax well."

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2023

Baden Apartments
Modern Trendy Spacious Homes SSFDowntown
Modern Trendy Spacious Homes SSFDowntown
2 out of 5
429 Baden Ave, South San Francisco, CA
Stay at this apartment in South San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a Smart TV, and satellite TV. Popular attractions The Shops at Tanforan and Serramonte Center ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"It feel like home!"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2024

Modern Trendy Spacious Homes SSFDowntown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Berkeley

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Feb 2020

The town was clean, green, student based. Great facilities and not too big.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 May 2019

Interesting one-off shops, friendly locals, easy to get around ... well worth a side trip.