Location: Berkeley
Top Things to do in Berkeley
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The 10 Best Things to do in Berkeley, California (CA)
The counter-culture, flower power center of the 60s, bohemian Berkeley has evolved into a culinary and cultural travel scene. Shift into low gear and people-watch along quirky Telegraph Avenue while checking out the bookstores and cafes. After strolling through the UC Berkeley campus, the Berkeley Rose Garden and the Downtown Arts District, head into the hills for an outdoor adventure in Tilden Park or cruise down to the waterfront park, where the San Francisco skyline sparkles across the bay.
Restaurants in Berkeley
1. University of California, Berkeley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 924 reviews
California's most prestigious public university is the home of liberalism and revolution.
Reviewed By Kittygal - Los Angeles, United States
I've loved this campus since I first visited for football and basketball games against my alma mater, UCLA. And during my law school days across the bay, I'd escape to study at the Boalt library on occasion. I returned for a visit during my first post Covid trip to the Bay Area. It was great to see the timeless beauty of the campus and marvel at all the new construction. Glad the old stand bys are still there, too (Rasputin's, Bear's Lair, Golden Bear, Smokehouse). During my grad school days, we often said that you could see the bell tower from SF on an exceptionally fine, clear day. And I'm here to say that during my recent visit, I could see clear to the Golden Gate Bridge from my vantage point at the base of the bell tower. Happily, some things only get better with time.
2. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 477 reviews
Past Strawberry Canyon is the 34-acre Botanical Garden, which holds about 13,000 species of plants. The species are organized according to regions of the world, and the garden has a great collection of native Californian plants. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy the collections, Garden Store, and Plant Deck. Be sure to check out the glasshouses, Chinese Medicinal Herb Garden, and Redwood Grove. The Garden is open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day of the year except the first Tuesday of each month, Thanksgiving Day, December 24 and 25, December 31, January 1, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Online advanced admission tickets are required for all visitors, including Garden Members.
Reviewed By 107JohnM107
The University of California Botanical Garden is a sneaky attraction. The opening sections of native California plants near the entrance is nice, but not enthralling. But walks farther from the entrance build slowly to a strong crescendo -- so many different plants from so many different areas of the world. The cactus section was particularly impressive; the greenhouse collection of flesh-eating plants was creepy but delightful, too. And throughout the garden are plenty of comfortable wood benches for pondering the wealth of thriving plant life, plus distant views of San Francisco Bay and its bridges. All in all, a magical place for the gardener and plant lover alike.
3. Berkeley Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
One of the recommended windsurfing launch spots.
Reviewed By 745CatherineK - Berkeley, United States
Great views of the bay. Off leash dog area but a nice easy walk around Cesar Chavez is a treat. Path is paved for a good portion and flat so strollers and wheelchairs can enjoy the park. You can have lunch at the several restaurants available and kids can enjoy building stuff at the adventure playground or learn to windsurf or fly their kite. There is even a yearly kite festival.
4. Tilden Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 542 reviews
Tilden is one of Berkeley's oldest and most popular parks that offers a variety of family-fun activities like pony rides and carousels.
Reviewed By 992eileent
Great place to see incredible Bay area views! Beautiful picnic areas for friends and family. The carousel is amazing with snack bar and lots if history, and the mini steam train is a must for kids and adults, alike,a beautiful ride through the redwoods!
5. Indian Rock Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By macaron789
A beautiful small park, from where to watch the sunset over the Bay Area. The perfect spot to contemplate, linger, and share a Cheeseboard pizza.
6. Tilden Park Little Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By ThaisaF319 - Berkeley, United States
The Little Farm, is like stepping into a farm of the past, the kind farm one farmer had, with cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, pigs, and goats. You can bring lettuce or celery sit's an interactive experience for kids. The Little Farm is a working farm and you get a chance to see how a farm works--or used to work. The animals are clearly cared for, and there's a chance to see feedings. A great experience!
7. Adventure Playground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By TyKaGo - Berkeley, United States
This playground is truly unique and an early educators dream. All the research raves about the benefits of unstructured outdoor play. This playground will show you first hand how amazing play is. There are no highly lacquered new structures... No rubber chips lining the ground... No patches of super green grass. Think brown, dirt, rustic. This is a child's paradise. Leave the cute frilly clothes back at home... make sure they wear closed toe shoes and something that can get really dirty, because they are going to get really dirty. They can play, hunt for nails with the most rustic metal detector you have ever seen, turn the nails in for paint buckets or other tools like a saw or hammer, they can build and tinker... There is also a zipline that helps them attract even more dirt as if that is possible. Such a fun playground - not to be missed, and did I mention it is mostly free? They do offer a drop off service for a few hours for a fee if the child is over a certain age - make sure to check out their website for details on this and to check their open hours.
8. Grizzly Peak
9. Sather Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States
It is the third-tallest bell-and-clock-tower in the world. It has clocks on its four faces on the campus of the University of California in Berkeley. It is more commonly known as The Campanile for it’s resemblance to the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. It is a recognizable symbol of the university. It’s current 61-bell carillon, built around a nucleus of 12 bells can be heard for many miles. It was given by Jane Sather in memory of her husband, banker Peder Sather. Certainly worth a photo stop, while visiting UC Berkeley.
10. Berkeley Municipal Rose Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By gaylem113 - Chicago, United States
One hearty rose was blooming. A quiet place to sit and view the harbor and anticipate the wonders to emerge.
