Location: Berkeley
Top Things to do in Berkeley
Countries
What to do and see in Berkeley, California (CA): The Best Free Things to do
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. Moe's Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By hlazer
This historic independent bookstore is a must. Superb range of books and posters/art, a knowledgeable staff, fine selection of rare books, and a great poetry reading series (free!). Check the Moe's calender.
2. Berkeley Fire Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By F9427HWjamesh
Awesome place for workout and great view from hill If you are looking a nearby medium hiking/workout place in Berkeley then Clark Kerr Fire trail is the one. Its quite, full of nature, easy trail to find the track and nice sitting place with great view of golden gate and bay area. If you are fond of cycling then this could be best but choose southeast route. Choose a clear day to hike if you want to see further till golden gate and bay area.
3. Monterey Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 441peggyw - Saint Paul, United States
Monterey Market has had the freshest, most flavorful produce around. During citrus season, they carry a large range of options for your table. They have the largest range of mushrooms I’ve seen anywhere. If you are curious about trying some different produce, this is the place. I have always found staff to ge very helpful.
4. 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.
5. Fourth Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 362 reviews
GAP free shopping street, with plenty of unique shops and artists studios selling their wares.
Reviewed By gaylem113 - Chicago, United States
Great for a stroll near the harbor in this quasi-industrial area. No shortage of coffee, restaurants, shops and arts, including a cooperative with working artist onsite.
6. Blake Garden
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. Centennial Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Pfitzgerald1946 - Berkeley, United States
Centennial Drive begins at the CAL football stadium and continues to Grizzly Peak Boulevard near the top of the Berkeley Hills. If you have a good road bike and you are in very good shape, try the challenge of pedalling up without getting off your bike. The reward will be an entrance to the rolling hills of beautiful Tilden Park. Assuming you are driving from the stadium going up the hill, on your right are the women's softball fields and the famous rugby field. CAL's men's team has been the best team in the country almost every year for a long time. Further up is Strawberry Canyon Aquatics Center. For five dollars you can swim and lay out. It is a great spot to take kids or to meet people. Another quarter mile or so up the road is a small parking lot to the right which is the beginning of Berkeley's most popular running path. It is a fire road that goes up rather steeply for almost two miles and then more gradually for another 2+ miles. Most people run or hike as far as a bench with a great view of San Francisco, the bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Continuing up the road another quarter mile gets you to the renowned University of California Botanical Gardens. A visitor to the area should try to find time to check it out for its diverse collection of plants from all over the world. Continuing past the parking lots to the botanical gardens you will arrive at the high security Berkeley Lab with cyclotron and nuclear research. From here you will go up the incredibly steep stretch of Centennial Drive to the Lawrence Hall of Science, a great museum with enough educational stuff for kids to keep them busy for days. Just past the entrance to the museum is a parking lot with one of the best views in the entire Bay Area . Continuing up the hill to Grizzly Peak, you can now enter Tilden Park with its lake for swimming, golf course, hikes, merry-g0 round and other adventures
10. Eastshore State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We returned to view San Francisco Bay. We saw it this time from the very large park by the marina called Eastshore State Park.
