Location: Berkeley
Top Things to do in Berkeley
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What to do and see in Berkeley, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Lawrence Hall of Science
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
The Lawrence Hall of Science is UC Berkeley's Public Science Center. Join us and discover your inner scientist through fun and hands-on explorations in engineering, physics, astronomy, and more! Visit the Hall's Science on a Sphere® and take control of a planet on a 6-ft diameter globe, meet an animal friend in the Animal Discovery Room, and design, build, and test your own creations in Design Quest. Looking for even more ways to explore science? Add a Planetarium or National Geographic 3D Theater show to your visit (Planetarium and 3D Theater admission is extra).
Reviewed By Oaklandmom222
Maybe you have to be inclined towards math and science, but my 6 & 9yo truly love it here, and would live here if we let them. It’s all very hands-on, no kid-unfriendly read-only exhibits. Science and math concepts presented as games, experiments, and crafts/building. Thousands and thousands of those little keva plank blocks to build structures higher than you. Outdoor play area (water play, life-sized whale, super-sized DNA climbing structure). Build and shoot off paper rockets. Hefty supply of Legos. Stop-motion animation. 3-D documentaries. Family-friendly cafeteria (and outside grounds) with arguably the best views in the Bay Area. Temporary exhibit changes every few months, but always enjoyed. Ample parking lot next door is $1/hr.
3. Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Groomer4life - Fair Oaks, United States
So beautiful! It doesn’t even cost anything to enter. Nice place to go with well behaved kids that can stay on the paths. It was really cool to see so many endangered and extinct plants there. Some of the plants were dormant because of it being winter. My kids(10 & 6 years old) really enjoyed it too. They also have special times where they do guided tours. The only part that was not my favorite was driving up the very vertical Marin Rd to get to the botanical garden. I highly recommend visiting to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty around us.
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. Greek Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Echow707 - San Francisco, United States
This is a great venue, plenty of seating options, it’s all general admission, great sound, good concessions.
6. Lake Anza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By gregoryt219 - San Jose, United States
very nice short hike around the lake. few trails are available to go further. swimming spot during season
7. 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.
