Berkeley, California is a vibrant and eclectic city situated just across the bay from San Francisco.
A renowned center of learning, Berkeley is home to the University of California, Berkeley—one of the world’s top public universities.
The city is also known for its lively and progressive political culture, as well as its diverse array of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Berkeley is a great place to visit for anyone who wants to experience all that California has to offer.
Here are 16 of the best attractions to see when you’re in Berkeley:
1. Stroll Around The University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.
With its rolling hills, stately buildings, and lush gardens, it’s easy to see why. The best way to experience all that Berkeley has to offer is to take a stroll around campus.
Start at Sather Gate, the main entrance to the university, and make your way up Sproul Plaza.
This vibrant gathering space is often filled with students studying, chatting, or enjoying a meal from one of the many food carts.
From there, explore some of Berkeley’s famous landmarks, such as the Campanile Tower and Memorial Glade.
Then head to the campus’s north side to check out the Faculty Glade and people-watch at Stern Hall.
Finish up your tour by strolling through one of Berkeley’s many green spaces, such as Faculty Grove or Foothill Gardens. No matter what route you take, you’re sure to be impressed by Berkeley’s natural beauty.
2. Enjoy the Enchanting Variety of Roses at The Berkeley Rose Garden
Berkeley is known for its vibrant and diverse array of flowers, and the Berkeley Rose Garden is a must-see for any gardener or nature lover.
The garden features over 250 varieties of roses, including climbing roses, miniature roses, and antique roses.
In addition to its beautiful flowers, the garden also offers stunning views of San Francisco Bay.
You are welcome to stroll through the garden at your leisure, and picnicking roses is also allowed.
The Berkeley Rose Garden is a great place to find inspiration for your own home garden or simply to enjoy the beauty of nature.
3. Check out the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, or BAM/PFA for short, is one of the premier art museums in the Bay Area.
Located on the campus of UC Berkeley, BAM/PFA is home to a fascinating collection of art and film.
The museum’s galleries feature rotating exhibitions of both contemporary and historical art, while the film archive houses an impressive collection of rare and classic films.
In addition to its exhibitions, BAM/PFA also hosts a variety of special events, including film screenings, discussions, and performances.
Whether you’re an art lover or a film buff, BAM/PFA is sure to have something to interest you.
So check it out next time you’re in Berkeley!
4. Shop for Eclectic Treasures at the Berkeley Flea Market
Every Sunday, people from all over the Bay Area flock to the Berkeley Flea Market in search of treasures.
From vintage clothes and antique furniture to handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind art, the market has something for everyone.
While some shoppers come with specific items in mind, others simply enjoy browsing the eclectic mix of goods on offer.
Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or just hoping to find a hidden gem, the Berkeley Flea Market is the perfect place to start your search.
5. Hike to the top of Berkeley’s famous Campanile
The Campanile, also known as the Sather Tower, is a famous landmark on the UC Berkeley campus.
Standing over 300 feet tall, the Campanile is the third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world.
Visitors to UC Berkeley can take a self-guided tour of the Campanile or hike to the top for an incredible view of the Bay Area.
The Campanile is open 365 days a year, and even hosts overnight stay for those who want to watch the sunrise from its observation deck.
With its incredible views and rich history, the Campanile is a must-see for anyone visiting Berkeley.
6. Learn About Berkeley’s History at The Berkeley Historical Society
Berkeley has a long and storied history, and the Berkeley Historical Society is the perfect place to learn about it.
Founded in 1953, the Society is dedicated to preserving Berkeley’s unique past.
The Society’s museum is housed in a historic Victorian building, and its collections include items ranging from ancient Native American artifacts to twentieth-century photographs.
The Society also offers a variety of educational programs, including walking tours of Berkeley’s historic landmarks.
Whether you’re a lifelong Berkeley resident or a newcomer to the area, a visit to the Berkeley Historical Society is sure to be a fascinating experience.
7. Catch a Show at the Berkeley Repertory Theater
The Berkeley Repertory Theater is one of the Bay Area’s premier theater companies.
Founded in 1968, the Rep has produced a wide range of plays, from classics to new works.
The Rep is also known for its cutting-edge approach to theater, often incorporating innovative staging and multimedia into its productions.
Whether you’re a theater aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, the Berkeley Repertory Theater is sure to have a show that will interest you.
Check out their website to see what’s playing now.
8. Take Your Dog to César E. Chávez Park
César E. Chávez Park is the perfect place to take your four-legged friend for a day of fun in the sun.
Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, the park offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge.
And with nearly two miles of hiking trails, your dog will never get bored.
Best of all, the park is situated right next to the Ferry Building, so you can easily grab a bite to eat before or after your hike.
So next time you’re looking for a fun activity for you and your furry friend, be sure to head to César E. Chávez Park.
9. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Bay Area from the Berkeley Hills
The Berkeley Hills offer some of the best views of the Bay Area.
On a clear day, you can see all the way from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oakland hills.
The Berkeley Hills are a great place to hike, bike, or just take a stroll.
There are plenty of trails to explore, and the scenery is breathtaking.
If you’re looking for a bird’s-eye view of the Bay Area, the Berkeley Hills are the perfect place to go.
10. Explore the UC Botanical Garden
The UC Botanical Garden in Berkeley is a must-see for plant lovers of all ages.
With more than 13,000 different kinds of plants from all over the world, the Garden is a veritable paradise for botanists and casual visitors alike.
The garden is home to a wide variety of unique plant life, including rare and endangered species.
In addition to the different plants on display, the garden also features a beautiful waterfall and a tranquil pond.
You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour led by knowledgeable docents.
The UC Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free for everyone.
So whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, be sure to add the UC Botanical Garden to your list of Berkeley must-sees.
11. Take a Walk Through Tilden Regional Park
Tilden Regional Park is a 2,077-acre park located in the Berkeley hills.
The park has something for everyone, with hiking and biking trails, a golf course, a lake for fishing and swimming, and even a steam train.
You can also explore the botanical gardens or take a ride on the carousel.
The park is open year-round, and there is no charge for admission.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an adventurous hike, Tilden Regional Park is sure to please you.
12. Visit the Lawrence Hall of Science
The Lawrence Hall of Science is UC Berkeley’s public science center, and it’s a great place to learn about science and have some fun.
There are hands-on exhibits about physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science, as well as a planetarium and an observatory.
The Hall of Science also offers a variety of classes and workshops for kids and adults.
And if you’re just looking to have some fun, the Hall of Science has plenty of that too—there’s a rowing simulator, a high ropes course, and a giant rock wall.
So whether you’re interested in learning more about science or just want to have some fun, the Lawrence Hall of Science is worth a visit.
13. Sample Delicious Italian Cuisine at Via Del Corso
Berkeley is known for its eclectic food scene, and Via Del Corso is a perfect example of the city’s culinary diversity.
This popular Italian restaurant offers a delicious taste of the Old World, with classic dishes like handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
But Via Del Corso also puts a modern spin on traditional favorites, with inventive appetizers and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a lively night out with friends, Via Del Corso is the perfect place to sample the best Italian cuisine.
And be sure to save room for dessert—the tiramisu is simply unforgettable!
14. Enjoy the Sunset at Indian Rock Park
Indian Rock Park is a popular spot for sunset viewing in Berkeley, California.
The park offers sweeping views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can also enjoy the colorful vegetation and native plants, as well as the many bird species that call the park home.
Indian Rock Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Bay Area.
15. Visit the Greek Theater
The Greek Theater in Berkeley is one of the most popular concert venues in the Bay Area.
With a capacity of 8,500, it has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan.
The theater is also known for its iconic design, which was inspired by ancient Greek amphitheaters.
The seating area is terraced, so that everyone has a good view of the stage, and the acoustics are excellent.
If you’re looking for a fun night out, visiting the Greek Theater is a great option.
16. Enjoy the Breathtaking Views from the Berkeley Marina
The Berkeley Marina is one of the Bay Area’s hidden gems.
Nestled next to the Golden Gate Bridge, the marina offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and the Bay Bridge.
It’s a great place to relax and watch the boats go by, or to take a stroll along the waterfront.
There’s also a variety of restaurants and cafes, so you can refuel after a day of exploring.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new place to explore, or a visitor searching for that perfect Instagram spot, the Berkeley Marina is sure to disappoint.
