Berkeley

Travel Guide

Berkeley showing a bridge, a sunset and a skyscraper
Berkeley
Berkeley
Berkeley
Berkeley showing a sunset, general coastal views and a river or creek

Express yourself in many ways in the eclectic neighbourhoods 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 Berkeley Repertory Theater 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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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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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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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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Central Berkeley

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

Central Berkeley
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Southwest Berkeley

While visiting Southwest Berkeley, you might make a stop by sights like Berkeley Iron Works and Takara Sake.

Southwest 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 €136 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
€136
31 May - 1 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,801 reviews)
PARKING!
"Parking is very expensive forty dollars, I parked across the street and had no issues."

Reviewed on 9 May 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
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 €157 per night from 26 May to 27 May
€157
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,381 reviews)
"My family loved it"

Reviewed on 8 May 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is €132 per night from 26 May to 27 May
€132
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,942 reviews)
"We thought the hotel was great."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,718 reviews)
"Great stay, nice people, good location"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Cute & Colourful Oceanside Cottage w Garden
Cute & Colourful Oceanside Cottage w Garden
Stinson Beach
Stay at this cottage in Stinson Beach. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Muir Woods National Monument and Stinson Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
Great location
"If you are looking for some beach time - this is the place. Great access to the beach. If the evenings/nights are chilly there is only 1 space heater so use accordingly. The sofa bed is lumpy but serviceable. The TV is in the bedroom and we could not get it to work. The owner offered suggestions ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

Cute & Colourful Oceanside Cottage w Garden
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
2 out of 5
5 Santa Ana Ave, Daly City, CA
Stay at this apartment in Daly City. Popular attractions San Francisco Zoo and Serramonte Center are located nearby.
"Quiet residential area. Close to the mall and bus stop."

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2024

Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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