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Berkeley rises from the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay into the green Berkeley Hills, with sweeping views across the water to San Francisco and the Golden Gate. The city takes its name from the philosopher George Berkeley, and it grew around the University of California, which moved here in 1873 and is now one of the world's leading public universities.
The campus is crowned by Sather Tower, the tall Campanile, and its history includes the Free Speech Movement of 1964, which made Berkeley a symbol of student activism. Telegraph Avenue, just south of campus, still buzzes with bookstores, cafes and street vendors.
Berkeley is also famous for food, from Chez Panisse and the shops of the Gourmet Ghetto to the stores of Fourth Street. Visitors can wander the Berkeley Rose Garden, the UC Botanical Garden and the trails of Tilden Regional Park in the hills, or head down to the Berkeley Marina for wind, kites and bay views.
The University of California, Berkeley campus is home to Sather Tower, a 307-foot campanile built in 1914 with a carillon that plays several times a day. An elevator takes visitors to an observation deck with views over the bay for a small fee. Walk the campus between classes and stop at Sproul Plaza and the Doe Library.
Telegraph Avenue runs south from the UC Berkeley campus and is famous for its counterculture history, street vendors, used bookstores, record shops and cheap student eateries. It was a center of 1960s protest. Browse the bookstores and street stalls, and grab a quick meal; the blocks nearest campus are the liveliest.
Fourth Street is a stylish shopping street in West Berkeley, set among old industrial buildings, with independent boutiques, home goods stores, bakeries and popular restaurants. It is quieter and more relaxed than downtown. Visit on a weekday morning, and combine it with a trip to the nearby Berkeley Marina.
The Gourmet Ghetto is the nickname for the North Shattuck area, birthplace of California cuisine. It is home to Chez Panisse, opened by Alice Waters in 1971, the Cheese Board Collective with its daily pizza, and many cafes and bakeries. Expect a line at the Cheese Board; reservations are needed for Chez Panisse.
The Lawrence Hall of Science is a hands-on science center in the hills above the UC Berkeley campus, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium and outdoor science areas. Its plaza offers sweeping views over the bay and the Golden Gate. It is great for families; check planetarium show times when you arrive.
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, known as BAMPFA, is the university's art museum and film center in a striking downtown building. It shows modern and contemporary art, Asian art and changing exhibitions, plus daily film screenings from its large archive. Check the film calendar for evening shows.
The Berkeley Rose Garden is a terraced amphitheater of roses built in the 1930s, with hundreds of varieties planted on stone terraces and a redwood pergola at the top. It looks out toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Roses bloom best from May to September, and sunset is a lovely time to visit. Entry is free.
The University of California Botanical Garden in Strawberry Canyon holds thousands of plant species from around the world, arranged by region, including California natives, cacti and succulents, Asian plants and a redwood grove. Paths climb gently through the hillside. Allow at least two hours; there is an entry fee.
Tilden Regional Park covers the hills above Berkeley with miles of trails, Lake Anza for summer swimming, a historic merry-go-round, a miniature steam train, the Little Farm for kids and a botanic garden of California native plants. Plan a half day, and check which attractions are running before you go.
Indian Rock Park in the North Berkeley hills is a small park around a large volcanic rock outcrop, with carved steps to the top and wide views over the bay, San Francisco and the Golden Gate. It is popular with climbers practicing bouldering. Come for sunset and wear shoes with a good grip.
The Berkeley Marina sits at the end of University Avenue with boat docks, waterfront paths and Cesar Chavez Park, a breezy hilltop park famous for kite flying and views of the Golden Gate. Adventure Playground lets children build with wood and tools. Bring a jacket, as afternoon winds are strong.
The Greek Theatre is an open-air amphitheater on the UC Berkeley campus, built in 1903 in the style of an ancient Greek theater. It hosts concerts by major touring artists from spring to fall, with seating on stone steps and a lawn. Bring a cushion and a warm layer, and use public transit as parking is limited.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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