Berkeley

Travel Guide

Berkeley featuring a sunset, a city and a bridge
Berkeley
Berkeley
Berkeley
Berkeley showing general coastal views, a sunset and a river or creek
Express yourself in many ways in the eclectic neighborhoods 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 showing a river or creek, a sunset and general coastal views

Downtown Berkeley

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. 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
Gourmet Ghetto

North Berkeley

If you're spending some time in North Berkeley, Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents are top sights worth seeing.

North Berkeley
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Albany

The seaside views and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Albany. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are a few top sights nearby.

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

When in Central Berkeley, you can plan a visit to Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Repertory Theater, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Central Berkeley
Came out and thought the shadows looked cool 😎

Southwest Berkeley

If you're spending some time in Southwest Berkeley, Berkeley Iron Works and Takara Sake are top sights worth seeing.

Southwest Berkeley
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, CA
The price is CA $175 per night from May 25 to May 26
CA $175
CA $198 total
includes taxes & fees
May 25 - May 26
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! (2,742 reviews)
"Room was thin- the room next to mine had the tv on all night and it was loud. There was no counter in restrooms but other than that the area was nice"

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
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 CA $183 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $183
CA $215 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
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! (3,893 reviews)
"Great view."

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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 CA $179 per night from May 2 to May 3
CA $179
CA $267 total
includes taxes & fees
May 2 - May 3
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! (6,367 reviews)
"I really enjoyed my stay here! Wonderful staff and nice accommodations. Pier 39 is very close and easy to walk to. The buffet breakfast was outstanding. The amount of food offered and the huge variety of options was above most hotels I’ve stayed at. I will definitely be staying at this hotel ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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 (2,700 reviews)
"Needs upgrade"

Reviewed on Apr. 18, 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 Mar. 22, 2025

Cute & Colourful Oceanside Cottage w Garden
Sparkling Clean Newly Built Luxury Ocean View 5 BR/3 BA Near SF/SFO+Free Parking
Sparkling Clean Newly Built Luxury Ocean View 5 BR/3 BA Near SF/SFO+Free Parking
Pacifica
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Pacifica. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions San Francisco Zoo ...
10/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
Fantastic, affordable, 5 room home
"I brought a team of managers for training and recreation. From every corner of CA we converged upon Pacifica for a gorgeous location near the sea and San Francisco and found the very large living room with mega large tv screen perfect for training presentations. So comfy. So well situated."

Reviewed on Apr. 2, 2025

Sparkling Clean Newly Built Luxury Ocean View 5 BR/3 BA Near SF/SFO+Free Parking
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.

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