Find the Best Things to Do in Berkeley

By
San Francisco Local Expert

About Berkeley

Berkeley Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy

What is Berkeley? Some would say it's the birthplace of California radicalism, where student protests fought for the right for free speech. And although San Francisco and Oakland get most of the press, the Bay Area without Berkeley would be like a ferris wheel without kids. Even though the 60's are way past over, visit Berkeley and renew your zesty, youthful self.

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See & Do

UC Berkeley  is the heart, soul and brain of Berkeley. With near 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students, this lovely, sprawling, woodsy campus can barely be avoided and is a must-visit, anyway. With multiple Nobel Prize winners on faculty, the air on Berkeley's campus tingles with intellect and imagination. Check their website for world-class theatre, music and other worthwhile entertainment options. 

Berkeley's Best Attractions & Activities

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Eat

Although you can't go wrong by dining at Alice Waters' iconic Chez Panise, Cheeseboard Collective right across the street is worth a visit, as well. The lunch line for their delicious pizza is long, but once you get close enough to smell all the goodness coming out of their kitchen, you won't mind the wait one bit.

Berkeley's Best Breakfast

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Berkeley's Best Brunch

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Berkeley's Best Italian Restaurants

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Berkeley's Best Lunch

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Party

On a warm spring or summer day, there's no better place than the back patio of Jupiter. And during a winter downpour, Jupiter's dark wood and red-brick insides are made nice and cosy by fireplaces. Whatever time of year you visit, expect great live music and fantastic home-brews, including the knock your socks off Quasar IPA.

Berkeley's Best Bars

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Berkeley's Best Dance Clubs

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Stay

If you're yearning to revisit your college days but don't exactly feel like staying in a dorm room, Hotel Durant is the perfect choice. Located right on the edge of campus, this hotel describes itself as a "hip boutique hotel in the heart of Berkeley" and definitely lives up to its billing. 

Shop

Other than the lovely campus of UC Berkeley, it's hard to find a place that screams Berkeley louder than locally beloved Moe's Books. Browse through books - and the spirit of Berkeley - at this iconic bookstore. If you bring something from Moe's back home after your trip, you've purchased yourself a little bit of Berkeley.