Berkeley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Berkeley showing a sunset, a bridge and a river or creek
Berkeley
Berkeley
Berkeley
Berkeley which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a sunset

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

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
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North Berkeley

4/5(1 area review)

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 Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Repertory Theater 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 AU$248 per night from 13 July to 14 July
AU$248
13 July - 14 July
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,037 reviews)
"We arrive with a welcoming check in, however our first room was not to standards and another guest was smoking in the floor. Front desk moved us to another room which seemd like a completely different hotel. Much better! Service was wonderful, location was great, awesome indoor pool and spa."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 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 AU$229 per night from 7 July to 8 July
AU$229
7 July - 8 July
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! (4,212 reviews)
"Would recommend."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 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
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! (6,518 reviews)
Great place!
"Great hotel, awesome location and good breakfast. Would definitely return. Very clean as well"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 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.
Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
Berkeley
Stay at this vacation home in Berkeley. Enjoy laundry facilities and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Jack London Square and Greek Theater are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Cool & quirky place the size of a warehouse! Tons of baseball memorabilia and history. Dave’s a really cool dude! Highly recommend staying and something that’s completely different for a change."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 2025

Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
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 (2,757 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
San Francisco
Stay at this guesthouse in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Oracle Park are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
Great Value for the City!
"We stayed one night here since we needed to be close to the airport for our ladt night.Centrally located and short walk to China Town and Fishermans Wharf. Cool artwork in the room plus the overall accommodation definitely give a NYC vibe - definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun. 2025

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
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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