Downtown Berkeley Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown Berkeley
Popular places to visit
Historic Berkeley
Find out about the history of Berkeley with a stop at Historic Berkeley. Make time to visit the area's shops or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
Discover works by Rubens, Pollock and Warhol and watch movies by international filmmakers at this museum of the University of California.
UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall
You can get tickets for a performance at UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall during your stay in Berkeley. Take in the acclaimed art galleries and beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.
Berkeley Repertory Theater
You can make plans for a show at Berkeley Repertory Theater during your stay in Berkeley. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Berkeley Community Theater
You can make plans for a show at Berkeley Community Theater on your trip to Berkeley. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this vibrant area.
Magnes Collection of Jewish Art & Life
You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Magnes Collection of Jewish Art & Life during your trip to Berkeley. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Our pick of the best Downtown Berkeley Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
"great option and location"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
"The property was okay, smaller room, a portion of the carpet was taped together, the breakfast was decent."
Reviewed on 3 June 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
"It was great!"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
"Great walkable location"
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
"Very convenient location and close to transit. Super friendly staff and a clean, comfortable room."
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
"We really enjoyed our stay at your lovely hotel. It was in celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary, and the receptionist did all he could to get us a great room overlooking Coit Tower. This is where I proposed, so it holds a special place in our hearts. That set the stage for the rest of the ..."
Reviewed on 2 June 2026
Check Downtown Berkeley hotel availability
Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Berkeley
Downtown Oakland
Theatres, art galleries and live music highlight some notable features of Downtown Oakland. Make a stop by Oakland City Center or Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station or 19th St Station to get around town.
Piedmont
You'll enjoy the lake views and architecture in Piedmont. You might want to make time for a stop at Piedmont Sports Field or Davie Tennis Stadium.
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.
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.
West Oakland
While you're in West Oakland, take in top sights like DeFremery Park and jump on the metro at West Oakland Station to see more of the city.
