Great Things to See and Do In Berkeley, California

Click to listen to this story about the playground where kids can build anything they want.

Fourth Street Shops and Cafes - A lively place to shop, wander, people-watch, have a cup of coffee, enjoy music and entertainment on summer weekends. Home of the famous Bette's Ocean View Diner (get there early or order takeout next door)

Tilden Park Botanic Gardens - A 10-acre living museum of California native plants and a sanctuary for many rare and endangered plants. Peaceful place for a stroll or reading a good book. (image shown at right)

Berkeley Rose Garden - A riot of 2500 colorful rosebushes arranged in an amphitheater facing a spectacular view of the San Francisco Bay

University Art Museum - One of the largest university art museums in the United States, providing an ambitious schedule of international art exhibitions

Berkeley Repertory Theater - A top-ranking professional resident theatre company, and winner of the 1997 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre

Berkeley Marina and Cesar Chavez Park - Picnicking, off-leash dog run in designated areas, site of the Kite Flying Festival in July

Solano Avenue Shops - 26 blocks of great local shopping and host of the world-famous Solano Stroll every September

Downtown Farmers Market on Saturdays - Farm-fresh local produce, baked goods and other good stuff available in an open-air market downtown on Saturdays, other locations on other days too

The Campanile at the UC Berkeley Campus - An elevator ride to the observation platform near the top provides visitors with a birdseye view of the UC Berkeley campus and the Bay.

Landmark architecture by Julia Morgan, Bernard Maybeck and Many More ... - Many great historical buildings

1. Lawrence Hall of Science - From their website, "Hold gentle animals, explore your sense of touch, find out how animals protect themselves, and discover more about yourself and other organisms in the Biology Discovery Lab." "Explore the skies in the small friendly Planetarium, where questions and activities are part of the show." Outside, climb on a giant whale or a huge model of DNA (shown at right).
Lawrence Hall of Science Info

2. Hall of Health - A fun way for kids to discover with interactive, hands-on exhibits. Visitors learn about the workings of the body, the value of sound diet and exercise, and the destructive effects of smoking and drug abuse. Hall of Health also sponsors special family events, puppet shows and festivals.
Hall of Health

3. Adventure Playground - Kids can build, paint and add to the many structures at the Park located at the Berkeley Marina. As of this writing, on Saturdays, kids over 7 can be dropped off for up to 3 hours with registration. Visit their website for more details.
Adventure Playground at Berkeley Marina

4. Tilden Park Steam Trains / Merry-Go-Round / Little Farm and Nature Area - Visit farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and pigs. Visitors are allowed to bring lettuce or celery (but nothing else) to feed the animals. Watch out, the goats will try to nibble on just about anything, including your stroller or newspaper.
Tilden Nature Area

The historic merry-go-round has been renovated and restored to its glory. It is closed for the winter, but is scheduled to open on weekends in February 2009. Check their website for more information.
Merry-Go-Round News

Ride on a miniature steam train on a loop along the ridge of Tilden Park, open on weekends.
Steam Trains - Reviews by Moms

5. Habitot Kids' Museum - The East Bay's Discovery Museum for young children. Hands-on exhibits, drop-in art studio and events are tailored for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families.
Habitot Kids Museum

6. Kids n Clay - Kids get lots of personal attention and assistance to bring their creative visions to life through ceramics. Classes are held in a studio environment located in a historic Victorian in west Berkeley's artist community.
Kids n Clay

7. Lake Anza - Like a little mountain lake, this spot is sheltered and surrounded by trees. A great place to bring kids and the whole family. Has a snack bar with summer goodies like snow cones. Also has a roped off area for adults only to swim.
Lake Anza

8. Strawberry Pool - Open to the public, this aquatic center is located behind Memorial Stadium. Swimming lessons available.
Strawberry Canyon Pool

9. Scharffenberger Chocolate Factory - Daily programs are offered for visitors to learn about chocolate and how it is made. The first part of the program includes a presentation about the history of cacao, how and where cacao is grown and processed, the history of Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, and a tasting of Scharffen Berger chocolates. The second part of the program is a brief walking tour of the factory. Children must be at least 10 years old.
Chocolate Factory

10. Codornices Park - A wonderful park for a picnic or family outing. Young tots have their own play area with train, swings and benches. Older kids and adults can get their thrills flying down the hill on the 40 foot concrete slide. Use the tables and benches at the barbeque pits or throw out a blanket on the lawn for your picnic lunch. Take the tunnel under Euclid Ave to the Rose Garden on the other side. Has a basketball court and softball field.
Codornices Park

You can google Berkeley Restaurants and come up with an extensive array of dining choices including the world-famous Chez Panisse. But there are many more that will fit your budget and tastes without a one-month wait for a table. Below are a few of my favorites in no particular order:

(Image at right is Tazze con Cappuccino by Federico Landi.)

Cheese Board Pizza, 1512 Shattuck Avenue
The famous cheeseboard collective, established in 1967 has a pizza place next door. Come at lunch time for a delicious hot slice fresh out of the oven or buy a half-baked pizza to pop in your oven at home. Enjoy live music with your pizza.

Saul's Deli, 1475 Shattuck Avenue
A great New York style deli with comfy booths, serving all the favorites, eat in or take-out.

Picante Cocina, 1328 6th Street
Traditional dishes from Mexico, noisy and chaotic atmosphere, great food, good place to bring kids, lots of seating inside and out, fast service.

T-Rex Barbeque, 1300 Tenth Street at Gilman
True Berkeley barbeque with naturally raised meats, sustainable fish and organic produce. Happy hour from 3 to 6 Monday thru Friday. Watch all the games on five plasma TVs.

Gregoire Gourmet Take-out, 2109 Cedar Street (1/2 block off Shattuck
Meticulously prepared lunches and dinners, using classical French cooking techniques and fine natural and organic ingredients. The menu changes on the first day of each month to feature locally-grown produce picked at the peak-of-ripeness and fish and meats in their prime. Not cheap, but you will not be disappointed. Take-out only (or share outside at the only table)

Liaison Bistro, 1849 Shattuck
OK, sometimes, you want to go out for a really nice meal and this is the place. A little Paris in Berkeley, enjoy a meal at this French bistro in Berkeley where you can eat alfresco under an umbrella and choose dessert from a list stamped on the paper tablecloth. WIndows open to the street, just like in Paris. For the best experience, go for lunch or off hours when not so busy. Nice wine list.

Downtown Restaurant, 2102 Shattuck
A great choice for before or after the theater, have a steak, filet of fish or whole fish with your choice of sides or salads. This restaurant features a wide variety of small dishes: everything from a tasty snack sized bite to lighter plates of risotto or duck-leg confit. Additional late night choices of pizzas and burgers. Often has entertainment during dinner, which you can also enjoy from the bar.

Cafe de la Paz, 1600 Shattuck
More small plates, this time with a Latin flavor. Famous for their corn fritters; they also have wonderful seafood dishes and vegetarian dishes, and plenty of beef for traditionalists. The Café offers a tapas and fingerfood buffet, a fun way for guests to sample a variety of bright bursts of flavors. Converting the menu over to organic and sustainable. Also has a large banquet room for weddings and other big events.

Original Peets, 2124 Vine Street at Walnut Square
The list would not be complete without the original gourmet coffee store. Established in 1966, ahead of the curve, this location is still patronized by some of the original customers and many new ones. Great for a cup of breakfast joe and a fresh baked pastry or muffin.

Cold Beer Tin Sign

Triple Rock Brewery and Alehouse, 1920 Shattuck Avenue
One of the oldest micro brewery pubs in the United States, still owned and operated by the original founders. Great atmosphere for students and locals alike. Located on Shattuck Avenue, walking distance from downtown and campus housing.

Pyramid Brewery and Alehouse, 901 Gilman Street
College night on Thursdays with low price pints with your student ID (over 21 only) and discounted appetizers. Visit their website for other events like outdoor cinema and trivia game nights.

Jupiter, 2181 Shattuck Avenue
Housed in an old livery stable from the 1890's, Jupiter has an old European style atmosphere. Serves 12 house brews and more regional craft beers, features live jazz summer evenings Tuesday - Saturday, including performers from the nearby Berkeley Jazz School.


Beers of the World Poster

Memorial Stadium, UC Berkeley Campus



Birdseye View of UC Berkeley



Berkeley Residence



UC Berkeley Campanile


Bowles Hall


Golden Bear