Berkeley
Just 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco by BART, Berkeley is a thriving
university town and a vibrant community.
Warmer and more wooded than San Francisco, Berkeley is a pleasant escape from the
bustling city. Following the university tradition of the 1960s protests, student
idealism persists even today and Berkeley remains rather bohemian in character.
An avant- garde art scene and a thriving and diverse restaurant sector both
contribute to Berkeley's charm.
With a campus built into the wooded hillside that features a vibrant student life,
Berkeley is a wonderful environment for anyone to further their education. The
university campus has produced 18 Nobel Prize winners and was the cradle of
America's youth revolution in the sixties as the war in Viet Nam escalated and many
students rebelled.
The university has the third largest library in the United States, behind Harvard
University and the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
In 2006, The Times World University Rating ranked Berkeley as the 8th University in
the world in excellence.
Sights
Aquatic Park
80 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley, CA 94710-2211. 510-981-5150
Aquatic Park has the distinction of being Berkeley's largest public park, with about
32 acres of land and a 67-acre series of lakes and lagoons. One of a number of
projects in town completed by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, the
park is a favorite with children, who love the huge "Dream Land for Kids" playground
full of castles and bridges, swings and slides. Grown ups can enjoy a number of
watery activities, like canoeing and motor-boating, as well as hiking, bicycling,
and Frisbee golf.
Berkeley Rose Garden
Bayview Pl, at Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA. 510-981-5150
For flower fanatics, this is a definite must-see. The 3.5 acre terraced park
features some 3000 rose bushes comprised of about 250 different species - truly a
sight (and scent) to behold. Completed in 1937 by the Works Project Administration,
the garden still features the original semi-circular amphitheater, plus four tennis
courts, hiking trails, foot bridges, and if you time your visit right, a stunning
view of the sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge.
Cesar Chavez Park
11 Spinnaker Wy, Berkeley, CA 94710-1612. 510-644-6886
NORTHWEST BERKELEY. What do you do with an unsightly landfill that has outlived its
usefulness? Well, in Berkeley, you turn it into a public park. Built in 1991 and
named for the founder of the United Farm Workers of America, one of the best
features of the park today is a popular 17-acre off-leash dog park. Features of the
remaining 70-odd acres include sports fields, hiking trails and lots of wide open
space. The annual Kite Festival is held here the last weekend in July.
Golden Gate Fields
1100 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710. 510-559-7300
Opened in 1941, Golden Gate Fields features two racecourses and is a favorite
diversion during both the spring and winter meets. Check out the horses at the
walking ring adjacent to the main track, and then place your bet. Most races are on
the one-mile oval main track, but you may see some action on the nine-tenths mile
Lakeside Turf Course as well.
Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker
914 Heinz Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710. 510-981-4066
Founded in 2000 by a former physician and a former winery owner, Scharffen Berger
has become a premier chocolate manufacturer. Free public tours are available every
day and detail the chocolate making process from "bean to bar." After the tour,
check out the factory store, and enjoy a fine meal or a fabulous dessert at Cafe
Cacao. Tour reservations are strongly suggested.
Tilden Park
Grizzly Peak & Shast, Berkeley, CA 94702. 510-562-7275
With over 2000 acres to explore, Tilden Park could keep you occupied for days.
The sandy beach at Lake Anza is a great place to start - enjoy a lazy afternoon in
the sun, under the watchful eye of the lifeguards of course. Then, take a little
scenic train ride, or a whirl on the merry-go-round. Perhaps a round of golf or some
putting practice is more your speed, followed by a bite to eat at the restaurant.
Non-golfers can enjoy strolling through the botanic gardens, taking in a nature
program at the environmental education center, hiking or bicycling miles of trails,
fishing, or even equestrian camping.
University of California Botanical Garden
200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720. 510-643-2755 UC BERKELEY.
Established
in 1890, this 34-acre botanic garden has been in its present location since the
1920s. There's much to see here, so plan several hours if you have even the palest
of green thumbs. Linked by meandering pathways and enclosed greenhouses, the gardens
are divided into numerous individual climactic zones to nurture over 12,000 plants
from all over the world. Perhaps the most noteworthy is the New World Desert, with
cacti and succulents collected during the 1930s from North and Central American
deserts. You'll also find a Chinese Herb garden, old roses from the 19th and early
20th centuries, a collection of monkey puzzle trees, and a wonderful array of
fuchsias.
University of California, Berkeley:
2200 University Ave, Visitor Center - 101 University Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720. 510-642-5215
UC. Berkeley is a respected academic institution, but it's also a great place to
walk around and soak up some of the Berkeley vibe. Get a self-guided walking tour
brochure at the visitor center, or join a guided tour of the campus. Either way,
there are several places you won't want to miss. Sproul Plaza is the political and
social hub, where you'll see a good cross section of the city's population, and
maybe some impromptu speeches or concerts as well. Many of the buildings around
campus are noteworthy as much for their turn of the century architectural styling as
for what they contain (massive collections of everything from books to butterflies
and film to fossils). Cart tours are available in the spring for those with mobility
concerns.
Jazz School
2087 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-845-5373
DOWNTOWN BERKELEY.
Founded in 1997, the Jazz School is an innovative center
for instruction and performance that has very few peers anywhere in the world. The
school is housed in a historic building, and in addition to classrooms,
studio space, a music store, and a cafe, there is performance space where you can
catch some amazing concerts by students, faculty, and visiting musicians. Seating is
not assigned, so arrive early - doors open one hour before performances.
Julia Morgan Center for the Performing Arts
2640 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-845-8542
Music, dance, and drama are on the schedule at this wonderful performing arts
center, which doubles as a home for arts organizations such as the Berkeley Ballet
Theater and the Shotgun Players theater group. Performances, classes, and camps
garner a wide and diverse audience - arts education and children's theater are the
primary focus, and the center unflinchingly promotes and supports regional
performing arts in general. Constructed on a budget in 1908, the Julia Morgan
building was originally designed as a church, but functions admirably as an arts
center. Call ahead to arrange a tour.
Berkeley Art Museum
2626 Bancroft Way, between College and Telegraph, Berkeley, CA 94720. 510-642-0808
UC-BERKELEY.
Started in the 1960s with a large donation from artist Hans
Hoffman, the Berkeley Art Museum has gathered an impressive collection, especially
of contemporary art. Thematic exhibits highlight various parts of the massive 13,000
piece collection, with works from noted artists such as Jackson Pollack, Helen
Frankenthaler, Paul Gaugin, and Mark Rothko. Other highlights include historic and
contemporary Asian art and California and Bay Area art.
Berkeley History Center
1931 Center St, Veteran's Memorial Building, Berkeley, CA 94701. 510-848-0181
The Berkeley Historical Society strives to collect and preserve all manner of items
related to the people of Berkeley. Themed exhibits at the museum change frequently,
and have included the women of Berkeley, the fire department, local artists, ethnic
heritage, the literary scene, and transportation. Photographs, art, posters and
postcards, and an array of other artifacts provide a fascinating peek into the past
and a wonderful celebration of Berkeley's diversity.
Habitot Children's Museum
2065 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA 94707. 510-647-1111
Fun hands-on exhibits encourage youngsters to learn through play. Create dams and
float boats at the water station, and learn about gravity and motion in the process.
Visit the miniature grocery store, complete with kid-size registers and shopping
carts, and learn about money. Crawl through tunnels and simple mazes on the Wiggle
Wall, and get a lesson in ecology at the same time. And don't forget the art studio,
where you can help paint a wall size mural, make your very own sculpture, or
fashion a multi-media masterpiece.
Judah L Magnes Museum
2911 Russell St, Berkeley, CA 94705. 510-549-6950
Since its founding in 1962, the Magnes has amassed an impressive collection of over
30,000 items relating to the Jewish experience. In addition to over 2000 historic
photos and slides from around the world, the museum features a fantastic assortment
of paintings, textiles, silver, and ceremonial items. Other notable holdings include
rare books and manuscripts, and film and videotapes from Jewish filmmakers.
Definitely worth a visit!
Pacific Film Archives Theater
2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-642-1124
UC.
Film fans will want to put this theater, which functions as the exhibition space for
the Pacific Film Archives, at the top of their itineraries. Programs are
thematically organized and change frequently, but you can expect to find a wide
assortment of films in any given week, from Japanese Anime to selections from this
year's San Francisco Film festival. The archives consist of over 10,000 films and
videos, including the largest collection of Japanese films outside of Japan.
Phoebe A Hearst Museum of Anthropology
103 Kroeber Hall, Bancroft Way at College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702. 510-643-7648
UC BERKELEY.
Named for its most significant benefactor, this anthropology museum was founded in
1901, the first of its kind west of the Mississippi. Initially known as the home of
Ishi, the last Yahi Indian (who lived there from 1911-1916), the museum is better
known today for the approximately 3.8 million artifacts in its collection. The
museum endeavors to promote an understanding of human culture and diversity, with
vast collections from every corner of the globe; Native California and Latin
American collections are particularly strong.
Takara Sake Museum
708 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94710. 510-540-8250
The first of its type in the US, this museum offers details of the sake-making
process, through a short video presentation and various exhibits of antique tools
and artifacts. After educating yourself a bit about sake, the next step is to sample
some. Make your way to the adjacent tasting room, where the expert staff will guide
you through several different types of sake. It's a unique experience, to be sure,
and one that may leave you craving sushi.
Shopping
Berkeley Farmers Markets
Various locations, Berkeley, CA. 510-548-3333
Enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables three times a week at different locations:
on Saturdays at Shattuck Avenue and MLK Way, on Thursdays at Shattuck Avenue and
Rose, and on Tuesdays at Derby Street and MLK Way. Along with all the fresh
produce, you'll fine arts and crafts vendors, baked goods, meats and poultry,
plants and even clothing, all under a blue sky.
Black Oak Books
1491 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709. 510-486-0698
GOURMET GHETTO.
This Bay area mini-chain has a deservedly good reputation. They offer a wide
election of books, including hard-to-find signed first editions and out of print
books, in virtually every subject. They also have a regular schedule of events,
including author talks and book signings. Plus, they offer free gift wrap!
Bone Room
1569 Solano Ave, Berkeley, CA. 510-526-5252
Fascinating. This unique shop has an astounding collection of fossils, teeth,
skulls, insects, and other assorted natural history related items. Dinosaur teeth,
mastodon tusks, trilobites, and other extinct critters are on the shelves, along
with bison skulls, caribou antlers, pinned and mounted butterflies, and frog
skeletons encased in Lucite (perfect for science classes). There's also an array of
human bones, including complete skeletons. It's easy to lose a couple of hours here.
East Bay Vivarium
1827-C 5th St, Berkeley, CA 94710. 510-841-1400
The largest reptile store in the US, East Bay Vivarium has everything for the
amateur herpetologist. Whether you're loopy for lizards, a fan of frogs, or
bonkers about boas, EBV has probably got some, along with all the necessary
supplies. They breed many species as well, including tortoises, numerous snakes,
and geckos. While you're there, look for Spot, the store's pet monitor lizard.
Highline Kites
11 Spinnaker Way, Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley, CA 94710. 510-235-5483
Sponsor and organizer of the annual Berkeley Kite Festival, Highline keeps a small
mobile shop at Cesar Chavez Park. If you find yourself there on a windy day
(and most days are windy, since the park sits on a promontory), this is the perfect
diversion. Kites in all colors, shapes, and sizes are available - there are even
stunt kites and kites built for two.
Moe's Books
2476 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-849-2087
TELEGRAPH AVENUE.
With four floors of new, used, remaindered, and antiquarian books, Moe's is sure to
have something you want to read. The art, science, and history collections are
particularly strong, and if you're in the market for an unusual first edition or
antique manuscript, this is the first place to check.
Papyrus
1481 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709. 510-841-1413
GOURMET GHETTO.
Stationary, writing papers, gift wrap and tags, personalized invitations, and
greeting cards are the specialties at this upscale national chain. Unique products
for every occasion, plus printing and their trademark do-jiggies, which are ideal
for decorating gift bags or boxes.
Drinking and Dining
Albatross Pub - 1822 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94706. 510-843-2473
At the Albatross Pub, you'll get a taste of the Old World in the oldest pub in
Berkeley. Pool, darts, and board games, along with a quiz night on Sundays- which is
always good fun- will inevitably compel you to spout out, "And yet another pint of
ale, Gov'nor!"
Bear's Lair
2475 Bancroft Way, Lower Sproul Plaza, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-843-5247
Named one of the top 5 college bars in the country by Sports Illustrated Magazine,
the Bear's Lair is the official watering hole for the UC Berkeley campus. With over
forty beers on tap and pizza on the menu, you'll have all the sustenance needed to
argue with students on the finer points of the Communist Manifesto.
Cesar
1515 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709. 510-883-0222
Situated in the beautiful Gourmet Ghetto, this Spanish-style restaurant serves up
excellent wines and cocktails, along with a fine assortment of tapas to keep you
satisfied. Salads, sandwiches, and pastries are also available.
Henry's Publick House & Grille
2600 Durant Ave, Hotel Durant, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-845-8981
In the beautiful and unique Durant Hotel, just one block from the Berkeley campus,
you'll find a nice selection of draft beer. The Chef's Hangover Special (cheese
omelet, pancakes, bacon, fried potatoes, and coffee) is proof positive that
competent and compassionate people at Henry's will make your experience a fine one.
Jupiter
2181 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-843-8277
In what was once a stable, this Gothic-Style bar and restaurant offers a peculiar,
yet cozy, ambiance. The bronze-colored pressed tin panels on walls, copper topped
bar, and chandeliers scavenged from an old church may induce you to prayer, but
probably because of the live jazz music, microbrew beer, and wood-fired oven pizzas.
Jupiter is a must see among other already damn cool bars.
Lucre Lounge
2086 Allston Way, Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Berkeley, CA. 510-841-1390
At the Lucre Lounge, you not only have the sensual pleasures of live jazz music and
belly dancers, but to top off the experience, special theme nights compliment your
special theme drinks.
Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse
1920 Shattuck Ave, Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA 54704. 510-843-2739
In a historic building that won an award for outstanding restoration from the
Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association, Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse is the
oldest brewpub in the US that's still operational. Triple Rock has 10 to 12 beers on
tap at all times, a jukebox, and a savory selection of food.
Shattuck Down Low
2284 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA. 510-548-1159
A great music and dance venue with tunes ranging anywhere around and in funk, soul,
salsa, rock, reggae and hip-hop. The two fully stocked bars, comfortable couches
and booths, and a dramatic interior design make the Low Down an elegant solution to
a night out dancing.
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center & Cafe
1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702. 510-525-5054
For over 30 years, Ashkenaz has doubly served the community of Berkeley: by day, a
mild-mannered dance studio with classes that range from belly dancing, hip-hop,
flamenco and even Hungarian folk; by night, a wildly popular music and dance venue
that features tunes from all over the world- and that is not an exaggeration.
You can even bring the kids, because alcoholic beverages will not be found.
Beckett's Irish Pub & Restaurant
2271 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-647-1790
Irish Pubs are about as ubiquitous as Starbucks in the US, but Beckett's is a gem
among a bunch of shiny rocks. The dark wood interior and original fireplace built
in 1925 actually do make you feel as if you're in... someplace other than
California. Over the mahogany bar, there's a good selection of Irish whiskey, scotch
and 11 beers on tap. Don't miss the live music on Wednesdays through Sundays.
Blake's on Telegraph
2367 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-848-0886
Blake's on Telegraph has maintained its status as a staple within the community of
Berkeley for over 60 years. Once a jazz and blues club, features such big names as
John Lee Hooker and Etta James, it now serves as a rock, punk and funk venue for
major up-and-coming acts. Check out one of their shows and buy a CD for cheap from
the band. When the bands later signs to a record label, sell the CD online and make
a bundle.
Downtown Restaurant
2102 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. 510-649-3810
A collaboration by the co-founders of two of the Bay Area's most coveted
restaurants, Chez Panisse and Bay Wolf, this low-key and classy restaurant shan't
fail to sate. Large windows open the restaurant to Shattuck Avenue, allowing you to
feast your eyes on passers-by as you feast on your finely prepared food.
Downtown Berkeley offers a delectable Mediterranean seafood menu, accompanied by
jazz and blues musicians to aid in your digestion.
Starry Plough
3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705. 510-841 2082
Along with regular Irish music and dance, the Starry Plow also features musical
performances ranging from folk to blues to rock and more. The best open mic in the
Bay Area arrives every Tuesday at the Plow. And on every Wednesday, you might have
the opportunity to be an audience judge in the weekly poetry slam. With a decent
selection of beer and an artsy aura about it, you'll have every chance to express
the adolescent angst that lingers still.
