Walk Down Telegraph Avenue
You can’t visit Berkeley without strolling down Telegraph Avenue. Located right by the University of California, Berkeley campus, this street overflows with the funky, free-spirited vibe that defines the city.
Browse the sidewalk stalls selling handmade jewelry, incense, tie-dye clothes, crystals, and more. Duck into the many used bookstores overflowing with dusty tomes waiting for new readers. Grab a quick bite from a food stand, or sit down for a leisurely brunch at a cafe with outdoor seating.
With the campus on one side and downtown Berkeley on the other, Telegraph Avenue places you right in the heart of the action. Use it as your jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the city.
See the Sights at UC Berkeley
You can’t talk about Berkeley without talking about UC Berkeley. This prestigious public university helped put the city on the map with its groundbreaking research and activism.
Walking through the campus feels like stepping into a different world, where abstract art installations pop up around every corner. Make sure to check out Sproul Plaza, where FSM protesters once gathered, as well as the Campanile bell and clock tower, which provides panoramic views.
Many campus buildings, like Sather Gate and Doe Library, feature stunning Beaux-Arts architecture. If you’re an architecture buff, join a guided campus tour to learn more. You can also visit the university art museum or catch a performance at one of the theaters or concert halls.
With endless sights to see, you could easily spend a whole day exploring UC Berkeley. But you’ll get a good taste by spending a couple hours wandering through.
Hike in Tilden Regional Park
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Tilden Regional Park, nestled in the Berkeley Hills above the city. With nearly 40 miles of hiking trails, this wild escape immerses you in the rugged beauty of the local landscape.
For panoramic bay views, embark on the 2.5-mile Bay View Trail Loop. Or head to the Botanical Garden to see California native flora and exotic plants from around the world. Little Farm lets kids interact with chickens, goats, rabbits, cows, and more farm animals.
Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the park’s cafe before heading out on your hike. Tilden Regional Park provides the perfect refuge when you need a break from Berkeley’s urban energy.
Shop and Eat on Fourth Street
Fourth Street offers an upscale alternative to Telegraph Avenue’s funky vibe. Stroll under strings of lights to browse the boutiques, antique stores, craft galleries, and home goods shops.
When you work up an appetite, choose from an array of diverse eateries lining the street. Sip boba tea at a Taiwanese cafe, grab wood-fired pizza by the slice, or indulge in French pastries from an authentic patisserie.
Many shops stay open late, and live performers often entertain passersby. Fourth Street comes alive on summer nights when UC Berkeley students are in town.
See a Show at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre
With its reputation for artistic innovation and envelope-pushing performances, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre has developed into one of the nation’s top regional theaters. It has sent dozens of productions to Broadway, including award-winning shows like American Idiot and In the Heights.
Even if you’re not seeing a play, it’s worth poking your head into the Roda Theatre or Peet’s Theatre to admire the contemporary architecture. The Rep also hosts creative classes, backstage tours, talks, and other events open to the public.
Subscribing to the theater’s email list will let you know about upcoming shows and special deals on tickets. Experiencing the performing arts scene is a must for any first-time visitor.
Learn Something New at the Lawrence Hall of Science
Perched high in the Berkeley Hills with knock-out views of the bay, the Lawrence Hall of Science offers an amusement park for the mind. This hands-on science museum boasts hundreds of educational exhibits on topics ranging from physics to genetics to architecture.
Kids can race sailboats powered by solar panels at the Energy Hall or climb a DNA double-helix structure at the Biology Lab. Planetarium shows immerse you in the cosmos, while the outdoor terrace houses working telescopes. Events like stargazing nights and science-themed film screenings encourage you to linger.
With plenty to spark curiosity at any age, the Lawrence Hall of Science makes science exciting. It’s the perfect outing for families visiting Berkeley.
Tour the UC Botanical Garden
The University of California Botanical Garden brims with over 13,000 types of plants from around the world. As you meander along the dirt paths, you’ll feel continents away, even though you’re just a few steps from the university campus.
Don’t miss the California Native Plants section to see species unique to the Berkeley Hills and San Francisco Bay. The garden also includes an aromatic herb garden, a redwood grove, an ancient plant collection, and one of the most diverse Asian plant collections in America.
Trained docents lead free tours on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays to share expertise. Visit on a Saturday afternoon, when the garden hosts yoga classes among the flowers and trees.
See a Concert at the Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre stands as one of Berkeley’s most iconic performing arts venues. Built in 1903, this open-air amphitheater perches on the hills overlooking the university campus. It uses a natural valley, so audiences spread across the hillside.
With its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere, the Greek Theatre attracts big-name musicians throughout the summer concert season. Past performers include Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, and more.
Trying to score tickets to a sold-out show can be tough. Joining the venue’s email list will give you access to presales and other special offers. Seeing a concert at the Greek Theatre is a quintessential Berkeley experience.
How to Get Around Berkeley
Berkeley’s small size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it easy to explore on foot. But you have several options for getting around town:
Public Transportation
AC Transit provides convenient bus service throughout Berkeley and the wider East Bay region. You can catch buses on major thoroughfares like Telegraph Avenue, University Avenue, and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Bus 25 runs directly from downtown Berkeley to the UC Berkeley campus.
The university also operates the Bear Transit shuttle system to help students, faculty, staff, and visitors get around campus without a car. These shuttles stop at places like Memorial Stadium, University Village, Clark Kerr Campus, and more.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis line up near the Downtown Berkeley BART station on Shattuck Avenue. You can also call a taxi company for a pickup at your location. Popular rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city.
These options provide easy transportation if you don’t feel like walking or if you need to travel outside the downtown area. Taxis also provide a safe late-night ride back to your hotel after a night out.
Charter Buses
For group trips to Berkeley, consider renting a charter bus. Charter buses provide reliable group transportation from start to finish. Professional drivers ensure you arrive at each destination safely and smoothly.
Onboard amenities like leather seats, TVs, WiFi, and restrooms keep groups comfortable during longer trips. Charter buses allow you to travel together, so you don’t have to stress about meet-up locations or getting separated from your group.
Ready to get started?
With its top-ranked university, forward-thinking culture, and lively college town vibe, Berkeley offers visitors endless possibilities. Use this first-timer’s guide to hit the highlights on your own or with a group.
At Charter Bus , we love introducing people to our hometown. Contact us at (707) 230-5410 to learn about renting a charter bus for your Berkeley group trip. Our luxury fleet and experienced drivers will help you enjoy Berkeley in comfort and style.