uc berkeley campus self guided tour

Campus visits

Self-guided tours & maps.

We welcome you with open arms on our campus with a variety of guided and self-guided tours and maps. While you are on campus, check out our instagrammable places !

Wander the campus virtually through our YouVisit ...

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Information for UC Berkeley Staff/Faculty [campus tour request]

Visitor Services provides specialized tours for campus department hosted event/conference attendees, coordinated and requested by UC Berkeley staff or faculty. These tours are not for school groups or general visitors to the campus - please instead visit our Special Group Tours or Free Walking Tours pages. Subjects covered include history, traditions, academics, research, and student life. ...

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Golf Cart Tours

Visitor Services offers one-hour golf cart tours of the campus for visitors with limited mobility only. If you have limited mobility, please email [email protected] with your request and clearly detail your special accommodation requirement so that we may approve the golf cart tour.

The information presented on a golf cart tour is the same information you would receive on our ...

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Free Guided Walking Tours

We offer free 90-minute accessible walking tours of the campus seven days a week, rain or shine. Applying to Berkeley? Tourist? Nostalgic alum? A campus tour is perfect for you! Our expert tour guides are student ambassadors who cover academics, history of the University, health & safety, athletics, student life, and much more.

The tour outlines our residence halls and dining options, but does not...

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Special Group & Private Walking Tours

Thank you for your interest in booking a special group tour or private walking tour with special accommodations. At the bottom of the page, you can put your name on our list to be notified when the Summer 2024 booking calendar becomes available in late May.

A special group is any party of 10 or more people. This can include a large family, school group (grades 6th and up only), private tour company, non-profit group, or any group of 10 or more people. We are unable to accommodate school groups ...

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Virtual Engagements

We offered live virtual campus visits this Spring with our student campus ambassadors and hope to offer them again this summer starting in June.

Learn all about the Berkeley campus, academics, and student life. We'll present for 45 minutes and then answer some of your questions. Visitors will not be able to show their video or unmute themselves; rather, all questions can be typed in the Q&A functionality of the webinar.

Virtual Campus Experience through YouVisit

Wander the campus virtually through our...

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Pre-Cal Day Excitement – The Seasoned Campus Ambassador’s Perspective

I didn’t get a Cal Day. The admitted first-year class of 2025 and transfer classes of 2023 were the resilient classes, the transitional classes, as we entered a new sense of normalcy with the pandemic. I came to Cal without the Cal Day experience, no tour of campus, no committing on the Glade or Sproul Plaza with newly-made friends, none of that. Cal Day was new to me when I became a Campus Ambassador. The first time I heard about it was when I was in a staff meeting, and our Leadership Team began to talk about the Day’s festivities. It was a Cal Day in this new normal. The first Cal ...

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Admitted & Waitlisted Student Tours

We heartily congratulate you on this momentous achievement and want you to join us on a guided walking tour of UC Berkeley.

Please visit your Admit Hub in your MAP@Berkeley portal for all the information you need about these tours. Alternatively, you may call us at the Visitor Center (510-642-5215) during our open hours.

Tours start at the Koret Visitor Center at...

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What I Love About Being a Campus Ambassador (Other Than Giving Tours)

When I was first interested in the Campus Ambassador role, I figured giving tours was the entire job. I had no idea of all the other roles, or as I like to call them, side quests, that tack onto the title. We cover a vast range of operations, ranging from running the Campanile, staffing the Koret Visitor Center, and executing large community events. While I love giving tours, I’ve really enjoyed dabbling in these other roles as well. I’m still pretty new to “campus ambassadoring” but here’s what has stuck out to me so far.

Learning about Berkeley ...

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Campus Tours

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Plan your visit

A visit to UC Berkeley is the best way to discover the many facets to a well-rounded, rich, and dynamic student experience. No matter how much you’ve read or heard about Berkeley, nothing can compare to seeing it for yourself!

Stroll along Sproul Plaza, meet our students, listen to an Admissions presentation, talk to advisers, visit a residence hall, and maybe even run into one of our Nobel Prize-winning faculty.

Here’s how: 

• Register to attend an undergraduate admissions presentation offered on weekdays to learn about the application process. Advanced registration required .
• Join a campus tour led by trained student ambassadors. Visitor Services offers tours seven days a week, including most campus administrative holidays. For more information and to reserve a tour, visit the Visitor Services website .
• Find out what’s happening on campus. From museums and performances to lectures and sporting events, something interesting is always happening here. Find out about specific venues, or check the Events calendar . 

Experience campus virtually

• General campus interactive tour 
• Residence halls virtual tour
• Self-guided Black history tour

Office of Undergraduate Admissions University of California, Berkeley 110 Sproul Hall #5800, Berkeley, CA 94720-5800

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UC Berkeley Campus Tours

We offer free 90-minute accessible walking tours of the campus seven days a week, rain or shine. Applying to Berkeley? Tourist? Nostalgic alum? A campus tour is perfect for you! Our expert tour guides are student ambassadors who cover academics, history of the University, health & safety, athletics, student life, and much more. The tour outlines our residence halls and dining options, but does not include viewing a residence hall (visit the Cal Housing website for more information). Registration is required for these tours (link at the bottom of this page).

These accessible walking tours are for individuals, families, and parties of up to 9 people. If you are a school group, organization, a bigger group, any size group requesting a Spanish or Mandarin language tour, or you’re interested in a private walking tour or golf cart tour for a fee, please visit the Special Group and Private Walking Tours page or Golf Cart Tours page for more information. Tours start at the Koret Visitor Center  at 2227 Piedmont Avenue in the historic California Memorial Stadium, except on home football game weekends  when the tour on Sunday will start at the Campanile , the tall clock tower in the middle of campus. Tours end near Sproul Plaza , an approximately 10 minute walk from the Visitor Center.

Click here for hours and reservations

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California’s campus: Discover a trove of UC experiences that are open to the public

UC campuses are some of California’s true  treasures. From stunning natural reserves to internationally lauded museums, many campus resources are open to the public. Whether you are on a road trip, checking out colleges or just visiting town, you’re invited to dip your toes in the UC experience.

In addition to the experiences listed here, each UC campus has a full slate of performances, exhibitions, talks and sporting events throughout the school year. Check campus event calendars to see what’s on.

Click the links for a shortcut to each campus.

UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Irvine UCLA UC Merced UC Riverside UC San Diego UC Santa Barbara UC Santa Cruz

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Located in downtown Berkeley, BAMPFA’s head-turning Diller Scofidio + Renfro building houses rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and a robust slate of art-house film screenings, with family-friendly admission and a drop-in, all-ages art lab.

$14 general; $12 students, seniors and disabled; FREE for members, youth 18 and under, one adult per child 13 and under, UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff. Pacific Film Archive screenings require a separate paid ticket.  Hours and info  

Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

Explore the history, vibrancy and diversity of Jewish life through exhibitions and public programs at one of the world’s preeminent Jewish museums. 

FREE. Hours and info  

Campanile tours and carillon concerts

An elevator ride and 38 stairs take you up 200 feet to the observation platform of UC Berkeley’s iconic Campanile, the third-tallest bell-and-clock tower in the world. Take in spectacular views of the Bay Area, see the giant carillon bells up close and get a front-row seat for daily noontime concerts. (P.S. — Don’t forget to look up before you enter the tower. You might see Annie and Archie, UC Berkeley’s resident peregrine falcons , or one of their brood).

$5 general; $4 seniors, alumni and youth; FREE for kids under 3 and UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff.  Hours and info  

Campus ramble

Whether you choose to follow the woodsy banks of Strawberry Creek, take in grand Beaux-Arts buildings or just relax in Memorial Glade, a walk through UC Berkeley’s 200-acre core campus does not disappoint.

FREE. Get the campus map  

Doe Library

You might think you’ve landed at Hogwarts when you peek in Doe Library’s spectacular upstairs reading room. Don’t miss the ground-floor exhibits from the library’s special collections.

Valley Life Sciences Building

A bony Pteranodon soars above a giant T-Rex skeleton ambling through the Valley Life Sciences building, where you can get a close view of these and other dinosaur fossil casts.

FREE. Hours and location  

Botanical Garden

From the Redwood Grove to the Carnivorous Plant House, the Chinese Medicinal Garden and much more, discover the natural treasures of this 34-acre research garden with over 13,000 plants from around the world.

$18 general; $12 seniors and students; $8 youth; FREE for children 4 and under and UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff.  Hours and info  

Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence Hall of Science is all about engaging kids in science — from climbing on the beloved giant fin whale sculpture outside to meeting live animals and exploring hands-on exhibits. Dramatic views of campus and the San Francisco Bay are a beautiful bonus.

$20 adults and children 3+; FREE for kids 2 and under, UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff. Planetarium and 3D theater shows are extra.  Hours and info  

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California Raptor Center

Dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey, the Raptor Center cares for hundreds of birds each year, successfully returning most of them to the wild. You’re likely to meet some of the resident ambassadors when you visit — non-releasable raptors with permanent disabilities.

No visit to UC Davis would be complete without hitting the main Quad. With acres of grass, big shade trees and even hammocks, it’s a perfect place to stretch out and relax.

Eggheads Tour

The UC Davis community takes its Eggheads very seriously. Find out why on a self-guided walking tour of the iconic public sculptures by California artist Robert Arneson.

FREE. Get the tour  

UC Davis Arboretum

Wander through shady groves and flower-filled gardens or picnic near Lake Spafford: 100-plus acres of exploration await. Programs include guided tours, plant sales and drop-in folk and ukulele jam sessions where you’re invited to bring your instrument.  

FREE. More info and visitor map  

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Part of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, Putah Creek is a rare stream and grassland ecosystem managed for teaching, research and habitat protection. As you enjoy a hike or swim, think of the reserve as a natural time machine to help us imagine what this area was like before UC was born. 

FREE. More info  

UC Davis Bee Haven

Learn about bees and the plants they rely on and find out how to make your own pollinator garden at this unique outdoor museum.

Design Museum

Explores how design shapes, improves and makes viable the objects, technology and environments we use, inhabit and experience every day.

Gorman Museum of Native American Art

Founded over 50 years ago and unveiling its new, LEED Gold certified building in 2023, the Gorman Museum features contemporary Native American and Indigenous art in changing exhibitions, with a special commitment to showing work by living artists. 

Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

The Manetti Shrem’s curators want to change the way you see the world. Thought-provoking, rotating exhibitions feature art from the university’s Fine Arts Collection in a new context, from teaching prints to works by UC Davis faculty and alumni like Wayne Thiebaud, Robert Arneson, Bruce Nauman and Deborah Butterfield.

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

Set in the steep folds of the California Inner Coast Range, Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve offers miles of trails and spectacular ridgetop views. An ecological preserve for teaching and research, it’s one of the few UC Natural Reserves that is fully open to the public. Due to summer heat, it’s best enjoyed in spring and fall.

Maya Lin water table

Designed by celebrated artist and architect Maya Lin, the Arts Plaza at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts is an environment that embraces the senses, featuring one of Lin’s signature water sculptures and colorful lighted pathways.

FREE. Get directions  

Langson Institute and Museum of Contemporary Art

From California Impressionism and  plein air  painting to Post-War and contemporary art, the Langson IMCA celebrates artists responding to the California experience, presenting a diversity of voices, genres and media.

Beall Center for Art and Technology

Delving into interdisciplinary thought, the Beall Center’s exhibitions and public programs explore new relationships between the arts, sciences and engineering, promoting new forms of expression using digital technologies.

Performing and visual arts

During the school year, student dance, drama and musical performances and exhibitions abound at campus venues like the Claire Trevor Theater and the Contemporary Arts Center and Gallery .

Check the campus box office for shows (note that student productions take a pause for the summer).  

Aldrich Park

The UC Irvine campus was designed with 19 acres of inviting gardens at its heart. Aldrich Park is a great place to relax or stroll, with 51 types of trees (some over 100 feet tall), a sculpture garden and more.

FREE. Get a campus map  

The Hammer Museum

Known for critically acclaimed exhibitions and prized as a hub for Los Angeles’ creative community, the Hammer presents both historically overlooked and emerging contemporary artists along with a full slate of public programs.

Fowler Museum at UCLA

Explore global arts and cultures past and present, with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Indigenous Americas.

Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

Spanning five acres of the UCLA campus, the garden includes more than 70 sculptures by artists such as Hans Arp, Deborah Butterfield, Alexander Calder, Barbara Hepworth, Jacques Lipchitz, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin and David Smith.

Self-guided campus walking tour

From its iconic, stripey Romanesque Revival buildings to more modern facilities, UCLA’s sprawling main campus reflects its history and its future-facing commitment to innovation. Spoiler alert: Your Instagram will thank you. 

FREE. Get the map  

UCLA Meteorite Collection

At 1,500 meteorites, UCLA’s collection is the largest on the West Coast. About a hundred of these cosmic specimens are on display in the Geology building’s Meteorite Gallery for you to enjoy.

Mathias Botanical Garden 

A living museum of unique plants from all over the world, the botanical garden offers a tranquil respite amid a large, urban campus. Wander through the themed garden collections featuring California native plants, cycads, palms, lilies and more.

“Beginnings”

Walk through “ Beginnings ” and feel the UC Merced spirit. Two enormous, curving steel arms each 40 feet high rise from a large circular base in this iconic sculpture. Created by artist Aristides Burton Demetrios, it’s a metaphor for the embrace of a caring university that values its students and community.

The Labyrinth

For a few moments of mindfulness, try walking the labyrinth overlooking Little Lake.

Vernal Pools

Part of the UC Natural Reserve system, the beautiful Merced Vernal Pools appear in winter and spring, bringing a wildflower bloom and a haven for all kinds of animals. By summer they disappear. The pools are protected and only open to the public in spring for special guided tours.

Art exhibitions

Art is a part of campus life at UC Merced. Stop by La Galería , the Art Gallery and the exhibition spaces in the library to see what’s on.

Shakespeare in Yosemite

Every April, UC Merced students and faculty join with park rangers to put on a Shakespearean production in nearby Yosemite, adapting the Bard’s works to address contemporary environmental issues. 

Under one roof, UCR Arts brings together the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts and the Sweeney Art Gallery along with the California Museum of Photography, an invaluable collection that includes half a million photographic prints, negatives, books, cameras and more.

UC Riverside Botanic Gardens

Stop and smell the roses — or the 3,500 other plant species from around the world — on a stroll through the Botanic Garden’s 40 enticing acres.

Annual Pow Wow

A spring tradition going on 42 years, the UC Riverside Pow Wow is an intertribal celebration of Native American culture with singing, dancing and drumming. UC Riverside sits on land where Cahuilla, Tongva, Luiseño and Serrano people have lived for thousands of years, and the pow wow is a reflection of the school’s thriving Native American Student Programs .

The Eaton Collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy

Check out the world’s largest publicly accessible collection of science fiction, fantasy, horror and utopian literature, housed in the UC Riverside library special collections. 

Rupert Costo Library of the American Indian

With thousands of books, documents and audio recordings documenting Native American history, the Costo Library is a center for studies of the Native people of inland Southern California, the Southwest and North America.

Stuart Collection

Unlike a traditional sculpture garden, sculptures in the acclaimed Stuart Collection are site-specific works fused into the campus landscape. The collection includes works by Niki de Saint-Phalle, Ann Hamilton, John Baldessari, Mark Bradford and more. In Do Ho Suh’s “Fallen Star,” a small house clings precariously to the edge of the Engineering building — discover a hidden garden outside its front door and enter, if you dare!

Geisel Library Take a tour of UC San Diego’s architecturally indelible Geisel Library. Named for Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), it’s one of the top-ranked public academic libraries in the country. The library is also the primary repository for original Dr. Seuss works, and it happens to looks like it might have come straight out of the pages of one of his picture books.

Chicano Legacy Mural

Students from Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán created this mural honoring people (César Chavez), cultural icons (the Corn Mother) and local places (Chicano Park).

Birch Aquarium

The public face of UC San Diego’s world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography , the Birch Aquarium is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. Get a close-up view of underwater creatures in turtle and sea dragon exhibits, hands-on tidepools, the Hall of Fishes and much more. The adorable Little Blue Penguins are a visitor favorite.

$29.95 adults; $27.95 students and seniors; $24.95 children 3–17; FREE for kids 2 and under. Advance reservations required. More info  

Coastal Meander Trail

Located on the campus of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Coastal Meander Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego coastline from La Jolla Cove to Torrey Pines State Beach. Be sure to check out the coral reef succulent garden along the way.

ArtPower energizes UC San Diego year-round with a dynamic lineup of performing and media arts presentations.

Ticket prices vary. More info  

Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve beach

Part of UC’s Natural Reserve system, Coal Oil Point protects a wide variety of coastal and estuarine habitats for research and education. Its pristine beach is accessible from the UC Santa Barbara campus and a popular spot for student surfers.

Art, Design and Architecture Museum

Set alongside the campus lagoon, the museum offers rotating installations of its collections along with special exhibitions. Holdings range from Old Master paintings to American Realism and contemporary California art — not to mention one of the largest and finest architecture and design archives in North America.

UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures

From critically acclaimed concerts and dance performances by world-renowned artists to talks by groundbreaking authors and film series, Arts & Lectures presents more than a hundred public events each year.

The Labyrinth Trail

Nestled between the UC Santa Barbara Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, the Labyrinth offers a slice of serenity amid the bustle of campus. Unlike most other labyrinths, it is built to ADA specifications to accommodate wheelchairs.

The REEF at the Marine Science Institute

Have you ever wanted to hold a sea hare or a lobster? Head over to UC Santa Barbara’s teaching aquarium every Friday and Saturday to get up close and personal with sea creatures.

The Porter Squiggle

Take in a panoramic view of the Pacific and snap a selfie on the iconic “squiggle” sculpture by Kenny Farrell at Porter College (technically named “Untitled”).

Campus walking paths

From redwood groves to meadows overlooking the ocean, the beauty of UC Santa Cruz is legendary. Take it all in as you meander along the network of trails that connect the school’s 10 colleges.

FREE. Get the walking map  

Upper Campus Trail

Eager to explore more? For hiking enthusiasts, the  Upper Campus Trail gives you access to the special spots and gorgeous vistas of the wildlands just above the central campus. Mountain bikers will love this trail, too. (Note that bikes are not allowed on the Seven Springs trail and remember to leave your dog at home.)

FREE. Get the trail map  

Campus art galleries

The Sesnon Gallery and other campus art spaces are a cultural resource for the university and the region. Rotating exhibitions feature artwork by students, local artists and international luminaries.

Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Tucked away on the western edge of campus, the Arboretum and Botanic Garden hold a world-class collection of plants from California and the Southern Hemisphere, including a magnificent succulent garden.

$10 adults; $8 seniors; $5 youth 4–17; FREE for UC Santa Cruz students and kids under 4. More info  

UC Santa Cruz Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden

Two of the unique jewels of UC Santa Cruz, the 30-acre Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden are internationally known sites for training and research in organic horticulture and agriculture. Set at the base of the spectacular Great Meadow, they're also a peaceful oasis to visit. Download a self-guided tour map in advance or grab one at the entrance to the Farm.

Institute of Arts and Sciences

Located in downtown Santa Cruz, the Institute of the Arts and Sciences presents wide-ranging exhibitions and programs that bring the arts together with the sciences, social sciences and humanities as a catalyst for social change.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Gray and blue whale skeletons and life-size elephant seal sculptures greet you outside the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, located off campus near the bluffs in Santa Cruz. Inside, meet octopus, eels, rockfish, jellies and other creatures that inhabit the Monterey Bay. You can even touch a swell shark — no worries, they don’t bite! Behind-the-scenes research tours are offered daily.

$12 adults; $11 seniors; $9 students and kids 3–17; FREE for members, UC Santa Cruz students and kids 2 and under. More info  

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You've made it to the the Haas School of Business self-guided tour! Check out our campus map and audio files below to follow along with us as you explore campus.

10 Things To Do In Berkeley: Complete Guide To Living Like A College Local

L ocated in the Bay Area near San Francisco, Berkeley is a classic blend of history, art, culture, and cuisine and serves as a breeding ground for writers, artists, and musicians. Berkeley is the home to the prestigious UC Berkeley, also known as Cal, and the inception place of activism during the Civil Rights Era .

The town is also known for its art scene as well as architecture, making it a hidden gem within the Southern California map. With a rich history, Berkeley is a town that every California vacationer should stop in.

UPDATE: 2023/07/19 16:29 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Berkeley, California, Is Much More Than Meets The Eye!

This article has been refreshed with new places to see while in Berkeley, California, as well as other helpful information for a successful California getaway. From the University of Berkeley, the marina, 4th Street, and even a 1940s horse racing facility, this town is packed with things to experience. Have fun and be safe!

Things To Do

Berkeley provides a plethora of mind-soothing tourist hotspots, including various cafés, bookstores, meet-up points, and lodging options, making it a nice weekend getaway in the Bay Area. Here's our ultimate guide to the college town and California gem!

Catch A Show At The Greek Theatre

One thing to do while in Berkeley, California, is to visit the Greek Theatre. Here, people can experience one of the nation's most beloved and recognized outdoor entertainment centers.

This amphitheater hosts countless live performances as well as local productions throughout the year, making it a prime spot for culture. One of the nice things about Berkeley is its love for the arts.

In addition, the Greek Theatre is an 8,500-seat property owned and operated by the University of California, Berkeley. Like much of the city, UC Berkeley has its hands on this attraction.

• Address : Hearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720
• Hours : Dependent on the show

Tour The UC Berkeley Campus

Take a tour of the much acclaimed UC Berkeley, and witness 178 acres of architectural marvel. Start with Koret Visitor Center, which offers a complete tour of the campus; for those short on time, go for the self-guided tour option .

Take the elevator at the Sather Tower to reach the top of Cal's most iconic building. Here, a 200-foot level platform provides a beautiful view of the entire Bay Area and the Cal campus. Take a walk around Strawberry Creek to get in Zen mode.

Take a photo at the marble steps of Morrison Library, which serves as a spot for graduation photos. Look around for Founders Rock which is the heart of the campus.

• Address : University Avenue and Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94720
• Hours : Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm · Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

What (else) is there to see at UC Berkeley?

Notable attractions include the historic Sproul Plaza, a center of student activity and the Free Speech Movement, the third-tallest bell and clock tower, Sather Tower, Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology with over 3 million artifacts, the Botanical Garden, Hearst Greek Theater, and Lawrence Hall of Science, offering exhibits and planetarium shows for all ages, including 3D film screenings, with the UC Berkeley Campanile providing breathtaking views of the Bay Area.

Visit The Beautiful Botanical Garden In The Campus

Stretched in around a 34-acre area, this botanical garden is home to more than 10,000 varieties of plants from across the world. Tourists can get a tour of this garden which starts at regular intervals. Unwind under shades of trees and grab a quick bite while enjoying this pleasant garden.

Telegraph Avenue District

Telegraph Avenue is located near the UC Berkeley campus, it serves as a venue for socialization and gathering for UC Berkeley students, and it is known for its roots in the 1960 Berkeley Protest .

This is ground zero for the counter-culture that makes Berkeley quirky.

The street is filled with cafés, bookstores, and numerous street vendors. Some of the landmark music and bookstores include Rasputin Music, Amoeba Music, and Moe's Books.

Koret Visitor Center

This is the starting point for visiting the UC Berkeley campus; this is a 1 hour 30 minute, student-guided tour and requires online reservation beforehand; visit the website for more info.

Head Over To Downtown Berkeley

Like other cities, Berkeley's downtown is the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment hubs like the Repertory Theatre. It's also worth noting that the downtown section of Berkeley is considered the business district, bringing offices, restaurants, shops, and financial institutions to the area.

This is where many travelers want to do most of their walking, as it's easy to navigate between the countless businesses. On top of that, Downtown Berkeley is lively during weekends and holidays, being a favorite for students and other young residents.

An illuminated fountain and a farmers’ market are among the attractions at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park, so this is a spot everyone will want to see while in Berkeley.

Take In The Sights At Tilden National Park

Located in the east of the UC Berkeley campus, this 2077-acre park boasts breathtaking bay views with a rich botanical garden. This park is loved by children, especially the interactive little farm, steam train, and vintage carousel.

Visitors can soak in the sunset, which is a hike away. This park also offers various sights like the Lake Anza swimming site, golf course, and various picnic spots.

• Address : 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563
• Hours : Open daily from 5 am to 10 pm

Check out the Tilden Park website to learn about various events happening in the park.

Berkeley Art Museum And Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)

Located in the heart of Berkeley downtown, this is a concoction of an art museum. This repertory movie theater has an extensive collection of approximately 28000 artworks and 18000 films and videos.

It is a delight for art lovers and serves as an educational space for UC Berkeley scholars and the public. Don’t forget to check their website for the latest exhibitions and films.

• Address : 2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94720
• Hours : Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm

This art museum was first opened in 1970 and has since become a beacon of the city. For those who love film, this is a must-see while in the Berkeley area.

Bask In The Sunset At Berkeley Marina

Located on University Avenue, this city park is a quick getaway for nature lovers. The vast grassy land provides perfect picnic spots along with running trails and bike paths.

The Berkeley Marina is the westernmost portion of the city of Berkeley, located west of the Eastshore Freeway at the foot of University Avenue on San Francisco Bay. This is where many people spend sunrise and sunset in the city, watching it over the beautiful blue water.

The Marina is also free to enter and walk around, making this a nice affordable day trip for guests of the city. There are quite a few restaurants here as well, including ones serving fresh Californian seafood!

• Address : 124 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710 (Marina Center)

Shop & Eat On 4th Street

Located north of University Avenue, this stretch is one of the busiest places for refined shopping and eating in the city. The street hosts more than 70 shops that are designed keeping in mind the love of artful living and fashion.

There are endless stores here, including Lulu Lemon, Athletica, Kiehl's, Madewell, MAC, and Aveda, as well as smaller, locally-owned businesses. Like the Marina, 4th Street also boasts many restaurants and public walking spaces, making it another perfect place to spend a few hours in the afternoon or evening.

• Address : Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
• Hours : Open 24 hours

For people not wanting to spend all day in the car, 4th Street is perfect for walking or riding city scooters/bikes. There are many restaurants, shops, and entertainment opportunities throughout this area of Berkeley.

Take Some Quiet Time At Indian Rock Park

Indian Rock Park is a perfect spot for gazing at the sunset; visitors can witness the breathtaking scenery unfolding in front of them as the sun sinks beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Indian Rock Park is a 1.18-acre public park at 950 Indian Rock Avenue, where various social events and live performances take place throughout the year. For those visiting Berkeley in the spring or summer, there should be quite a bit going on throughout the park, especially on weekends.

Direction-wise, the park is tucked away at the northeast side of Berkeley, about two blocks north of the Arlington/Marin Circle, and straddles Indian Rock Avenue.

This is one of the better public parks in the area and is free to enter. Parking might be challenging in the busier months and seasons, so consider that before venturing out.

• Address : 950 Indian Rock Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
• Hours : Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm

Shop And Explore On San Pablo Avenue

Witness the evolution and diversity of Berkeley culture at this avenue; visitors will find every bit of the world doing their business in this happy place. Here they will get some of the best avocado toast, thin-crust pizzas, and handcrafted cappuccino in town.

San Pablo Avenue is a student-friendly neighborhood offering famous board games and free popcorn for grad students. Shop for home decor at the famous Mignonne Décor, or check out the pricey Victorian frame at Ohmega Salvage.

Visitors can find some exclusive jewelry at Kiss My Ring and some really cool gifts at Juniper Tree Supplies. If anyone in the group needs to keep busy for the day, this is certainly one spot to consider.

• Address : 2072 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702

San Pablo Avenue is a major thoroughfare that runs northwest from the center of Oakland at Frank Ogawa Plaza to the city of Crockett.

See A Race Or Concert At Golden Gate Field

Sports enthusiasts will not want to miss this place, it is a one-stop place for horse watching and sports watching, and there are rooms with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating facilities that broadcast several sports simultaneously.

It's worth mentioning that this location has been an American horse racing track straddling Albany, California, and Berkeley since 1941 and has become a historic landmark of the area. Structurally, it's very unique and tends to be a hot spot for photography.

On top of that, there are also live music events held here throughout the year, making it a nice spot to unwind at night. It's recommended to check the official website for upcoming events and plan accordingly.

• Address : 1100 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710
• Hours : Dependent on the event

Related: 10 Best Places To Glamp Near California's Bay Area

Best Time To Go To Berkeley

Berkeley enjoys refreshing weather all year round – thanks to its location in the San Francisco Bay Area, the climate is usually mild – summers not too hot and winters not too cold!

A good time to visit is between June to August, which is also when a lot of tourists flock to the city, so hotel and activities prices are usually on the higher side.

• Does Berkeley, California get snow? No ; it's very rare for Berkeley to experience snow, especially at its elevation of 171 feet.

Best Ways To Get Around Berkeley

Berkeley can be reached via San Francisco or Oakland airport if visitors prefer air travel. Consider flying to Oakland, as it is a smaller airport, relatively easier to manage, and also, it is closer to Berkeley.

From either of these airports, visitors can take a taxi, which will be costly, or they can use BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), take a shuttle to BART, and BART to Berkeley!

Get down at “Downtown Berkeley” station and catch a BearTransitShuttle , or an AC Transit Bus to travel within the city. Visitors can also book an Uber for comfortable travel.

Related: 10 Must-Visit Places You Should See In California

Where To Eat In Berkeley, California

Berkeley, with its diverse and widespread food joints offering authentic cuisine experiences, presents an excellent opportunity for travelers to combine their culinary adventures with sightseeing, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Shattuck & Vine Street Neighborhood

Shattuck and Vine Street is a culinary heaven! Alice Waters's Chez Panisse attracted a lot of food enterprises, brands, and entrepreneurs to put up shops across Shattuck Avenue.

Located on this street is Gourmet Ghetto , which offers food from across the world at a broad price range. Head on to Chez Panisse, which is an upscale American restaurant crafted by Alice Waters and dedicated to fresh and seasonal food. Check out the 400 different cheeses offered by the Cheeseboard Collective , which is a worker-owned cooperative. The place hosts an organic farmer’s market every Thursday. Visitors can also sign up for a culinary walking tour or just roam around the street and explore some of the finest culinary, gift shops, and self-designed jewelry shops.

If visitors are up for modern Indian cuisine, Hop on to Tigerlily or walk down a few steps to Epicurious Garden for Shushi or gelato. In the mood for some wine tasting? Look for Vintage Berkeley wine shop and get a reasonably priced bottle here. True coffee lovers can't miss original Peet’s Coffee and Tea at the corner of Walnut and Vine shop to enjoy Berkeley dark roast java coffee since 1966.

Masse’s Pastries is a combination of art and food that travelers should not miss when exploring this avenue. If sandwiches and salad sound good, try Gregoire. Book a culinary walking tour by Edible Excursion to experience the North Shattuck’s cuisine in the best way possible.

Berkeley downtown is filled with food corners ranging from quick bite shops to fine dining, do check out Gather for omnivorous cuisine and craft cocktails. Zino offers a fine-dining Mediterranean cuisine option. Almare Gelato and Italian ice creams are all-time favorites.

Telegraph Avenue

This four-and-a-half-mile stretch is one of the most distinct commercial districts of Berkeley. It is the birthplace of lattes and has also made ice cream and sandwiches famous. Check out The Bird and Top Dog, Henery’s, and Mezzo, the sandwich and salad spot for food worth trying.

Best Places To Try Berkeley's Authentic Drinks

Berkeley, California, is home to a vibrant microbrewing scene that originated in 1985 at Triple Rock Brewery & Alehouse. This local brewery boasts a dedicated fan following thanks to its commitment to artisanal and alehouse cuisine. Jupiter is another not-to-be-missed destination, offering handcrafted beers and ales complemented by award-winning wood-fired pizzas. For those seeking an authentic taste of Berkeley's best brews, a visit to Gilman Brewing Company promises an experience filled with award-winning beverages.

Wine enthusiasts will find their haven in West Berkeley, where a one-block radius is home to an impressive array of half a dozen wineries. Among the notable wineries are Broc Cellars, Doney & Goat, Lusu Cellars, and Vinca Minor, each offering delightful and flavorful natural wines. And if one happens to wander around Fourth Street, the elevated wine-tasting experience at Wine SoCru is not to be overlooked.

Where To Stay In And Around Berkeley

Whether visitors are on a luxury trip with family enjoying a holiday or backpacking Bay Area and looking for a budget stay, Berkeley has a lot of options to offer. It is well-connected with roads, so going from one place to another is not a tiresome task.

Listed here are some of the finest stay options based on budget.

Downtown Berkeley Inn

• Located in the heart of the city, this budget hotel offers a lot of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment choices nearby.
• Address: 2001 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, California 94704

Super 8 By Wyndham Berkeley

• Located on University Avenue close to BART and the university campus, this renovated Motel offers all amenities that travelers expect. Right from TV and refrigerator to parking and 24-hour customer service.
• Address: 1619 University Ave, Berkeley, California 94703

Related: West Coast United States Travel Guide - Top Sights, Restaurants & Accommodations

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Berkeley

• Located on University Avenue, the 26-unit property offers free guest parking, TV, hairdryer, and 24-hour customer service and is near North Berkeley BART station and CAL.
• Address: 1512 University Ave, Berkeley, California 94703
• Cost: $$ - $$$

Quality Inn University

• This is a well-connected hotel and offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a Business Center.
• Address: 1761 University Ave, Berkeley, California 94703

Travelodge by Wyndham Berkeley

• This hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with security locks; this stay is four blocks away from Cal and close to the downtown Berkeley BART station.
• Address: 1820 University Ave, Berkeley, California 94703
• Cost: $$ - $$$$

Bancroft Hotel

• One of the best hotels if travelers can shell out extra money, located very close to the Cal, this green hotel offers bay and campus views with all the amenities.
• Address: 2680 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, California 94704

Berkeley City Club

• Designed by Julia Morgan, this historic hotel is an architectural marvel equipped with fine dining and a private social club.
• Address: 2315 Durant Ave, Berkeley, California 94704

Rose Garden Inn

• Located in the vicinity of Cal, this oasis offers a complimentary buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi, and limited parking.
• Address: 2740 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, California 94705

DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina

• The best thing about this luxury hotel is its location in Berkeley Marina, as it provides an amazing view of the Bay Area, San Francisco skyline, and Golden Bridge. The rooms are spacious and come with either balcony or patio.
• Address: 200 Marina Blvd., Berkeley, California 94710

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

• Rated as one of the top hotels in the city, located near Interstate 80 in Berkeley. This hotel is an ideal stay option and one of the top picks for a luxury vacation.
• Address: 1175 University Ave, Berkeley, California 94702

Tips For Visiting Berkeley, California

Beautiful murals on walls, parks, and driveways can be found throughout the city, so a walking tour may be in order. Berkeley is a very diverse city; it accepts people coming from different walks of life, making its culture distinctly vibrant.

Berkeley has a series of small restaurants and shops that are authentic to the city and cannot be found anywhere else. The city ignites creativity in several different ways – murals, book cafés, hidden stairways in Berkeley Hills, and How Berkeley Can You Be Parade .

Related: 10 Crazy Affordable (But Scenic) West Coast Road Trips

How To Spend A Perfect Day In Berkeley

Berkeley has a lot to offer to its travelers. The rich and vibrant culture of the city is visible in its architecture, cuisines, and art. A perfect day in Berkeley should include a visit to the acclaimed UC Berkeley campus, where visitors can spend time in the Botanical Garden, Sather Tower, Sproul Plaza, and Lawrence Hall of Science.

Spend the afternoon visiting BAMPFA, the art museum and repertory movie theater, and exploring the Shattuck and Vine Street and witness some of the authentic cuisine that Berkeley has to offer.

The evening should be reserved for a nature walk at Tilden Park, especially during the sunset, to capture the beautiful scenery of the sun dipping down on the Bay Area. Late evenings can be spent shopping on 4th Street or Downtown.

Q: What is the best time to visit Berkeley?

Best time to visit Berkeley is between June to August when the temperature is moderate and the city is lively.

Q: What activities does Berkeley offer?

Berkeley is a college town known for art, botany, history, and the San Francisco Bay. The city of San Francisco itself, the most walkable place in the US , is only a short day trip away.

Q: What is Berkeley known for?

Berkeley is known as a college town that's convenient to the rest of the Bay, including San Francisco. It's one of the must-see places in California for art, culture, and more.

• Equity & Inclusion

On the Same Page x Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) present: San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour

Tour/Open House | October 15 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. |  SF Chinatown. Exact meeting location will be sent to registered and confirmed attendees.

Sponsor:   On the Same Page

We will learn the ways in which Chinatown has always been, and often still continues to be, its own independent, self-sufficient community. For example, we will learn about the rebuilding of Chinatown after the 1906 Earthquake, in which the Chinese community crowdsourced funding from overseas in order to reconstruct faster than the rest of SF. The city was trying to relocate Chinatown to the outskirts of the city, and the Chinatown community was able to re-establish itself in its original location. We look at several historical institutions in Chinatown and the impact that they have on the neighborhood today. We will begin with a one-hour walking tour of Chinatown (11:00 AM-12:00 noon), followed by a self-guided exploration of the Chinese Historical Society of America (CHSA) museum starting at 12:00 noon. This event is a part of On the Same Page, UC Berkeley’s way of welcoming our new students into the intellectual community. Each year, we feature a book, theme, or other work of art to provide the focus of a range of events, courses, and activities that bring our new students into contact with each other and our faculty. This year's featured book is INTERIOR CHINATOWN by Charles Yu. This event is free and open only to current UC Berkeley undergraduates on a first come, first served basis. If you require an accommodation in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Aileen Liu at [email protected] with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event. Space is limited. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/XRZympEF4pViEPys7

Target audience:  Students - Undergraduate

Open to audience:  Students - Undergraduate

Attendance restrictions:  Open only to current UC Berkeley undergraduates on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/XRZympEF4pViEPys7

Event Contact:  510-664-7862

Access Coordinator:  Aileen Liu,   [email protected] ,  510-664-7862

Free Guided Tour Reservation

Please complete the form below to make a reservation. Required fields are indicated by an asterisk (*).

Tour Details

Tour Name: Campus Walking Tour

Tour Date: Monday, September 9th 2024

Tour Start: 09:30 AM

Tour Starting Location: Koret Visitor Center

Tour End: 11:00 AM

Tour Ending Location: Sproul Plaza area

Tour Attendance: 20/30

Reservation Information

Please note the maximum tour group size is 9. If your party is larger than 9 please book a group tour .