Looking for the best things to do in Berkeley? Home to UC Berkeley and the birthplace of California cuisine, Berkeley blends intellectual energy, incredible food, and beautiful hills-and-bay scenery. Locals point to the UC campus and Campanile, the “Gourmet Ghetto” food scene, and hiking and views at Tilden Regional Park.
Things to do in Berkeley
UC Berkeley
Stroll the historic campus, ride up the Campanile (Sather Tower) for bay views, and visit the BAMPFA art-and-film museum and the UC Botanical Garden.
The Gourmet Ghetto & Food
North Berkeley’s legendary food district — home of Chez Panisse and the roots of California cuisine — plus Telegraph Avenue and Fourth Street’s shops and eateries.
Tilden & the Hills
Tilden Regional Park with its steam train, botanic garden, Lake Anza and trails, plus panoramic views over the bay.
The Marina & Waterfront
The Berkeley Marina for kite-flying, sunsets and Golden Gate views, and the Lawrence Hall of Science for families.
Things to do in Berkeley at night
Telegraph and Downtown’s theaters, music and student-driven nightlife, plus acclaimed dining across the city, lead the evening — with SF a quick BART ride away.
Free things to do in Berkeley
- Wandering the UC Berkeley campus
- Hiking Tilden and the hills
- The Berkeley Marina, Rose Garden and Fourth Street
What Berkeley locals actually recommend
The best food across the neighborhoods, campus events open to all, quiet hill trails — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Berkeley community, real neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your Berkeley neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Berkeley?
Explore the UC Berkeley campus and ride the Campanile, eat your way through the Gourmet Ghetto (home of Chez Panisse), hike Tilden Regional Park, and enjoy the Berkeley Marina and Rose Garden.
What is Berkeley known for?
UC Berkeley, its history of activism and intellectual life, and being the birthplace of California cuisine — plus beautiful hills, Tilden Park, and bay views.
What are free things to do in Berkeley?
Wandering the UC Berkeley campus, hiking Tilden and the hills, and the Berkeley Marina, Rose Garden and Fourth Street are all free.
Is Berkeley worth visiting near San Francisco?
Yes — for the UC campus, the food scene, and Tilden Park’s trails and views, all a quick BART ride from SF.