While many may recognize Berkeley for its renowned university or its history of activism, the city has so much more to offer. Tucked between lush hills and the sparkling Bay, Berkeley is a vibrant blend of natural beauty and urban energy. Its diverse neighborhoods and bustling streets are full of life, while nearby parks and scenic trails attract nature lovers from near and far. Despite its peaceful green spaces, Berkeley is far from remote—it's a dynamic city with a spirited, ever-evolving character.
What to Love
- A lively passionate, and engaged community
- Easy access to nature - from hiking wooded trails to strolling along the bay
- A thriving food scene with over 350 restaurant, cafes, breweries, and diners
- Quick commute to both San Francisco and Oakland
- Exception live theater, music and cultural performances
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Berkeley is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from cozy diners and quiet cafés to high-end restaurants with seasonal prix fixe menus. With an abundance of options, discovering new favorites is eas —and the culinary experience is consistently exceptional.
One of Berkeley’s crown jewels is Chez Panisse, where chef Alice Waters’ daily-changing menu continues to inspire the farm-to-table movement. For a plant-based and sustainably sourced meal, Gather offers a stylish setting and unforgettable dishes.
Craving something more adventurous? Ippuku delivers an authentic taste of Tokyo with its izakaya-style Japanese fare. Berkeley’s diverse food scene also includes must-visit spots like La Marcha Tapas Bar, known for its vibrant outdoor dining and bold Spanish flavors, and Standard Fare, where fresh, organic ingredients take center stage.
For something casual yet crave-worthy, Gregoire serves up gourmet French-inspired sandwiches, while The Cheeseboard Collective rotates its daily vegetarian pizza selections in a lively cooperative setting. And for creative vegan comfort food, The Butcher’s Son is a standout with deli-style sandwiches and plant-based meats and cheeses.
Prefer to cook at home? Berkeley’s thriving farmers' markets are packed with local produce, artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked goods, and more—perfect for crafting your own culinary masterpiece.
Things to Do
Berkeley offers a vibrant calendar of events and activities year-round. Book lovers flock to the Bay Area Book Festival, where they can meet acclaimed authors and discover compelling new reads. The Berkeley World Music Festival fills the streets with global rhythms—both traditional and contemporary—creating an unforgettable, high-energy experience. Other annual favorites include the colorful Kite Festival, the indulgent Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival, and the Solano Avenue Stroll, the largest street fair in the East Bay. Berkeley is also a proud host of Juneteenth celebrations, honoring Black history and fostering strong community connections.
Beyond festivals, Berkeley offers enriching everyday experiences. Adventure Playground—often named one of the best in the Bay Area—invites kids to build, play, and explore. Nature lovers can enjoy peaceful walks through the UC Botanical Garden or Berkeley Rose Garden, or challenge themselves on scenic hikes like the Fire Trails or Claremont Canyon.
The city’s rich intellectual and artistic scene thrives through institutions like the Berkeley Art Museum, Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, and the Lawrence Hall of Science, all offering dynamic exhibits and hands-on experiences for curious minds of all ages.
