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Berkeley

Set on sparkling San Francisco Bay, Berkeley (pronounced BURK-lee) will surprise those who recall it as the counter-culture center of the 1960s. Free Speech and flower power are forever in the city "DNA," but Berkeley has evolved into a culinary and cultural travel destination. You'll still see more tie-dye per capita in Berkeley, but a deeper look reveals a dynamic East Bay city filled with superb theaters, restaurants, and shops. Berkeley's progressive, free-thinking environment has seen the birth of quality attractions, great food from many cultures, and of course the internationally renowned University of California, Berkeley. For a city of just over 100,000 people—barely a medium-sized

See
9
Do
11
Eat
40
Drink
11
Buy
13

11 places match

  1. Do

    924 Gilman

    Alternative Music Foundation

    North Berkeley is home to one of the world's most famous punk rock clubs, known simply as Gilman, after the street it is located on. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings, and sometimes Sunday afternoons. The Gilman is an all ages venue, with a harsh no drugs or alcohol policy, and operates as a private club, requiring you to purchase a membership card to attend a show, though in practice this is only a minimal fee on top of your ticket price.

  2. Do

    Adventure Playground

    This "junkyard" playground for school-age kids is a top-10 playground according to the National Geographic magazine. Kids can build with real tools, paint their creations, and play in the water and mud. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don't mind being ruined. Tools are collected 30 minutes before closing time. Zipline is taken down 15 minutes before closing time. Reservations are required (and expensive) for groups of five or more children, including if you plan to meet another family at the playground.

    Year-round Sat Sun 11AM–5PM, and summer Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, closed on holidays and for rainUp to 4 children with parents: free; more than 4 children: $75 to $180; one child without parents: $10 for three hours

  3. Do

    Aftel Archive of Curious Scents

    More of a "smell" than a "see", this one-of-a-kind archive includes all manner of interesting scents. For a full sensory experience, you can touch many objects and experience dozens of smells. Tickets include four sticks dipped into displays to take home. The archive includes objects that are centuries old, covering alchemy books, botanical specimens, perfumes, and other aromatics. Reservations in advance are recommended; expect to spend about an hour.

    Sat 10AM–6PM$25, minors are $15, babes-in-arms are free

  4. Do

    Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

    If you can name a type of dance, than the odds favor it being done here, and possibly taught as well. Music and dance from the world. Veggie-friendly food, wine and beer, and kids are always welcome.

    Tue-Sat 10AM–5PM

  5. Do

    Berkeley Repertory Theatre

    Berkeley Rep

    With its consistently high-quality productions of contemporary and historical plays, Berkeley Rep is one of the primary centers of theater on the West Coast. The theater is also very pleasant, in a modern way.

    Hours vary, normally Tue-Sun 8-11PM, Sat Sun 2-4PM (matinee)$35-55 (varies by night; half-price students and seniors, $20 under 30)

  6. Do

    California Golden Bears Football

    Above the Berkeley campus, Memorial Stadium plays host in the fall season to UC Berkeley football games. But if you want to watch a game for free, head above the canyon to Tightwad Hill, a hill where students and the public gather to watch games. It's also an ideal location for spectacular views of the Bay Area when there's not a game going on. Anyone is free to come as long as they pick up their own trash and don't wear the colors of Stanford University (red).

  7. Do

    Game On

    GameOn is essentially a custom arcade, with numerous hands-on cooperative games to play with a group of friends. They also serve beer in their lounge.

    Fri-Sun 4-8pm.$39 adults, $29 students. Reservations are recommended.

  8. Do

    Golfing at Tilden

    Enjoy the 3-level driving range and rolling 18-hole public course.

    Open daily: call for hoursCall for fees

  9. Do

    Long Haul Infoshop

    An anarchist library and community space. there is a wide range of books and magazines collected over the years for folks to read, as well as free coffee. on the weekends you may also find political and counter cultural events.

    Wed-Sun 6PM-9PM

  10. Do

    Takara Sake Co. Tasting Room and Museum

    Sample flights of Sho Chiku Bai sake and plum wines in a gorgeous tasting room within the brewery. Afterwards, check out the displays of traditional sake-making gear in the sake museum. Online reservations. (Recommended for weekend tastings)

    Daily noon-6PM, last tasting 5:30PM$5-10

  11. Do

    Greek Theatre

    Featuring musical performances from all over the world.