Berkeley

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

BAMPFA

As a visual arts venue, BAMPFA is dedicated equally to art and film. Its art collection and exhibitions reflect the diversity of the UC Berkeley campus and San Francisco Bay Area, with particular strengths in 20th- and 21st-century work. The museum, run by the University of California, is in a building that is itself an impressive work of modernist architecture, incorporating a 1939 Art Deco-style building. With one of the most extensive film archives in the world, the PFA offers many film series throughout the year, focusing on directors, eras, or artistic movements. It also screens some of the films during the annual San Francisco International Film Festival.

Wed-Sun 11AM–7PM·$18, free for BAMPFA members; UC Berkeley students, faculty, staff; 18 & under; one adult per child 13 & under; and artists with exhibits

Berkeley Rose Garden

A half-hour's walk north of the UC Berkeley campus. Especially nice for watching the sunset, with a view of the bay.

Daily 6AM - 10PM, Unless otherwise posted

César Chávez Park

A bike and pedestrian path runs around the water's edge to the bay side from the back of the peninsula this 90-acre (36-hectare) park shares with the Marina and Pier, revealing an incredible view of the bay, the city, Alcatraz, the GG Bridge, and Mt. Tamalpais. With steady winds coming off the bay, a large field, and low hills, this is a kite flying Mecca (the first scene in the film adaptation of The Kite Runner was filmed here, though labeled as San Francisco). There is also a kite shop in a truck that parks here most afternoons that sells kites and parts. The park also has picnic areas with BBQ pits, an off-leash dog area, a wetland and wildlife sanctuary.

Daily 6AM-10PM, unless otherwise posted

Ecology Center

Non-profit organization dedicated to the improvements of ecology. Established in 1969, it provides eco-friendly education and focuses on the efforts of urban sustainability and climate change.

Wed-Sat noon-5PM

Indian Rock Park

Indian Rock Park is a 1.18-acre (0.48-hectare) public park located in the northeast part of the city, about one block north of the Arlington/Marin Circle, and straddles Indian Rock Avenue. The central feature of the park is a large rock outcropping on the west side of Indian Rock Ave. You can climb up the rocks on the carved out stairs and gaze at the great vista from the top. Highly recommended for sunsets.

Daily 6AM - 10PM, Unless otherwise posted

The Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence

Offers many hands-on science exhibits, especially good for children. Since 1968, the Lawrence has been dedicated to creating innovative science learning experiences. The outdoor plaza (free) is popular for its whale and DNA sculptures to climb on, and features a panoramic view of the Bay Area: San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland and the Bay Bridge. The science center includes a planetarium, a 3D theater, an Animal Discovery Zone, Outdoor Nature Lab, and an area for young explorers.

Wed-Sun 10AM–5PM·$25, Kids under 3, members free

Tilden Park

Offers several inexpensive activities for families with children. Many kilometers of hiking trails of various difficulties are available for free hiking, and include vistas of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Home to a scale, narrow-gauge working steam train. $8 gets five rides through the woods atop the Berkeley hills, including a tunnel and trestle bridge. Right next door is the Golden Gate Live Steamers Club, maintained and operated by 275 members. This is an entire miniature railroad for hand-built steam engines. Bus 67 from Berkeley BART goes through the park on weekends. Also in the park, Lake Anza is a popular swimming destination for families and summer camps. There is a wonderful Botanical Garden with a very diverse terrain and a great collection of manzanitas and other California native plants. Be sure to check website for updates concerning weather effects, construction and so on. Check website for amenities and trail closures as well.

Daily 5AM-10PM, unless otherwise posted·See website for specific attraction fees

University of California Botanical Garden

Part outdoor museum, park, and biological research facility for the University of California, the garden hosts over 12,000 different species of plant life.

Daily 9AM-10AM (members only) 10AM-5PM, closed first Tuesdays·Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and non-UCB students, $7 children 7-17. Children 6 and under, NARM/ROAM/ARM Reciprocal members with card, UCB faculty and students, LBNL, UCOP staff and UCBG members free. (Reservations required.)

University of California, Koret Visitor Center

UC Berkeley, or "Cal"

90-minute student-led walking tours are offered seven days a week. (M-Sa at 10AM, Su at 1PM). Be prepared to climb the hilly campus terrain. For a break, take a seat in the Doe Library's reading room (but don't bring the kids or bother the students). If you're touring alone, the main attraction is a ride up the Campanile/Sather Tower ($5 adults, $4 seniors and children < 18, free for Cal students with ID), which offers sweeping views of the Bay Area.

Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM, Sat Sun 9AM-1PM