Berkeley, California is a vibrant city full of activities and attractions to explore. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, local culture, or just a day of fun, there’s something for everyone in Berkeley. From exploring the University of California campus to visiting one of the many parks and gardens, this list of things to do in Berkeley, CA is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is one of the nation’s leading university museums, offering a forum for cultural experiences that transform individuals and advance the local, national, and global discourse on art and film. As the premier visual arts venue at the top U.S. public research university, BAMPFA is uniquely dedicated to art and film in equal measure, offering exhibitions, screenings, and public programs that connect visitors from campus, across the Bay Area, and beyond with the leading artists and filmmakers of our time.
BAMPFA’s collection includes more than 28,000 works of art, including particular strengths in 20th- and 21st-century work such as Abstract Expressionist painting, contemporary photography, conceptual art, and African American quilts. Additionally, the museum’s holdings include focused historical collections of 19th-century American folk art and early American painting, Italian Baroque painting, Old Master works on paper, and East Asian paintings. BAMPFA’s collection also includes more than 18,000 films and videos, representing the largest collection of Japanese cinema outside of Japan and impressive holdings of Soviet cinema, West Coast avant-garde film, and seminal video art, as well as hundreds of thousands of articles, reviews, posters, and other ephemera related to the history of film.
Phone Number: (510) 642-0808
Address: 2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94720
The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a 34-acre oasis of botanical diversity located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 10,000 types of plants from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species, the Garden is a must-see destination for nature lovers and plant enthusiasts alike. The Garden is organized geographically, with 9 regions of naturalistic plantings from Australia to South Africa, as well as a major collection of California native plants.
Established in 1890, the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a living laboratory of plant life, and its collections are used by researchers and conservationists worldwide. The mission of the Garden is to develop and maintain a diverse living collection of plants, to support teaching and worldwide research in plant biology, to further the conservation of plant diversity, and to promote public understanding and appreciation of plants and the natural environment. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, or simply a lover of nature, the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a destination you won’t want to miss.
Phone Number: (510) 643-2755
Address: 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720
The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre is a historic venue located on the UC Berkeley Campus, offering breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding landmarks. Throughout its more than 100-year history, the Greek Theatre has welcomed a diverse array of entertainment and personalities, including Theodore Roosevelt, Sarah Bernhardt, Luciano Pavarotti, and the 14th Dalai Lama.
The concert season at the Greek Theatre typically spans the warmest months of summer, and the venue has played host to an impressive lineup of popular music artists over the years, including Bob Dylan, The Talking Heads, The Grateful Dead, Phish, Elvis Costello, John Legend, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Genesis, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, Joan Baez, Placido Domingo, Radiohead, Mumford & Sons, James Taylor, Adele, and Dave Matthews Band. The Greek Theatre is an extraordinary venue that transforms any event or concert into a truly remarkable experience for both the artist and the audience.
Phone Number: (510) 871-9225
Address: Hearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720
Indian Rock Park is a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts in the Berkeley area. The park, located in the Northbrae neighborhood, offers great views and challenges for early-level climbers. The park was a gift to the city from the Mason-McDuffie Real Estate Company in 1917 as part of the development of the Northbrae area.
Many notable figures in the rock climbing and environmentalist communities have a connection to Indian Rock Park. Dick Leonard, known as the “father of modern rock climbing,” and David Brower, founder of Friends of the Earth, both learned and developed their mountaineering techniques at Indian Rock. Brower even used his knowledge to prepare training manuals for the U.S. Army during World War II, which played a critical role in the 86th Regiment’s surprise attack on the Germans at Riva Ridge in Italy.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, Indian Rock Park is a must-visit destination in Berkeley. With its rich history and challenging routes, it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Phone Number: (510) 981-6637
Address: 950 Indian Rock Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707
The Lawrence Hall of Science is a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages. With a focus on scientific exploration and equitable learning experiences, the Hall offers a wide range of activities and exhibits that encourage visitors to discover and learn in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply someone looking for a fun and educational experience, the Lawrence Hall of Science has something for everyone.
The Hall’s curriculum and exhibits are designed to be both engaging and informative, with a focus on making learning fun and accessible for all. Visitors can explore the Hall’s many interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and attend special events and programs. The Hall also offers a variety of resources and support for educators, including curriculum materials, professional development opportunities, and more.
Whether you’re interested in science, technology, engineering, or math, the Lawrence Hall of Science is the perfect place to explore, learn, and discover. With its commitment to fostering scientific exploration and equitable learning experiences, the Hall is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Phone Number: (510) 642-5132
Address: 1 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720
The Berkeley Rose Garden is a true regional destination, offering visitors the chance to explore over 1,500 rose bushes and 250 varieties of roses, all while taking in breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the first Civil Works Progress Projects built under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Berkeley Rose Garden was conceived in 1933 and completed and dedicated for public use in September 1937. The terraced amphitheater and 220-foot-long redwood pergola were suggested by architect Bernard Maybeck; the final design and execution were the work of landscape architect Vernon M. Dean and rose specialist C. V. Covell.
The Berkeley Rose Garden has a rich history, and for many years, the Parks Department held Rose Week activities in the garden each May, with a Rose Day Celebration on Mother’s Day. The Friends of the Berkeley Rose Garden has been very active over the past decade in restoring key historical features and improving accessibility to the garden. Working in partnership with City gardeners, the Friends continue to play a key role in improvements to the garden. The construction of a new entry and overlook on Euclid Avenue sparked new interest in the park. The Berkeley Rose Garden is considered by many to be the finest rose garden in northern California. The roses are pruned in January in preparation for mid-May, when the garden is in its most spectacular state.
Phone Number: (510) 981-6637
Address: 1200 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA 94708
Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a nonprofit theater company that has been providing a platform for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over the years, the theater has grown from a small storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theater, known for its excellence, relevance, and ambition, as well as its adventurous audience. With nearly 500 shows and over 5.5 million people in attendance, Berkeley Rep has earned a reputation for producing quality theater, winning numerous awards including six Tony Awards, seven Obie Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, one Pulitzer Prize, and more.
The Berkeley Rep School of Theatre engages and educates around 20,000 people every year, helping to build the audiences of tomorrow with its nationally recognized teen programs. The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep’s Center for the Creation and Development of New Work was established in 2012 to enhance and expand the theater’s processes. With its bustling facilities, including the 400-seat Peet’s Theatre, the 600-seat Roda Theatre, and a spacious campus in West Berkeley, Berkeley Rep is contributing to the revitalization of the city.
Berkeley Rep creates theater that inspires, provokes civic engagement, and challenges its audience to experience the world in new and surprising ways. Whether you are a theater aficionado or simply looking for a unique and entertaining experience, Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Bay Area.
Phone Number: (510) 647-2949
Address: 2025 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704
Adventure Playground is a one-of-a-kind outdoor play space for children and families to explore and create. This playground is designed and built by kids, featuring forts, boats, and towers to play on, as well as a zip line and a variety of tools and recycled materials for kids to use to create their own structures and designs.
Supervision is required for all children under 18, and adults must be registered and present during their visit. The playground is open to weekday school groups and weekend birthday groups, with two 2-hour time slots available each day. Rates are based on the number of children in your group.
In addition, Adventure Playground has introduced a new program, where children aged 7 and older can be dropped off by their guardian and stay in the playground with trained staff on site to ensure their safety. Families who wish to stay with their children are also welcome to join in on the fun. With so much to explore and create, Adventure Playground is a unique and exciting destination for families to experience together.
Phone Number: (510) 981-6720
Address: 160 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710
AxeVentures Berkeley is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts in the Bay Area. Located in the heart of Berkeley on Telegraph, AxeVentures offers a unique and exciting activity that combines the ancient art of axe throwing with modern technology and safety measures. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time thrower, our expert coaches will teach you everything you need to know to throw an axe like a pro.
At AxeVentures, we offer more than just a fun pastime – we offer a chance to tap into your primal and adventurous self. Imagine a game of darts, but more extreme and exciting. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and safety measures to ensure that you have a fun and safe experience. Whether you’re looking for a unique birthday party idea, a fun bachelorette or bachelor party, or a team-building activity for your work function, AxeVentures is the perfect choice.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to relieve stress and connect with friends, family, and coworkers, AxeVentures is the perfect destination. Book your event today and experience the thrill of axe throwing at AxeVentures Berkeley.
Phone Number: (510) 529-4427
Address: 2566 Telegraph Ave Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94704
Tilden Little Farm is located in the heart of Tilden Regional Park, one of the oldest and most beloved parks in the East Bay area. Tilden Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors of all ages, including a carousel ride, picnic areas, a swim at Lake Anza, and a stroll through the Botanic Garden. With 2,079 acres of land, Tilden Park has something for everyone to enjoy, from quiet, peaceful places to active and exciting areas.
Named for Charles Lee Tilden, the first president of the Park District Board of Directors, Tilden Little Farm is an idyllic destination for families and nature lovers. Visitors can explore the farm and see a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens, as well as gardens and orchards. The farm offers educational programs and activities for children, making it a perfect destination for a family outing.
Tilden Little Farm is easily accessible via Canon Drive, Shasta Road, or South Park Drive, all off Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip, as it offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Tilden Park while learning about farm life. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a peaceful retreat, or an educational experience, Tilden Little Farm is sure to delight.
Phone Number: (510) 544-2233
Address: 600 Canon Dr, Berkeley, CA 94708