Berkeley offers a range of travel-planning highlights: gardens, outdoor trails, campus history, film and markets. The Historic Rose Garden is laid out as a terraced amphitheater, while Aquatic Park features a large lagoon and trails for walking and cycling. First decide whether gardens, outdoor activities, culture or markets should shape your stay most.

Gardens with distinct characters

Berkeley’s Historic Rose Garden is laid out as a terraced amphitheater. It features 1,500 rose bushes in 250 varieties. The layout and rose varieties give the garden two distinct features: its terraced design and the diversity of its roses.

The University of California Botanical Garden is a 34-acre living museum in Berkeley’s urban landscape. It features more than 10,000 plant species, including many rare and endangered species. Here, a broad diversity of plants takes center stage, while the Historic Rose Garden focuses specifically on roses. Travelers including gardens in their plans can take these different highlights into account.

Trails, water and outdoor activities

Aquatic Park offers opportunities including boating on a large lagoon, as well as trails for walking and cycling. The park brings together water and outdoor activities in one named destination. The tree-lined Ohlone Greenway, with good connections for walking and cycling, is another option among Berkeley’s trails.

At the Berkeley Waterfront, the Bay Trail provides access for cycling and walking. César Chavez Park features expansive open spaces. Alongside trails, this gives visitors the option of open landscapes as a distinct feature of the waterfront; the Bay Trail remains the specific point of reference for walks and bike rides.

Contra Costa Rock Park offers climbing opportunities for beginners. The park also contains references to the early lives of Indigenous American communities. Climbing and cultural history come together here as two different interests at the same named location.

Campus history and film

The University of California Berkeley campus was founded in 1868 and opened in 1873. South Hall is the oldest building on campus and was built in 1873. The dates mark different milestones: 1868 refers to the founding of the campus, 1873 to its opening and, at the same time, the year South Hall was built.

Another cultural highlight is the Pacific Film Archive. It offers an exceptional selection of films from around the world, including rare and classic works. This gives culture-minded travelers options ranging from the architectural history of the campus to international film art.

Markets and regional produce

The Ecology Center Farmers’ Markets are family-friendly outdoor markets. California farmers sell fresh, locally grown produce and farm-processed foods directly to consumers there. If you plan to visit a market, check the latest dates and times before your trip, as market schedules can change.

Plan your arrival and accommodations

Berkeley has three BART stations. The Capitol Corridor route offers frequent daily departures from the Amtrak Berkeley station at University Avenue and Third Street. Since schedules can change, it’s worth checking the latest departure times before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Fremont, Oakland, Newark, Emeryville, Pleasanton, Alameda, Dublin, San Leandro.

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