Berkeley

Berkeley offers a variety of options for a trip: a rose garden and plant collection, waterfront trails, outdoor activities, and campus and film history. When choosing a hotel in Berkeley, you can prioritize the aspects that interest you most during your stay. The following places offer specific themes to explore—from boating to botanical diversity.

Gardens and Plant Diversity

Berkeley’s Historic Rose Garden is a terraced amphitheater. The garden is home to 1,500 rose bushes in 250 varieties. The terraces shape the rose garden, while the variety of roses gives it a distinct botanical focus. The University of California Botanical Garden offers a different perspective on plants. It covers 34 acres and is a living museum in Berkeley’s urban landscape. More than 10,000 plant species are represented there, including many rare and endangered species. Together, these offer two different botanical experiences: a garden with many rose varieties and a collection spanning a wide range of plant species.

Trails, Water and Outdoor Recreation

Aquatic Park has a large lagoon for boating, as well as trails for walking and cycling. The Ohlone Greenway offers a different experience: a tree-lined trail with good connections for walking and cycling. At César Chavez Park, the Berkeley Waterfront includes open spaces. The Waterfront provides access to the Bay Trail for cycling and walking.

The activities differ significantly: the lagoon is for boating, while the trails mentioned offer opportunities for walking and cycling. Contra Costa Rock Park adds climbing opportunities for beginners. You can therefore choose among these places based on whether you would rather plan a trip on the water, get active on trails or go climbing.

Campus, Culture and History

The University of California Berkeley campus was founded in 1868 and opened in 1873. South Hall was also built in 1873 and is the oldest building on campus. The two dates mark different events: the founding preceded the opening by five years, while South Hall was built in the year the campus opened.

Contra Costa Rock Park also contains evidence of the early lives of Indigenous American communities. The Pacific Film Archive offers an exceptional selection of films from around the world, including rare and classic works. Together, these places add further points of interest to a stay in Berkeley—from campus history to cultural subjects and film.

Markets and Travel Planning

The Ecology Center Farmers’ Markets are family-friendly outdoor markets. California farmers sell fresh, locally grown produce and farm-processed foods directly to consumers. Market dates can change, so it is advisable to check the dates before visiting.

Berkeley has three BART stations. Amtrak offers frequent daily departures on the Capitol Corridor route from Berkeley station at University Avenue and Third Street. Timetables can change, so check departures for your travel date. This information gives you specific pointers for planning your journey without requiring you to choose a particular activity in advance.

Discover more destinations: San Leandro, Oakland, Livermore, Piedmont, Pleasanton, Alameda, Fremont, Castro Valley.

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