Berkeley, CA

Travel Guide

A cityscape at dusk with a prominent illuminated tower in the foreground.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent tower and a dome structure.
A tower with a clock, a bridge, and a sunset over a city.
The Art Museum Pacific Film Archive building with a modern design, large windows, and a visible street with cars and a cyclist.
A cityscape with a prominent clock tower, dense urban buildings, and a distant body of water.

Head to Berkeley for waterfront views, culinary delights, cultural landmarks, and lush trails that connect you to nature.

Berkeley is an ideal destination for culture and family travelers. You can visit the Berkeley Marina for waterfront activities and views, explore the Gourmet Ghetto for its culinary scene, and stroll through the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley to see diverse plant collections. For entertainment, the Greek Theater and the Berkeley Repertory Theater offer performances, while the UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall hosts concerts. If you enjoy sports, Memorial Stadium is also worth a visit. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Wildcat Peak Trail provides scenic hiking opportunities.

While you're in Berkeley, take the time to explore its interesting neighborhoods. Albany is known for outdoor family experiences and features Albany Hill Park and McLaughlin Eastshore State Park. North Berkeley and Downtown Berkeley are both recognized for their cultural offerings. North Berkeley includes the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents and Tilden Regional Park, while Downtown Berkeley is home to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, as well as the Berkeley Community Theater. Each of these areas offers unique attractions for visitors.

The best time to visit Berkeley is from June to October when the weather is mild, typically ranging from 64 to 67°F and mostly dry. During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities without the interference of rain. Demand for accommodations remains steady throughout the year, although it does become busier in March to April and July. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in October to December when fewer tourists are around.

Where to stay in Berkeley

Find the best Berkeley areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Berkeley
Learn more about Berkeley

Downtown Berkeley

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Downtown Berkeley Station to see more of the city.

North Berkeley

If you're spending some time in North Berkeley, Historic Berkeley and Aftel Archive of Curious Scents are top sights worth seeing.

South Berkeley

While you're in South Berkeley, take in top sights like Telegraph Avenue and jump on the metro at Ashby Station to see more of the city.

West Berkeley

While there might not be top attractions in West Berkeley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Berkeley Marina and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall.

Central Berkeley

When in Central Berkeley, you can plan a visit to Historic Berkeley and UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

4 out of 5
200 Marina Blvd Berkeley CA
$147 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$169 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
Claremont Resort & Club

Claremont Resort & Club

5 out of 5
41 Tunnel Road Berkeley CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$403 nightly
The price is $468 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$468 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Berkeley. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, 3 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,211 reviews)
"Award winning"

Reviewed on Nov 12, 2026

Claremont Resort & Club
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA
$119 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$140 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.

Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.

Berkeley CA
Stay at this vacation home in Berkeley. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Fox Theater and Jack London Square ...
8/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
"The property is fun. So much character and David the host is the absolute best!"

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026

Charming baseball themed 2-story building with cable TV, wi-fi & stereo system.
Blue Cottage In Great Berkeley Neighborhood

Blue Cottage In Great Berkeley Neighborhood

Berkeley CA
Stay at this cottage in Berkeley. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Fox Theater and Jack London Square are ...
Blue Cottage In Great Berkeley Neighborhood
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St San Francisco CA
Stay at this aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Berkeley attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Berkeley worth visiting?
Berkeley is worth visiting for its prominent attractions, including the University of California, Berkeley, and the scenic Berkeley Marina. Travelers can explore distinct areas like Downtown Berkeley and enjoy diverse dining options, with a focus on Asian and Latin American cuisines.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Berkeley?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Berkeley depend on what you want to see:

  • Downtown Berkeley is home to cultural spots like the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art & Life, UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, and Berkeley Repertory Theater.
  • Berkeley Marina offers outdoor fun with Cesar Chavez Park, Adventure Playground, and the marina itself.
  • North Berkeley features the famous Gourmet Ghetto, the unique Aftel Archive of Curious Scents, and Ohlone Dog Park.

What is Berkeley known for?
Berkeley is known for the University of California, Berkeley, and its historic Greek Theater. Travelers can also explore the Berkeley Marina, and the city, named after George Berkeley, offers a strong Asian food culture. Its neighborhoods include Downtown Berkeley.
What is a good itinerary length for Berkeley?
A good itinerary length for Berkeley is two to three days to explore key highlights like the University of California, Berkeley, the Greek Theater, and Berkeley Marina. An extended stay of four to five days allows more time to discover Downtown Berkeley and North Berkeley, perhaps enjoying a food tour and the local Asian, Latin American, or Italian cuisines. See Berkeley Activities.
How do you get around Berkeley?
Metro and train services are available in Berkeley, with stations like Downtown Berkeley Station and Ashby Station providing convenient access. For exploring further, rental cars can be found in neighborhoods such as Downtown Berkeley, Albany, and Northwest Berkeley. Rideshare services offer another flexible transportation option.
What are the top things to do in and around Berkeley?
Berkeley offers a mix of campus exploration, waterfront views, and cultural experiences:


How do I plan a trip to Berkeley?
To plan your trip to Berkeley, book flights and hotels in advance. Stay in Downtown Berkeley or North Berkeley to explore the University of California, Berkeley, and the Greek Theater. Consider the Best of North Berkeley Food Tour. Public transit via metro and train is available, and rental cars offer flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Berkeley?
In Berkeley you can find Thai cuisine, with dishes like Pad Thai, green curry, and tom yum soup. Travelers also have options for Mexican food, including tacos and burritos, alongside Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza. You'll also find various Asian, North American, and European options.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Berkeley?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Berkeley by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Berkeley with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Berkeley trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Berkeley?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Berkeley can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Berkeley trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Berkeley trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Berkeley trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Berkeley trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Berkeley?
If it's your first trip to Berkeley, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Berkeley hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Berkeley hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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