1-Day Itinerary for Berkeley

Morning

8:00 AM - Breakfast the Berkeley Way

Sit Down Dishes: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Note, a charming French bistro known for its delicious cuisine. Enjoy their famous pancakes or a savory omelet with fresh ingredients.

Quick Bites:

• Original Peets Coffee
• Boichik Bagles
• ACME Bread
• Sconehenge

9:30 AM - Explore the University of California, Berkeley

Take a stroll through the beautiful campus of UC Berkeley. Make sure to visit iconic spots like Sather Gate, the Campanile (Sather Tower), and Doe Library. If you're up for it, venture to the top of the Campanile for a stunning view of the Bay Area. The Campanile houses a 61-bell carillon and visitors can enjoy three daily carillon concerts at 7:50am, 12:00pm, and 6:00pm.

Note: An elevator ride to the observation platform at the 200-foot level is required. There are 38 stairs from the top of the elevator up to the observation platform. The observation platform of this historical landmark is not wheelchair accessible. (Nominal fee required.)

Click HERE for the Self-Guided Walking Tour.

11:00 AM - Walk Along Telegraph Avenue

Take a walk down historic Telegraph Avenue. Explore the eclectic mix of shops, street vendors, and historic sites. This vibrant street captures the spirit of Berkeley with its bohemian atmosphere. This student-centric district is sprinkled with tie-dye, boba shops galore and great thrifting opportunities.

---

Midday

12:30 PM - Pick Your Pizza

Enjoy a unique and delicious pizza experience at Pizzeria da Laura, an award-winning pizza joint in the heart of downtown Berkeley. At Pizzeria da Laura it’s all about the pan-style pizza. Laura showcases her mastery of dough fermentation through multiple pizza styles ranging from New York to Sicilian, Detroit to Grandma style. Unlike your average pizzeria, guests choose their topping combination paired with one of Laura’s signature crust styles.

Other Options:

• Cheese Board Collective - Voted Yelp's #1 pizza in the country in 2022
• Jupiter
• Rose Pizzeria

2:00 PM - Visit the Botanical Garden

The UC Botanical Garden is a living museum open to the public featuring one of the most diverse plant collections in the United States. The Garden's 34 acres is a sanctuary for more than 10,000 species of plants, many endangered or extinct, from all over the world arranged by region.

Afternoon

3:00 PM - Shop on 4th Street

Fourth Street is a vibrant shopping district that seamlessly blends the city's eclectic charm with upscale sophistication. This bustling area is home to an array of unique boutiques, artisanal stores, and stylish home decor shops, making it a haven for shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind finds.

5:00 PM - Wet Your Whistle

West Berkeley's Gilman District is a hidden gem for libation enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of options to quench your thirst. This lively neighborhood boasts an impressive selection of craft breweries, artisanal distilleries, and cozy wine bars.

Choose From:

• Gilman Brewing Company
• Takara Sake
• Trumer Brewery and Taproom
• Wine Tastings on the Berkeley Wine Block
• Fieldwork Brewing Company

---

---

Evening

6:00 PM - Dinner at Gather

Head back to downtown Berkeley for dinner at Gather, a popular restaurant known for its sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine. Enjoy a delicious meal with a menu that caters to both vegetarians and meat-eaters, featuring locally sourced ingredients.

7:30 PM - Catch a Show

Berkeley's thriving arts scene is showcased through its array of performance theatres, each offering unique and captivating experiences. The Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Aurora Theatre are a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape, renowned for their innovative productions and world-class performances. For music lovers, Freight & Salvage is a beloved venue, specializing in folk, roots, and acoustic music, and fostering a warm, community-oriented atmosphere. Meanwhile, the UC Theatre serves as a dynamic space for a diverse range of events, from live concerts to film screenings, set within a beautifully restored historic movie palace.

*Check schedules and show times and make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time.

10:00 PM - Nightcap at Tupper & Reed

If you're up for it, finish your evening with a drink at Tupper & Reed, a stylish cocktail bar located in a historic building. Enjoy a creative cocktail or a classic drink in a cozy, speakeasy-like atmosphere.

---

Additional Tips

Transportation: Berkeley is quite walkable, but you may want to use public transit (BART) or rideshare services for longer distances, especially to Tilden Park.

Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as Berkeley can be cool in the morning and evening, even in summer.

Reservations: Make reservations for popular spots like La Note, Gather, and the Berkeley Performing Arts Venues in advance to ensure you get a table and tickets.

Enjoy your day exploring the diverse and vibrant city of Berkeley!