Things to do in Berkeley & the Bay Area

Explore

Berkeley brims with authentic experiences and activities to engage, expand, entertain, enthrall - sometimes even all of the above. Here are some topline suggestions on how to explore Berkeley like a local:

  • Play with family friendly kid activities like the Adventure Playground or the Habitot Children’s Discovery Museum.
  • Visit our UC Berkeley section for ideas on must-see sights while touring the Cal Berkeley campus. You may even discover a few Cal Secret Spots!
  • Experience a rich arts and culture scene by catching a show in the Downtown Arts District or admire visual art at the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive.
  • Stop by the Berkeley Visitor Information Center and allow our visitor specialists to share fun things to do and see while you are in town.
  • Telegraph Avenue is in many ways the soul of Berkelely. It's also a district filled with great shops and restaurants. Take a walk with us!
  • Tilden Park: As one of the East Bay Regional Park District’s “OG” parks, Tilden occupies a special place in the heart of many Berkeley residents, a symbol of the city’s accessibility to nature and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  • Fun With Science: Since long before STEM learning (science, technology, engineering and math) rocketed into the public consciousness, the Lawrence Hall of Science has been a favorite destination for Berkeley locals and visiting families.

People walk by a hot pink peace sign sculpture in Berkeley

Experience a rich arts and culture scene by catching a show in the Downtown Arts District or admire visual art at the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive.

Experience Arts & Culture
A family has fun in front of the Golden Gate Bridge

Play with family friendly kid activities like the Adventure Playground or the Habitot Children’s Discovery Museum. Check out our A-Z Kids Guide.

Family Friendly Berkeley
infographic of information about the Berkeley Bucks gift card program
Berkeley Bucks is the first ever city wide eGift Card redeemable throughout Berkeley. No app downloads, or special technology required.