Berkeley
wElcome to Berkeley!
A guide to living in Berkeley!
Nestled on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley stands as a beacon of progressive thought, artistic expression, and intellectual curiosity. Renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, world-class universities, and stunning natural beauty, Berkeley captivates residents and visitors alike with its eclectic charm.
Berkeley's story is woven with threads of innovation, activism, and resilience. Founded in 1868, the city's origins are deeply rooted in the pioneering spirit of the American West. Over the decades, Berkeley has been at the forefront of social and political movements, from the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s to contemporary efforts for environmental sustainability and social justice.
Berkeley's culinary scene is one of the best in the Bay Area, with a plethora of eateries ranging from cozy cafes and traditional ethnic cuisine to innovative fine dining establishments. Whether you're craving farm-to-table cuisine, authentic international flavors, or artisanal delights, Berkeley's culinary offerings are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Despite its urban setting, Berkeley boasts an abundance of natural beauty, thanks to its proximity to a variety of stunning landscapes. From the scenic trails of Tilden Regional Park to the serene shores of the Berkeley Marina, outdoor enthusiasts can explore a diverse array of ecosystems without ever leaving city limits. Berkeley's commitment to environmental stewardship is evident in its parks, gardens, and green spaces, which provide havens for both wildlife and humans to enjoy!
Key Highlights
Walkability
Public Transportation
Convenient location
Diverse real estate options
Entertainment
Outdoor options - Berkeley Marina & Tilden Regional Park!
Lifestyle & Weather
One of the most intriguing aspects of Berkeley weather is its diverse array of microclimates, which can vary dramatically from one neighborhood to the next. Factors such as elevation, proximity to the bay, and local topography all play a role in shaping these microclimates, resulting in pockets of cooler or warmer weather scattered throughout the city.
Berkeley tends to stay between the mid-40s to the low 60s in the Winter and 50s to 70s in the Fall and Spring. Summer may bring temperatures up to the 70s and 80s, but cooling breezes from the bay keep Berkeley fairly moderate throughout the year. Berkeley’s neighborhoods are very walkable with tons of local restaurants and shops lining the streets allowing residents to take advantage of the temperate climate.
Commutes & Driving
Located near multiple major freeways (13, 24, 80, 101, 580, 880), Berkeley is located right in the heart of the Bay Area. With many convenient transportation options available, you have options of getting around the Bay. You have easy access to San Francisco as well as the East Bay and North Bay just a short drive away. BART runs through Berkeley as well making public transportation many people’s preferred method to get to their destination.
Berkeley to Oakland - 10 - 30 minutes
Berkeley to San Francisco - 25 minutes to 1 hour+
Berkeley to San Jose - 50 minutes to 1.5 hour+
Berkeley to Napa - 45 minutes to 1.5 hour+
Berkeley to Sacramento - 1.25 hour to 2 hours+
AIRPORTS
Oakland Airport (can take BART)
SFO (can take BART)
Buchanan Field Airport (Concord - JetsuiteX)
San Jose Mineta Airport
THINGS TO DO!
Visit The Lawrence Hall of Science!
Tons of Open Space and Trails for you to explore!
Head outside to the Berkeley waterfront and check out Cesar Chavez Park!
Shop and dine at Fourth Street Berkeley!
Support your local Cal Bears and go see a game - Cal Bears Athletics!
Go see a concert and grab a seat on the lawn at The Greek Theatre!
Discover great restaurants and bars below!
RESTAURANTS & BARS
Berkeley, a vibrant city known for its diverse culinary scene, offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy every palate. From chic upscale restaurants to casual eateries, the dining landscape of Berkeley is truly a reflection of the city's rich gastronomic culture. This curated list captures my personal perspectives and showcases a variety of exceptional dining choices within Berkeley. Open to community suggestions too! -
Best "Foodie” menu - Berkeley Social Club
Best Izakaya (Japanese small plates) - Kiraku
Best Tapas and Paella - La Marcha Tapas Bar
Best Hotdog - Top Dog
Best Homemade noodles (Italian) - Italian Homemade
Try one of Berkeley’s many Michelin rated restaurants! - Michelin Rated Restaurants
More to come…
SCHOOLS!
Check out Berkeley schools here!
Golf Courses
52 courses near Berkeley - See them here!