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Welcome to Berkeley, California Attractions!This legendary college town will never leave you with nothing to do. So much of the city’s cultural and recreational activities are centered at the University of California-Berkeley. Check out what’s happening on campus, or enjoy the other aspects of this ground-breaking town. University of California-Berkeley
UC Botanical Garden
The Campanile People’s Park Lawrence Hall of Science Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
Telegraph Avenue
Tilden Park and Golf Course
Berkeley Farmers’ Market
Berkeley Iceland
Chez Panisse
Photos courtesy of www.wikipedia.com,
http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu,
www.lhs.berkeley.edu, www.bampfa.berkeley.edu,
www.golfguide.org, www.ci.berkeley.ca.us,
and www.chezpanisse.com. |
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The
University of California-Berkeley is the hub of all of the University
of California branches. In 1872, the College of California and the Agricultural,
Mining, and Mechanical Arts College merged to form this great institution,
and a legend was born! Since then ‘Cal’, as it is affectionately
known as, has gone on to educate some of the brightest minds, challenge
the thoughts of many, and change the course of history. The campus is
probably best known for its protests during the Vietnam War and the
Free Speech Movement in the 1960s and early 1970s. Rallies, riots, demonstrations
and sit-ins were the standard during this time, and the media swarmed
on anything that was happening at the University. Because of this, Berkeley
itself became known as a place where anything goes. Freedom of beliefs,
speech and actions still reigns true in this cultural Mecca. Today Cal
features so much more in the areas of history and the arts because of
the turbulent times it has endured. Treasure what the efforts of the
past have left, and what the promises of the future hold here at the
University of California-Berkeley.
Since
1890 the Botanical Gardens at the University of California-Berkeley
have been delighting and educating people about native and exotic plants.
Located on 34 acres in the Strawberry Canyon near the campus, the Gardens
offer guided tours, plant clinics, and plant sale. Their main mission
is for education and preservation. Special events and parties are also
held in this amazing natural setting.
In
the geographic center of the UC campus stands Sather Tower. The 307
feet tall tower is affectionately known as The Campanile, and has grown
to be a symbol of the campus itself. Built in 1914, the tower is dedicated
to Jane K. Sather who was one of the main benefactors during its construction.
It houses a carillon of bells and plays each day during the fall and
spring semester, except during finals when it is silenced. An elevator
takes visitors up to a platform at 200 feet in elevation inside the
tower where breathtaking views of the campus can be seen. Please note
that there are steps from the top of the elevator to the observation
deck and, therefore, it is not wheelchair accessible. 
Between
the five remarkable performance halls that are housed on the UC Berkeley
campus, you are bound to find a concert or cultural event to satisfy
your taste. Zellerbach Hall, Zellerbach Playhouse, Hertz Hall, Wheeler
Hall, and the Hearst Greek Theatre all feature performances throughout
the school year in music, theatre, and dance. Performers include both
professional and touring artist as well as students from the University.
Check the performance schedule to attend one of these spectacular events!
In
the late 1960s, during the height of the political protests on campus,
several buildings were demolished to make room for university development
and urban renewal. This forced many out of their homes and, after nothing
was done to the land for nearly 2 years, controversy ensued as to why
this land had to be taken away from those who resided there. Activists
decided that this land should be given to the people, and a group of
them cultivated gardens on the property. Police became involved and
riots soon developed. For weeks the park and surrounding areas became
a war zone, and ultimately the University still retains the property.
Today the park stands as a symbol for the rights of the people, and
was thus given its famous name. Take some time to admire this historic
site and the facilities it offers. Picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball
courts, an amphitheatre, and a clubhouse are all onsite for everyone
to enjoy.
From
little kids to big kids, the Lawrence Hall of Science has been educating
everyone about the wonders of science since 1968. The center is generally
geared toward those ages between pre-school and high school, but all
are welcome to enjoy this hands-on learning experience. Permanent and
traveling exhibits help kids learn about nature, outer space, weather,
dinosaurs, in addition to the technology that will take us into the
future. Fun events and activities will keep everyone entertained for
hours.
The
Berkeley Art Museum, located on the UC Berkeley campus, offers fabulous
art exhibits featuring just about any kind of art that you can imagine.
Historical and contemporary art is displayed in both permanent and traveling
exhibits. Art from around the world ranging from the traditional, to
the unusual in nature is featured here. The Pacific Film Archive is
housed right near the Art Museum, and many people visit both at the
same time. The Film Archive strives to educate and preserve through
its research center and collection of films and publications. Historical,
rare, experimental and undiscovered films and video works are presented
each day. Restoration projects are ongoing to preserve these films also.
The theatre is handicap accessible and listening devices are available
to those who would like them, and admission to the Museum and Film Archive
are separate.
Shoppers
will love this outdoor area full of street vendors south of the UC Berkeley
campus. Stroll along five blocks of unusual and eclectic shops where
you can find everything from music, to books to pottery. Restaurants
and cafes are also plentiful for those who want a quick bite to eat,
or to lounge and watch the people that go by. Handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind
clothing are also very popular items found here on Telegraph Avenue.
Catch some great local entertainment from some of the street performers
along the way too. 
Enjoy
a touch of nature in the midst of the downtown. Bordering on the edge
of the Berkeley city limits is the Tilden Park and Golf Course. The
Park features picnic areas, swimming in Lake Anza, a beautiful historic
carousel, a botanical garden and nature trails on its 2077 acres of
scenic land. Weddings are popular here because of the natural locale,
and camping areas are also set aside. Train enthusiasts will love the
scaled down steam train that offers rides around the park area. The
Tilden Golf Course is a par 70 course featuring 18 holes of challenging
play. The course is surrounded by trees and offers a great game to those
of any skill level. This public course was built in 1937 and designed
by William P. Bell to include some hills that are fairly tricky. Onsite
is a driving range and pro shop, and lessons are available. 
Not
your usual farmers’ market! This highly ecological market has
been delighting visitors for quite some time. It prides itself in being
the most nature-friendly farmers market in the country. Organic fruits
and vegetables, dairy products, and homemade goodies can be found throughout
the market, and cafes feature ethnic and original creations. The market
is held at two different locations on two different days of the week.
On Saturdays between 10:30 am and 3:00 pm the market is held at the
corner of Center and Martin Luther King Way. On Tuesdays between the
hours of 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm it is held at Derby and Martin Luther King
Way. Visit at whatever time and location is best for you, and be ready
for a unique market experience!
Beat
the heat and step inside to a old-fashioned skating wonderland. All
skill levels will find something to do at the Berkeley Iceland. Leisure
skating is available, or take some figure skating or hockey lessons.
Several skating teams, such as the UC Berkeley hockey team, use this
facility as a practice rink. Video games and party rooms are also on
site.
California
cuisine has long been a popular way of dining, but Chez Panisse is said
to be where it all began. In 1971, founder Alice Waters took her ideas
of a fine dining restaurant and put them to work. The idea took off,
and many celebrities and political dignitaries have enjoyed a meal at
Chez Panisse. The price for meals is fixed and the menu changes often
to suit the availability of only the finest ingredients.