Things to do in Berkeley

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Greek Theater

Berkeley Attractions

Smaller cities have a vibe you just don't find in their larger counterparts. Look up all the fun and exciting things to do in Berkeley before you head off so you can make the most of your escape. You'll soon learn that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better!

If you're ready to hit the streets of Berkeley, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {418 fun activities in Berkeley fun activities in Berkeley} are also worth looking into.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

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Most popular activities in Berkeley

Cruises & boat tours

See all 53 activitiesOpens in new tab
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Activity duration is 1 hour
4.8 out of 5 with 500 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $38 per adult
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Tours & day trips

See all 366 activitiesOpens in new tab
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
4.2 out of 5 with 1325 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price was $63, price is now $57 per adult
San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour

Attractions

See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tab
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

Activity duration is 1 day
4.3 out of 5 with 290 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $89 per adult
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

Wildlife & nature

See all 17 activitiesOpens in new tab
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Activity duration is 1 hour
4.8 out of 5 with 500 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $38 per adult
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Private & custom tours

See all 88 activitiesOpens in new tab
GoCar San Francisco Tour

GoCar San Francisco Tour

Activity duration is 5 hours
4.7 out of 5 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $97 per traveler*
GoCar San Francisco Tour

Recommended things to do in Berkeley

Number of things to do
418
Things to do from
$4
Cheapest thing to do
San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge : The Digital Audio Guide
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Berkeley

Free Things to Do in Berkeley

A vacation in Berkeley need not break the bank. You can leave your wallet at home if you go to:

Magnes Collection of Jewish Art & Life - Chock-full of interesting objects and exhibits, this gallery is a wonderland for minds that burn with curiosity.

Tilden Park - Let down your hair and add a bit of extra fun to your trip here.

University of California, Berkeley - Pay a visit to this historic landmark and learn a few things about the cultural heritage of the area.

Berkeley Marina - Find out why locals and travelers alike enjoy the charm and character of this place.

Doe Library - Widely known among local residents, this site is worth dropping by.

Hans Jenny Pygmy Forest Reserve - Get away from the busy city life and spend time in Mother Nature at this awe-inspiring place.

Chickering American River Reserve - Rejuvenate your body, mind and soul by spending some time in nature.

Things to Do in Berkeley with Kids

There are lots of incredible experiences in Berkeley that the entire gang will enjoy. Here are a few of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Berkeley? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Berkeley on a sunny day?
When the weather is good, these outdoor experiences are impossible to resist:


What to do in Berkeley on a rainy day?
There’s no need to splish, splosh and splash your way through a wet day when there are loads of excellent indoor activities like these to try:


What should I not miss in Berkeley?
Don’t venture home without checking off the following inspiring sights:

  • University of California, Berkeley
  • Greek Theater
  • University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley
  • Tilden Regional Park

Are there cheap things to do in Berkeley?
If you’re vacationing on a smaller budget, be sure to add the following cheap and cheerful activities and tours to your to-do list:


What can you do in Berkeley for free?
You’ll hardly have time to pull your wallet out of your pocket with so many wonderful free things to do:

  • University of California, Berkeley
  • Berkeley Marina
  • Telegraph Avenue
  • Tilden Park

Discover the most popular places to visit in Berkeley

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Jack London Square

4.5/5(393 reviews)

Shop, dine and stroll to your heart’s content in this waterside square, named after the novelist who spent his childhood here.

Jack London Square
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University of California, Berkeley

4.5/5(1,403 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of California, Berkeley, during your trip to Berkeley. Attend a sporting event or discover the beautiful sunsets in this vibrant area.

University of California, Berkeley
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RingCentral Coliseum

4/5(210 reviews)

Catch an event at RingCentral Coliseum during your trip to Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

RingCentral Coliseum
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Oracle Arena

4/5(1,232 reviews)

Catch an event at Oracle Arena during your trip to Oakland. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene in this walkable area.

Oracle Arena
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Greek Theater

4/5(74 reviews)

President Theodore Roosevelt and the Dalai Lama are among the iconic figures who have graced the stage of this neoclassical open-air bowl.

Greek Theater
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Oakland Zoo

4/5(7 reviews)

Watch alligators being fed, ride a train through the Australian outback and see a herd of elephants on the African savannah at this animal park.

Oakland Zoo
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Fox Theater

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Find a school, a restaurant and a concert venue in this historic complex where Dylan, Green Day and B. B. King have played.

Fox Theater
Image for Oakland City Center

Oakland City Center

5/5(1 review)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Oakland City Center during your stay in Oakland. Experience the acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.

Oakland City Center
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Paramount Theatre

4/5(14 reviews)

Come and see the ballet, a concert or a stand-up comedy performance at this spectacular art deco theater in the heart of Oakland.

Paramount Theatre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Berkeley

Berkeley showing a river or creek, a sunset and general coastal views

Downtown Berkeley

4/5(147 area reviews)

Take time in Downtown Berkeley to visit attractions like Historic Berkeley and Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. 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.

Downtown Berkeley
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Albany

The seaside views and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Albany. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Golden Gate Fields and Berkeley Marina are a few top sights nearby.

Albany
Gourmet Ghetto

North Berkeley

4/5(14 area reviews)

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

North Berkeley
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Claremont

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Ample dining options and luxurious spas are well-reviewed features of Claremont. Make a stop by top sights like Judah L. Magnes Museum while you're exploring the area.

Claremont
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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.

South Berkeley
A walk through my local hood. You don't have to go back east for #shadesofautumn you can find it here in #northerncalifornia in late November. #trovember #mybackyard #homeiswheretheheartis #californiacaptures #outdoors #getoutside #walking #trees #autumn_leaves

Berkeley Hills

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Berkeley Hills, Indian Rock Park and Berkeley Municipal Rose Garden are top sights worth seeing.

Berkeley Hills
See our Where To Stay guide

Popular day trips from Berkeley

Lake Merritt featuring a pond

Oakland

Richmond

Richmond

Bay Area

Emeryville