Places to Visit: Berkeley, California

If you are familiar with the San Francisco Bay area, or even if you’re not, you have probably heard that Berkeley, California is the hotspot of all things cultural, historic and delicious in that region. In the 1960s, Berkeley was known as a counter-culture icon, and while it is still “green” and a little bit alternative in some ways, you certainly don’t have to be a modern-day hippie (or a hipster) to find plenty to enjoy in the city! From the historic hotels to the cultural events to the truly excellent restaurant options available, Berkeley has something for everyone. If you are planning to head to this terrific vacation destination, here are some ideas for where to stay, places to eat, and what to do while you’re there:

• Where to Stay  You have plenty of options in the college town, from historic hotels to low-cost motels and more. If you want to stay close to UC Berkeley to take advantage of the offerings there, or to visit a relative who happens to be a student, consider the Bancroft Hotel. It was built in 1928 and is known as an historic landmark, but don’t worry about there being a lack of modern amenities! It was renovated recently and is now one of the greenest and most modern hotels in Berkeley. The only Bed and Breakfast in the actual city of Berkeley is the Rose Garden Inn. You’ll receive an elegantly appointed room in one of five beautiful buildings, and a breakfast buffet is included in your rate. If you’re looking for a low-cost place to hang your hat at the end of a busy day, consider Knight’s Inn or Quality Inn; you could also stay at the Berkeley Inn.

• Where to Eat  Berkeley has an incredibly wide variety of restaurants of all tastes and cuisines, so it would be impossible to list them all. In general, you’ll want to talk to the locals to find out their favorites and go from there. There are a lot of good bets, though, if you have a particular cuisine in mind. If you’re looking for great Indian food, for example, Ajanta Restaurant was voted the best Indian restaurant in 2012. Looking for vegan fare? You’ll have a lot of options, but Raw Energy is among the best. If you just want a great slice of artisan pizza, don’t miss eating at Bobby G’s Pizzeria.

• Things to Do  Those looking for artistic expression are in the right place. In North Berkeley, for example, you can visit one of several galleries, including the Ames Gallery, Doug Adams Gallery, Berkeley Art Center or ACCI Gallery. On the UC Berkeley campus, you can enjoy the shows and concert at the Hertz Hall or Cal Performances. More interested in the great outdoors? Head over to West Berkeley and choose from your favorite outdoor activities at Aquatic Park or Cesar Chavez Park. Or go up to North Berkeley if you would like to try your skills at rock-climbing; some venues include Cragmont Rock Park, Grotto Rock Park and Great Stoneface Park. While you’re in the area, catch up with your favorite San Francisco Bay sports teams by attending a game of the Oakland Athletics, the San Francisco 49ers or the Oakland Raiders! There are many cultural festivals and fairs going on year-round as well; ask your travel agent or someone at your hotel for details.

Berkeley, California, is a vacation destination to keep in mind if you are headed to the west coast. Have you been to Berkeley? What is your favorite thing about the city?

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