Things to do in Berkeley California: Day Trip from San Francisco

Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Berkeley, California. It is a college town located across the Bay from the City of San Francisco. Here are a few reasons why you should come visit the city and why it’s an amazing place to stay if you want to explore the San Francisco Bay Area.

Special thanks to Visit Berkeley for helping organize this trip. If you are in the area, go visit their Visitor Center at 2030 Addison Street, a block away from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. You can pick up maps, and information that will help you with your trip to the city!

This post is part of our San Francisco Bay Area Series. Here are related posts:

• A Day Trip to Berkeley, California
• Things to do in San Francisco, CA with kids.

Looking for other Day Trip Ideas? Here are a few: 

• Tulsa Day Trip to Bartlesville OK (For Free or Cheap)
• Where to go on Day Trips from Huntsville AL
• Things to do in Peppa Pig Florida (A Guide)

Day Trip – Things to do in Berkeley, California Itinerary

Below is a summary of the places you should visit. Read below for more details on what to expect at every attraction, hours of operation, and cost (if it’s a paid attraction). 

• Lawrence Hall of Science
• University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley
• University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
• Tilden Regional Park
• Downtown Berkeley
• Berkeley Marina

Things to do in Berkeley, California

Berkeley is more commonly known as a college town. However, its proximity to San Francisco and Oakland makes it an ideal place to stay and explore. Here are a few suggestions on things to do in Berkeley, California. Most of the suggestions are based on a personal trip I took to the area. There are a few more spots you can visit that I missed out on since I didn’t have a lot of time.

Lawrence Hall of Science

Address: 1 Centennial Drive Berkeley CA
Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: $20 per person. Kids under 3 are free.

The Lawrence Hall of Science is located on top of a hill overlooking the Bay Area. On a non-foggy day, you’ll get scenic views of the entire San Francisco Bay area. You’ll see Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and oh, pretty much every scenic place you could think of when it comes to the Bay Area. The Lawrence Hall of Science’s exhibits are curated and made in-house by Berkeley professors and students. It’s two floors and made up of different exhibits and you can just stay the whole day if you want to. At the time of this writing, the café is not fully open to the public, but you are more than welcome to eat your packed lunch in the outdoor picnic areas. There’s one by the bottom floor, by the gardens.

The Cyclotron, Lawrence, and Oppenheimer Connection in Berkeley

If you are walking towards the museum from the parking lot, take note of an unassuming gray pipe-like thing before the entrance. That is the original cyclotron that was made by Ernest Lawrence, a UC Berkeley professor. If the name of the museum sounds familiar it’s because it’s named after Ernest Lawrence! You can even see the Nobel Peace Prize he won displayed in the museum. He’s the first-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner from UC Berkeley.

Fun little fact: if you are a movie buff, you may know about the film Oppenheimer starring Cillian Murphy (released in 2023). Parts of the film were shot in Berkeley, California. Oppenheimer spent a lot of time working at UC Berkeley, using the same cyclotron developed by Ernest Lawrence. Great minds do gravitate towards the same spot! 

The Child-Friendly Lawrence Hall of Science

It’ll be a stretch trying to get my four-year-old out of the museum because of the many interactive elements on it. If you need bribes for the children, they have an awesome gift shop out front and an animal exhibit on the bottom floor. The animal exhibit is a hit among children young and old, so do not miss the animal interactions (when it’s offered). Check the schedule on the day that you visit to get more accurate timings on interactions and events.

The 3D Theater and Planetarium at the Lawrence Hall of Science

Inside the Lawrence Hall of Science are attractions within the museum: a 3D Theater and a Planetarium. These attractions within an attraction cost an extra $4 each per experience. The Planetarium is led by someone from UC Berkeley and guides you through the constellations at night. It is an interesting and cool experience and is catered to who the audience is. The 3D Theater, on the other hand, offers shows that last from 25 minutes or 40 minutes, and cater to different age groups. Each 3D show costs $4 on top of the entrance fee and is worth the additional fee if you have time to spend. 

When is the best time to go to the Lawrence Hall of Science?

The Lawrence Hall of Science is open Wednesdays through Sundays, and weekdays are the best time to go (holiday hours may vary). You may occasionally see a school group touring the Lawrence, but if you go the opposite way from the tour group, you’ll still get to spend more time with the exhibits than on a weekend.

How much does parking cost for the Lawrence Hall of Science?

Unfortunately, parking is not free at the Lawrence Hall of Science. It costs $1.50 per hour, and you’ll have to pre-pay for parking using the machines. You don’t have to leave the parking ticket in the car, but you’ll have to estimate how many hours you’ll park and pay in advance via the machine. The machine only takes credit cards. You do have to put your license plate number in the car when you go to the machine. Take a photo of the license plate especially when driving a rental, so you can remember the details when you need to pay for parking.

UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley 

Address: 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley CA
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Daily
Cost: $18 for adults, free for children under 4

The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is a hidden gem. It features plant species from California, divided into different regions. California’s flora is diverse, with cactus and other desert plants prominent in the Palm Springs area, to the colder environment of North California. There’s a spot to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay area from the highest point in the garden. If you want a chance to see California Newts for yourself, head to the pond by the Japanese Garden. If the newts are not migrating up to the higher grounds, their usual hang-out spot is by the pond.

The Greenhouse in the UC Botanical Garden is included with the price of admission. The lights and the humidity in the greenhouse make it a great place to see cactus and other tropical plants. However, there is one thing you absolutely should not miss while at the Botanical Garden: The Redwood Forest. This area is located by the parking lot and is across the street from the Botanical Garden entrance. Get the access code from the ticketing employee and explore at your leisure. There are so many redwood trees in the Redwood Garden and it’s such an amazing place to walk around and soak in the atmosphere. Forest bathing is a thing, it felt very relaxing and calming while I was walking around in the redwood garden.

During special events like its Summer Concert Series, the Redwood Garden requires an extra paid ticket.

Is Parking Free at UC Botanical Garden?

No. Like the Lawrence, you’ll have to pre-pay your parking by the machines by estimating the number of hours you’ll spend in the attraction. The machine takes credit cards only. The good thing about the parking lot is that it is right in front of the Redwood Garden. Once you have the code for the garden, you can go to the Redwoods before you head to your next destination.

Tilden Regional Park

Hours: Open Daily from 5 AM to 10 PM
Cost: Free to visit, extra fees for additional attractions within the park (listed below)

Tilden Regional Park is huge. It is located above the hills of UC Berkeley. Some of the notable sights I’ve mentioned below are located inside the park, like the steam train, carousel, and Tilden Regional Park Botanical Garden. Aside from the attractions mentioned, there are also trails within the park you can hike in (free of charge). There are many entrances to the park from Berkeley, just depends on where you want to go first. The Merry-Go-Round is closest to Canon Drive, while the Steam Train is closer to the Grizzly Peak Blvd entrance.

The short drive up to the park is uphill and can get a bit windy. If you get carsick easily, take the necessary precautions before you go. Within the Regional Park, you can see views of the Bay (and the city) from Inspiration Point.

Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden

Address: 1550 Wildcat Canyon Rd, Berkeley, CA
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5 PM from October 1 to May 31. 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM from June 1 to Sept 30. Closed New Year, Thanksgiving & Christmas Day.
Cost: Free

Not to be confused with the UC Botanic Garden, the Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden was founded in 1940 and is completely free of charge. The garden focuses on the plant life that grows within the San Francisco Bay Area. Parking is free at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, and they have spaces right in front of the gated entrance.

Tilden Park Steam Train at the Redwood Valley Railway

Address: 2481 Grizzly Park Blvd, Orinda, CA
Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM, Saturdays & Sundays only during non-peak periods. Open daily in the summer and Christmas/Spring break.
Cost: $4 per ride, $16 for 5 rides.

The name is a bit tough to remember, so you can just call it the steam train in Tilden Regional Park! I visited on a Wednesday during a non-peak period so the train was not operating.  However, if you go on a peak holiday period like the summer or Christmas break, the train operates daily. A general rule of thumb is if children are usually out on a school break, then the train is generally open daily. Otherwise, the train only operates on weekends. 

Ticket prices are affordable, with $4 per ride. You can buy ticket booklets when you queue up the first time to save time, if you, your child (both, or other family members) want to ride again.

The Steam Train is a smaller-scale train and has been operating since 1952. Whether you are a train enthusiast or you just like riding trains in general, add this attraction to your list!

Tilden Park Carousel

Address: Central Park Drive &, Lake Anza Rd, Berkeley, CA
Hours: Weekends 11 AM to 5:30 PM.
Cost: $4 per ride, $24 for a pack of 7 rides

Carousels (also known as Merry-Go-Rounds) are a fun ride to bring little children to since they’re not so scary. Carousels are also great for adults, especially those who love history, as some of them are vintage or antique, and maybe the same ones you rode yourself when you were growing up. The Berkeley carousel is no exception: it was built in 1911, so you are riding the same ride as other people were more than 100 years ago. If you’re visiting on a weekday in a non-summer month, the carousel is closed. Best to time your trip to visit the park on a weekend when the carousel and trains are operating. You can still see the carousel from outside if you visit on a weekday but don’t expect to get up close to the horses or the ride itself.

The Tilden Park California Newts

Did you know that California has its endemic newt species? A road within Tilden Park (South Park Drive) closes to automobile traffic from November 1 to March 31 to make way for the newts who are migrating from one place to another. You can still see these lovely amphibians while you’re biking or walking the road though. They are also found by the lakes in the UC Botanical  Garden if you’re lucky.

What are California Newts?

California newts are amphibians. They look like a cross between a salamander and a lizard and are usually found in a body of water. I have not seen them personally during my brief stay in California, but based on the photos, they are adorable. They should be advertised more as an endemic species to look out for!

Berkeley Marina

If you want an even closer view of Alcatraz Island and Angel Island, then head on over to Berkeley Marina. It is free to visit, and you can even stay in a hotel there on points, the Doubletree by Hilton Berkeley Marina, a Hilton HHonors property. You can see some of the sailboats that are docked in the marina, as well as hike the parks that are adjacent to it. There are also restaurants in the area, with DoubleTree’s Berkeley Boathouse providing views of the Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny, non-foggy day.

It is a bit out of the way compared to the UC Berkeley campus area, so if you do not have a car, the best way to get there is by rideshare (Uber or Lyft).

Do I need a car to get around Berkeley and the Bay Area?

No, you don’t need to rent a car if you’re staying in Berkeley and the Bay Area cities. If you are uncomfortable driving around hills (as I am), then it’s best to rely on public transportation like the BART, buses, and other municipal public transportation. You can use the Clipper card to get around the Bay area’s public transportation system. If you have Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay) or Apple Wallet, then you can load money on a Clipper card and use your phone to pay for transportation.

Where to Stay in Berkeley California

Berkeley’s hotel rates are generally much more affordable than San Francisco’s or Oakland’s except when there are Berkeley games or during move-in and move-out weeks at the university. Here are a few hotels that we would recommend staying in the area. Some of these hotels could be booked by points, lowering the cost of your stay if you are into the points and miles game.

Doubletree by Hilton Berkeley Marina

Location/Address: 200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley CA

Can use points? Yes, you can use Hilton HHonors points on this property.

The Doubletree by Hilton Berkeley Marina is farther from the downtown area and campus, but if you are a fan of the Doubletree cookie and want awesome views of the Bay Area, this hotel may be a solid choice for you. It is close to some walking paths by the water, but food options are a bit limited and there is no free breakfast offered.

The Berkeley Boathouse is your closest option for food when staying in the Doubletree. It overlooks the marina, which makes for a great spot to eat and chill on a sunny day. The Berkeley Boathouse serves breakfast and dinner, with brunch options on the weekend. The cocktails are creative and worth trying out if you are in the area. 

Residence Inn by Marriott Berkeley

Location/Address: 2121 Center St, Berkeley CA

Can use points? Yes, you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points at this property.

The Residence Inn by Marriott is a solid option for those who need a kitchenette, perfect for those traveling with young children or who want to self-cater meals. The location is very close to the Downtown Berkeley BART station and has a ton of restaurant options and shops within walking distance from the hotel. The campus is also within walking distance of the hotel, making it the ideal hotel to stay in the area. You can also use Marriott Bonvoy points when booking this hotel!

On top of the kitchenette, the hotel offers a free, hot breakfast, included in your stay. We love staying at Residence Inn hotels because the convenience of cooking dinner, and the free breakfasts lower our travel costs in the end.

Graduate Berkeley

Location/Address: 2600 Durant Ave Berkeley CA

The Graduate Berkeley is a unique property with 144 rooms. The hotel offers complimentary bike rentals during your stay (first come first served, depending on availability), so you can pedal your way around the city. Like other smaller hotels, the décor is amazing and well thought out. It is almost an experience walking through the various public areas, not to mention very photo-friendly. Everything screams luxury, from the furniture, the bathroom amenities (Malin and Goetz branded toiletries anyone?), and the cherry on top? Views of Campanile, UC Berkeley’s signature clocktower, from the hotel!

The downside to this hotel is the extra $25 amenity fee tacked on to reservations. The Graduate Berkeley Amenity fee covers daily water, the fitness center, bicycle rentals, and a welcome drink. If staying in this hotel, plan to pay the extra nightly fee on top of your room rate.

The Graduate Berkeley is part of a small hotel chain (The Graduate Hotels). that offers points redemptions, you can book using your credit card rewards portal if you are inclined to use points. I would not recommend doing so, but your points = your way, and do whatever you feel you need to do to get the most value for your points.

Berkeley City Club

Location/Address: 2315 Durant Ave 2nd floor, Berkeley, CA

The Berkeley City Club is another unique high-end property located within steps from the UC Berkeley Campus. This hotel has an indoor swimming pool that allows you to relax and swim your worries away. And honestly, how many hotels have indoor pools nowadays?  

Fun fact: There are two hotels with indoor pools in the Berkeley California area. The first one is here at the Berkeley City Club, and the second one is at the Doubletree by Hilton Berkeley Marina! 

If you are a culture and history buff, this property is included in the Natural Register of Historic Places and the architect was a woman named Julia Morgan. The property started as a women’s club, and now, the hotel has a social club as well as a fine dining restaurant called Julia’s Restaurant, named after the architect.

Nash Hotel Berkeley

Location/Address:  2045 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

The Nash Hotel Berkeley was built in 1924 and is located close to the Campus and within a 5-minute walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. This is a more affordable hotel option when staying in the downtown Berkeley area and is not part of a hotel chain.  Room rates at the Nash Hotel are available on the website and depend on the room type you want to book. The website isn’t that great, but you can book directly on the site, or through your favorite third-party website.

How to get to Berkeley, California from Oakland Airport

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is the closest airport to Berkeley and is located on the east side of San Francisco Bay. It takes 35-45 minutes to get from OAK to Downtown Berkeley via BART, for $10 at the time of this writing if you have the Clipper card.

Alternatively, you can hop on an Uber from the airport, but that will cost around $50 and will take more than an hour, depending on the traffic and the demand for Uber drivers when you request a ride.

How to get to Berkeley, California from San Francisco Airport or San Francisco Downtown

If on a budget, get on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). It will take around an hour to get from San Francisco Airport to the Downtown Berkeley BART station. The BART is easy to navigate since the routes are easily identifiable by colors. There is also decent service between the lines since a train will mostly come within 10-20 minutes of each other. There are also a few stops where you can easily connect to a different line, especially in the San Francisco downtown area. The BART option will cost around $11 with a Clipper card at the time of this writing.

Alternatively, you can hop on an Uber from the airport, but that will cost $50 or more,e and will take more than an hour, depending on the traffic and the demand for Uber drivers when you request a ride.

Day Trip to Berkeley, California from San Francisco

Hopefully, this post has helped you plan your day in Berkeley, California. It is such an easy and great day trip option while in the San Francisco Bay area, and you’ll want to spend more than a day in the area if you have more time. UC Berkeley has such a big footprint in the city, and because of that, it is such a family-friendly place to visit. Did we miss out on any other Berkeley gems? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!