Berkeley Day Trip From San Francisco Points of Interest

Situated on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay and is famous for being the oldest campus of the University of California system. Berkeley is home to an exciting mix of college students, locals, and tourists.

In just a single day trip, visitors can shop the many unique shops on Fourth Street, dine on different American and ethnic cuisines, stroll through a beautiful botanical garden, or attend an award-winning theater production, symphony performance, or a tribal music concert.

University of California

Because the city is built around the University of Berkeley, visitors to the area may want to start their journey on campus, where they can embark upon a guided tour or explore independently. Guests can even download a podcast tour to listen to along the way, highlighting such campus landmarks as the Sather Tower, campus museums, and the Pacific Film Archives.

Berkeley Bowl

Culinary mavens should also check out the Berkeley Bowl, with a produce department the size of nearby Memorial Stadium, offering up to 20 kinds of apples and a dozen varieties of eggplant. Address: 2020 Oregon St, Berkeley, CA 94703.

Botanical Garden

For a different outdoor experience, visitors will want to explore the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, which spans 34 acres in the Berkeley hills and houses more than 13,000 plants, including many rare and endangered species.  Berkeley Botanical Gardens Address: 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720.

Life Sciences Building

Visitors want to check out the Valley Life Sciences Building on the University campus and 5th street for family fun. Here kids can see and experience a full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton on display. For more hands-on science fun, kids will also have a great time at the nearby Lawrence Hall of Science, which also boasts excellent views from its hillside location.

Tilden Park

Visitors should also stop in at Tilden Park for a steam train ride. Tilden Regional Park also features an antique carousel, the Herschell-Spillman Merry-Go-Round, and The Tilden Botanical Gardens. Address 2501 Grizzly Peak Boulevard, Orinda, CA 94563.

Greek Theatre-UC Berkeley

For a more sophisticated experience, the adults will want to catch an outdoor concert at the intimate Greek Theatre, the Thrust Stage, the 600-sear Roda Theatre, or the Berkeley Repertory Theatre — winner of a 1997 Tony Award for regional Theatre. Address: 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720

Golden Gate Fields

From November through April, sports fans can watch the horses run at the track just north of town at historic Golden Gate Fields. Because there is so much to see and do in Berkeley, many visitors discover they require more than one day to see and do it all. Golden Gate Fields Address: 1100 Eastshore Hwy, Berkeley, CA 94710.

The fun on Fourth Street, campus views, and the botanical garden’s unique nature make Berkeley a perfect day trip destination from just about anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area.

More Fun San Francisco Day Trip ideas

San Francisco Botanical Garden