How to Visit Berkeley

Berkeley, California is the original home of the free speech movement, the radical protests from the '60s and '70s, the University of California, and not to mention that it's next door to San Francisco.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Book a hotel. There are many hotels in the heart of Berkeley right near the campus. The Bancroft Hotel, Hotel Durant, Hotel Shattuck Plaza are all nice and reasonable. The faculty club on the UC Berkeley campus, as well as the Berkeley City Club are often overlooked, but they both offer accomodations in vintage turn of the century buildings. The Claremont is a high-end resort and spa located in East Berkeley, at the base of the hills. Cheaper motels and accomdations can be found on University Avenue, west of the campus itself.

2. Book a flight. Berkeley is serviced by two major airports: San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland Airport. Oakland is actually closer and often cheaper for domestic flights. Don't get a cab from the airport; ride the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from the airport to the Berkeley downtown station.

3. Berkeley is famous for its colorful characters. But to really get a feel for the city, which is such a campus-centered city, it's important to come during busy times. Christmas and summer are dead times for the city, because much of the population leaves school. Early fall or late spring are best.

4. Bring appropriate clothes. Though it may be in California, chances are it'll be foggy and cold. Layers are important, as is good rain gear. Real Berkeley residents don't let a downpour stop them from having fun!

5. Take a tour around the UC campus. You can sign up for an official tour, though chances are the student who's giving you the tour is making everything up. Or you can get a map and wander around yourself. Go up the Campanile (Clock Tower) on campus, to see the view of the Bay.

6. Take a walk down Telegraph Ave. The colorful vendors will have all kinds of things to sell you. Don't miss out at the Amoeba Music store, a classic in Berkeley. Stop at the different ethnic restaurants.

7. Take a walk over to North Berkeley. On Shattuck Ave, north of University Ave., you'll find Alice Water's famous Chez Panisse restaurant, the home of the slow food movement. You'll also find Cheesboard, the original co-op pizza joint.

8. Visit any of the parks in the area, Tilden Regional offers great views, a wonderful walk through nature. Rent a bike and go for a ride. You don't want to miss out on what the locals do.

9. Plan a trip into San Francisco. The BART will take you right over to SF and you can walk around from there, to see all the major destinations. Check out Golden Gate Park.

10. Chances are there's some big event going on in Berkeley or San Francico. Check the local calendars and don't miss the "How Berkeley Can You Be" Parade.

11. Relax. Berkeley is not for the uptight. Enjoy the craziness around you. And don't forget to meet Happy Happy Man.