People from all over the world come to Berkeley to explore and improve the world. From the Free Speech Movement to the birthplace of California cuisine, it has been a place for discovery and innovation since its beginnings.  It’s also a great home base for exploring San Francisco by BART, hitting an Oakland A’s baseball game, or attending at a concert at the exquisite outdoor Greek Theatre.  

STAY

The new 17-story Residence Inn Berkeley is well-located in the heart of the downtown. It boasts a sprawling lobby with walls covered in CAL-themed art, ample meeting space, 331 guest rooms—many with floor to ceiling windows and incomparable views— in-room kitchens, laundry facilities, plus a rooftop bar and restaurant to end your day in an elevating space. In the works since 1997, the property is a game changer for the business, academic, and tourist crowd seeking fresh East Bay accommodations.

 

Overlooking the UC Berkeley campus, Study Hall, a dining room and outdoor terrace, welcomes guests for craft cocktails and shareable bites like Wagyu burgers, fried Brussel sprouts and calamari. It’s a great place to relax and revel in an evening sunset. Also of note: the rooftop lounge is available for private parties, daily breakfast is complimentary in the lobby, and pets are welcome to accompany your stay. A special "Don't leave Fido at home" package pampers pets with beds, bowls, and tasty treats.  2121 Center Street, $264 to $519 per night.

PLAY

Take a journey through history on the UC Berkeley campus. Cross Oxford Street and feel the world-changing energy of students from around the world. Visit Sproul Plaza, relax in the shade by Strawberry Creek, and get a spectacular view from Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, one of UC Berkeley’s most beloved and well-known symbols. The university offers a variety of ways to explore the campus including self-guided walking tours.

 

If you like architecture, put a visit to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) on your to-do list. Designed by the renowned New York firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the $112 million art and film museum is adjacent to the Residence Inn on Center Street packed with thousands of works of , video, and film collections. Cavernous museum galleries boast 28-foot-high ceilings and skylights flood spaces with natural light.

At the stylish and historic Claremont Club & Spa nestled in the Berkeley Hills, indulge in a wellness treatment. With massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair appointments, and body therapies on the menu at this Bay Area landmark, you’ll be able to customize a perfect spa package. 

  

EAT DRINK

A slew of Berkeley’s top go-to spots—Gather, Top Dog, The Butcher’s Son, Chez Panisse, Cheese Board, and Triple Rock (just to name a few) are easy to experience within a one mile radius. Whether you are a sweet-toothed doughnut connoisseur, Neapolitan-style pizza pie fan, or a vegan salad aficionado, there are restaurants nearby for you to try.