Blessed by year-round sunshine and comfortable temperatures, often while our neighbor across the bay, San Francisco, is cold and shrouded in fog, Berkeley is an ideal location to immerse yourself in the unique culture of northern California.
With its Beaux-Arts buildings, redwood groves, and verdant meadows, all traversed by pleasant Strawberry Creek, the campus of the University of California at Berkeley, known locally as “Cal” forms the heart of the city. Ranked the fourth best university in the world and boasting 22 Nobel Laureates, Cal is a magnet for scholars and students from around the globe. People are also drawn to Berkeley by its liberal and pacifist traditions, the city having been a focal point for the environmental, feminist and anti-war movements of the 1960s. The spirit of those times lives on today through Berkeley’s welcoming attitude to all peoples and viewpoints. This makes Berkeley a community where you are sure to meet someone you have something in common with, regardless of your interests. Whether you are into music, theater, or dance, world class performances at Berkeley’s cultural venues await you. For the culinary minded there are restaurants featuring cuisines from all over the world, including some of the best restaurants in the San Francisco area. All of this in a pleasant and easily walkable city.
When you are ready to experience the sights and sounds of the big city, go to the Downtown Berkeley BART Station where a train will whisk you under the Bay and into the heart of San Francisco in only 25 minutes. Once there, you can enjoy wonderful views while standing on the Golden Gate Bridge, ride one of the iconic cable cars, and, for those who enjoy a good party, go to the wide range of clubs and bars which dot the city. Even closer, the city of Oakland offers street parties, a bohemian cultural vibe and for the basketball minded, a chance to see the NBA champion Golden State Warriors in action.
For those who love nature the world famous Yosemite National Park is only a day trip away while wine lovers will enjoy taking an excursion into the beautiful Napa and Sonoma valleys.
We look forward to helping you experience the best that Berkeley and the rest of northern California has to offer!