26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Berkeley (California)

Berkeley is a diverse location, packed to the brim with culture, nature, food, and beauty.

With all the exciting and thrilling options, there are countless must see and must do things to add to a Berkeley bucket list.

To help you narrow it down, here are our picks for the 26 best and fun things to do in Berkeley, California!

1. Berkeley Marina

The Berkeley Marina is a large expanse of space encompassing the marina itself, the 52 acres of water within, and 1,000 berths more around it.

It is home to many interesting and convenient facilities, ranging from restaurants to accommodation and from walking and cycling paths to piers for fishing.

There is even a yacht club!

Situated in the western part of this city on University Avenue, the marina is a stunning location with many more Berkeley attractions within its expanse.

The Shorebird Park Nature Center, César Chávez Park, Aquatic Park, Dream Land for Kids, and more are all located here and waiting to be visited!

Address: 201 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

2. Berkeley Rose Garden

The Berkeley Rose Garden is one of the many city-owned places to visit and among the most beautiful places in the USA.

Situated in the northern side of the city on Euclid Avenue, it began as a project by the Works Progress Administration in 1933.

It is designed in a unique but beautiful shape: that of an amphitheater with a terrace, set within a little canyon that provides gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.

The garden is surrounded by a redwood pergola spanning 220 feet and has over 3,000 different rose bushes in total, representing 250 types of flora.

It’s one of California’s greatest gardens and is a lot of fun to explore, especially during special occasions, when the garden will often host events.

If you want to be here during the full blooms, plan to head to the garden in the middle of May.

It is also near Codornices Park, which it is connected to via a wheelchair-accessible tunnel.

As a municipal park, visiting the rose garden is also one of the free things to do in the city!

Address: 1200 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA 94708, United States

3. UC Botanical Garden

The University of California Botanical Garden can be found on Centennial Drive in Strawberry Canyon, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Berkeley.

Famous for its large flora collection, the botanical garden covers an impressive 34 acres of land and is host to a wide range of all sorts of rare and endangered species of plants.

The UC Botanical Garden was first set up in 1890 and, today, it has over 20,000 different plants within its confines.

These plants make up about 300 varying families, including orchids, cacti, lilies, ferns, heath, carnivorous plants, ferns, and more.

It is a great spot for nature walks, picnics (with its provided picnic tables!), and even concerts, boasting the Mather Redwood Grove and Amphitheater, the Julia Morgan Hall, and even a garden shop.

Primarily, the UC Botanical Garden focuses on Mediterranean plants, but there are also many others, conveniently organized by geographic location: Australasian, African, Asian, Central and Southern American, of the Canary Isles, South African, and even Eastern North American.

There’s also a space just for plants native to Berkeley and its state!

Address: 200 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States

4. Sather Tower

In Venice, Italy, the famous Campanile tower toppled to the ground in 1902, collapsing onto the floor of the Palazzo San Marco.

The 12th-century tower, much-loved, was rebuilt a decade later to resemble the original as perfectly as possible.

But what does this have to do with the Sather Tower?

In the 1890s, the architect for UC Berkeley, John Galen Howard, had gotten the chance to see the incredible original Campanile.

Looking at the Sather Tower today, it’s easy to see that he drew inspiration from that vision to create this masterpiece.

In fact, they look so similar that the Sather Tower is nicknamed the Campanile!

It stands at 307 feet in height and boasts eight floors, with the honor of being the third tallest clock and bell tower in the world.

Since it was completed in 1914, the Sather Tower has been a top landmark of the university.

It is made from a shocking 2,800 Raymond granite blocks, all found and quarried from the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It also uses Alaskan marble and more than 500 tons of structural steel!

As a belltower, it presents a Neo-Classical aesthetic with gothic architecture.

The carillon of the Sather Tower originally held 12 bells gifted by its own chief funds’ donor, Jane K. Sather, but it took until 1917 for them to be installed due to the war.

The smallest bell already weighs 329 lbs, but the biggest weighs 4,118 lbs!

36 more bells were added in 1978, followed by an additional 13 in 1983, and now there are 61 of them, all played daily and during special events.

Aside from being just one of the city’s key places to go, the tower is historically important.

Within the Sather Tower lie fossils of all kinds, owned by the University of California Museum of Paleontology.

Many of them come from Los Angeles’ La Brea Tar Pits and are kept safe within climate-steady, drywalls.

Address: S Hall Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States

5. Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence Hall of Science is named after the person it honors Ernest Orlando Lawrence, who was the University of California’s first Nobel Prize winner.

Located near the university’s equally famous Botanical Garden, this educational center offers lots of hands-on activities, programs, and fun exhibits for the whole family.

It opened its doors in 1968 and has welcomed people of all ages ever since!

Permanent exhibits at the Lawrence Hall of Science include cool things to do like the KidsLab, Forces that Shape the Bay, and Science on a Sphere.

The Young Explorers Experience is great for younger children, the Ingenuity Lab lets little engineers work their magic, and the Animal Discovery Room is a real treat for animal-lovers!

Rotating exhibits add to the variety and provide new experiences with each visit, so there’s never any shortage of what to do whenever you’re in Berkeley.

A planetarium, which has 45 seats, was built at the Lawrence Hall of Science in 1973 and showcases all sorts of programs via digital projection, providing a great impression of the solar system and constellations!

This planetarium is often considered one of the greatest on the planet, too!

It’s also great for stargazing – at night, if it’s clear, you’ll be able to see all sorts of heavenly bodies with a telescope or binoculars, so bring those tools if you’re keen!

Address: 1 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States

Visiting other parts of California? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Irvine & some of the best things to do in San Luis Obispo?

6. Fairy Post Office

If you seek free things to do in Berkeley, California that border on the whimsical, then the Fairy Post Office is one of your best options!

It is one of the city’s lesser-known “tourist attractions” and can be found in Tilden Park in Orinda, on the fork of a road at the beginning of Curran Trail.

The Fairy Post Office was set up in 2013 inside a tree, and the creators didn’t think it would survive for very long.

It was made with little more than a miniature mailbox situated in front of a tiny office.

The office had a lamp, desk, tiny birdcage, and even some art.

It looked like a very clever squirrel had built itself a mailroom!

Tiny letters were left at the Fairy Post Office by the creators.

For two months, they let the “office” be, not telling anyone of it.

But when they came back half a year later, they found that the office hadn’t just survived, but thrived!

People had been adding tiny decorations to the Fairy Post Office and had even left letters and notes!

New desk trinkets, wall art, and more were waiting to greet passersby.

The creators started checking the Fairy Post Office mail often, responding to anonymous letters that were written to field mice and fairies.

Now, it has expanded its repertoire, offering The Small Times little newspapers for people to pick up as they pass.

The Fairy Post Office continues to expand and change, but one thing that remains is the delight that those who find it experience!

Address: Curran Trail, Berkeley, CA 94708, United States

7. Adventure Playground

The Adventure Playground is packed with activities for kids, and it’s been one of the city’s places to visit since its opening in 1979.

Much of that retro vibe remains now, reminiscent of an older California.

Structures and shakes, made from wood, recycled materials, and old paint, are littered throughout the Adventure Playground.

Most structures here were made by children, including climbing, hiding, and crawling spaces involving giant pipes, old tires, and rope nets.

Its concept was described as a “junk playground” by its original architect, and this kind of play area has become popular across the planet.

For the most part, there is little adult supervision at the Adventure Playground.

The staff provides aid and guidance while ensuring safety and helping children who go on the very popular zipline, but for the most part, this is a place for kids to explore, be creative, and do whatever they like!

Kids who help clean and keep things tidy will “earn” tools like paint, hammers, saws, and wood, and though it can be strange and worrying to see children wield these items, Adventure Playground is meant to allow for these risks.

The Adventure Playground is widely considered one of the nation’s best.

Wary parents may need some time to digest and become accustomed to its concept, but they’ll soon find that allowing their kids space to play, learn, and create can be incredibly rewarding!

Why not head here with your own children this weekend?

Address: 160 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

8. Tilden Regional Park

Looking for beautiful places in California?

You can’t go wrong with Tilden Regional Park!

Tilden Regional Park is a highly popular park on the East Bay and is often hailed as one of the top things to do in Berkeley, California.

It can be found on Grizzly Peak Boulevard, encompassing over 2,000 acres of land.

Its name is after businessman Charles Lee Tilden, who purchased most of the aforementioned land space specifically to preserve for public use.

One of the reasons that Tilden Regional Park is so popular is its rather unusual diversity in terrain.

It boasts valleys, peaks, and forests of all kinds while remaining close to the bustle of Berkeley.

In other words, whether you like sightseeing in nature or are more interesting in panoramic views of San Francisco, it has you covered!

Numerous trails totaling 40 miles stretch across Tilden Regional Park, available for use by any hikers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders.

Aside from that, visitors can also enjoy a full 18-hole golf course, the relaxing Lake Anza, the enticing Regional Parks Botanic Garden, and even a miniature steam railway!

There is also no shortage of excitement for kids at Tilden Regional Park.

A Merry-Go-Round, dating to 1913, plays cheerful and charming music with a whole host of different animals to ride on.

Tilden Little Farm and the Children’s Garden are great places to head to if your kids are interested in farming and growing plants.

Of course, there is a snack bar, too, offering yummy treats for the whole family!

Address: 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563, United States

9. Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) is one of the most fun and fascinating things to do in downtown Berkeley.

Teacher and artist Hans Hofmann kickstarted its establishment in 1963 with a donation of funds and paintings, and the archive itself opened its doors in 1970.

Associated with the University of California for its visual arts research, it boasts almost 16,000 films and videos and 20,000 works of art.

The artwork in the Art Museum portion of the center showcases all sorts of works from different cultures and points in history.

Among the things to see include Qing and Ming dynasty Chinese paintings, early American paintings, contemporary art, early photography, and old masters’ works.

You’ll spot some pieces by greats like Mark Rothko, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Jackson Pollock, too.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Film Archive portion of the center screens and collects all kinds of international films.

It also boasts a library complete with digital and online film databases.

Highlights include Soviet films, West Coast avant-garde works, international animation, and the world’s biggest collection of Japanese films outside of Japan.

In addition to all of that, the BAMPFA is situated inside a truly beautiful building, designed by famous architects and right next to its associated university.

Rotating and changing exhibits add variety and intrigue to its offerings, too.

Address: 2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States

10. Berkeley Repertory Theatre

The Berkeley Repertory Theatre sits on Addison Street.

It is known for being a high-quality center and school for performance art, and it is also home to a theater troupe that has won a Tony Award.

Originally, the theatre was just a storefront stage upon its 1968 opening.

Since then, though, it has grown and become famous as one of the country’s most innovative venues for performance and theatre.

The theatre has two different stages and puts on a wide range of shows, some that go on to be performed on the West End or Broadway.

Whether it’s classics, contemporary award-winners, or premiers, the theatre knows how to choose the greatest hits that its audience will love.

If you’re looking for what to see and have time at night, check out the theatre for sure!

Address: 2025 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

11. Thornburg Village

Thornburg Village is one of the more unconventional Berkeley attractions – more of the kind of place you’d stop by for sightseeing than one you’d avidly explore.

Designed by William Raymond Yelland, an architect from Oakland, the “village” was named after developer Jack Thornburg.

Both Yelland and Thornburg have something in common: they are known for a whimsical, storybook-type style when it comes to architecture.

Yelland’s chief influences in design date back to World War One, when he was stationed in France.

His experiences and inspirations found their way to Thornburg Village, which is actually an apartment complex.

It boasts a wide range of architectural styles, ranging from Scandinavian to Mediterranean European and from French Normandy to straight-up fantasy.

In 1928, a second portion to the apartment complex was added, and new owners would expand even further in 1941.

The resulting mix of styles leads to what is commonly nicknamed the Normandy Village: a picturesque set of structures that is even a City of Berkeley Landmark.

They are still occupied now and look so foreign to the rest of California, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked far away!

Address: 1781–­1851 Spruce Street, Berkeley, CA 94707, United States

12. The Gourmet Ghetto

One of the top things to do in California is to taste the famous choices of food!

The Gourmet Ghetto is one of the most fun places to visit for foodies visiting this part of California.

There’s no denying that the city’s most famous restaurant is Chez Panisse, a neighborhood bistro by Alice Waters that opened its doors in 1971.

This restaurant marked the beginning of a new chapter in statewide culinary history, completely altering the entire country’s food culture.

As a food activist proud of farm-to-table, eco-friendly meals, Chez Panisse changed the game, and the city here soon began to spawn all sorts of similarly conscious eateries and dining establishments.

This eventually led to the creation and growth of Gourmet Ghetto.

Bakeries, food shops, charming cafes, and more line the alleyways, interspersed with boutiques and flower shops galore.

Among the Gourmet Ghetto’s most loved offerings are the French Hotel’s Espresso Roma Café, the authentic Sicilian Lo Coco’s, the European and French-inspired Masse’s Pastries, traditional Jewish Saul’s Delicatessen, and the worker-owned Cheeseboard Collective.

Live music often plays at night, too!

Address: Berkeley, CA 94709, United States

13. Indian Rock Park

The Indian Rock Park can be found among the hills of Berkeley, California.

Rock formations are marked by pits and steps left behind by the original inhabitants of the region, the Ohlone people.

More so than its history, though, the Indian Rock Park is known for offering spectacular San Francisco Bay views and plenty of rocky trails worth traversing.

Beginners in rock climbing may enjoy scaling the stones by their pits and steps, which is one of the most fun things to do in Berkeley for a minor challenge.

It is said that this is where rock-climbing pioneer Dick Leonard and World War Two climbing-manual writer David Bower both trained.

Looking for other good options for rock climbing that are a little more dedicated to the sport?

Cragmont Rock Park, Mortar Rock Part, Contra Costa Rock Park, Grotto Rock Part, and Great Stoneface Park are all doable choices, especially for novices!

Address: 950 Indian Rock Ave, Berkeley, CA 94707, United States

14. Gather

Like many other eateries that followed in the footsteps of Chez Panisse, Gather is a farm-to-table restaurant, and it offers green fare with a clever and balanced mix of old-fashioned and modern designs, styles, and influences.

If you’re a foodie, eating here should be added to your list of stuff to do, and it’s one of the top dining places of its kind in California.

Situated near UC Berkeley, Gather always feels like it’s in the middle of a cheerful party, with a vibrant and bustling atmosphere that blends well with relaxing and humble decorations.

It is situated in the David Brower Center, a building that has won the LEED Platinum award.

The interior decoration is largely made with salvaged wood and an open kitchen adds a welcoming vibe.

The chief chef here is Chef Tu David Phu, who uses all sorts of grains, rare heirloom fruits and vegetables, and locally foraged mushrooms, flowers, and pollen.

Half of the menu is vegetarian, but don’t despair, meat-lovers – the other half uses sustainably raised local farm animals.

Daily menu changes are standard as the menu depends on what the farms have available.

If you plan to eat here this weekend, it’s a good idea to make a reservation!

Address: 2200 Oxford St, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

15. Takara Sake Museum

Sake, a Japanese alcohol made with rice, has many museums dedicated to it in its birthplace, but there’s only one in the United States and it sits in Berkeley, California.

It goes without saying that, when choosing what to do in Berkeley, this unique gem should be on your list!

Though very small, it’s authentic, and Japanese rice farming has actually been a part of the state’s history over the last century or so.

The Takara Sake Museum features the Takara Sake Company, a business with roots dating back to 1842 in Kyoto, Japan.

It moved to this city in America in 1982 and, within eight years, it was the country’s largest producer of the drink.

The Takara Sake Museum itself opened in 1998 and, two years later, the company would even produce organic sake as a testament to the surrounding food culture.

The Takara Sake Museum showcases all sorts of sake-making tools from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as exhibiting informational and educational facts about the traditions, history, and culture surrounding the alcoholic beverage.

You can also learn about how the sake is brewed and all about the modern production and bottling processes.

Although a couple of millennia ago, sake was meant only for religious events, it is now commonly drunk by just about anyone!

For even more fun, the sake tastings here are certainly exciting, especially since they take place beneath a beautiful kinetic sculpture in a room full of reclaimed wood and recycled glass.

Address: 708 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

Looking for thrill outside Berkeley? Why not check out Fresno, Los Angeles, and Monterey? If you do plan the trip, here are some best things to do in Fresno, some cool places to visit in LA, and some of the best things to see in Monterey!

16. Tail of the Yak

Tail of the Yak isn’t one of Berkeley’s more typical tourist attractions.

More accurately, it’s a shop, specifically a gift store, and it’s incredibly unusual in nature.

It’s difficult to describe exactly what it is or what it does, but that’s what makes it so exciting to visit and walk around in!

Tail of the Yak sells all kinds of interesting ephemera, ranging from antique arts, new decorative styles, jewelry, gifts, and more.

Everything sold changes regularly as they are purchased, and whatever you think you may find here, you’ll likely spot it and more.

Peace and love doves, wrapping paper, paper whimsies, French soaps, and even glassware are all available to view.

It’s one of the hidden gems of Berkeley and is worth a trip for novelty alone!

Address: 2632 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States

17. Telegraph Avenue

Telegraph Avenue is situated right outside the gates of the University of California, Berkeley.

It’s one of the go-to places to visit for wandering students, but it’s also fun to walk around as a tourist.

An eclectic street, it is packed with shops, eateries, and all sorts of vibrant remnants of yesteryears, all coming together in a diverse mixture.

Bohemian, counterculture vibes abound on Telegraph Avenue, with vintage record stores and more.

Affordable shops for bagels, sandwiches, fast food, pizza slices, and other casual foods cater primarily to students, but you can’t deny the convenience of their pricing!

Bookstores like the famous Moe’s Books and record shops like Rasputin Music and Amoeba Music mark the street, driving people of all ages to come and visit.

Aside from student favorites, there are also clothing shops, salons, computer stores, specialty shops, and all sorts of other places to check out on Telegraph Avenue.

Stopping by to explore is a great way to spend your time this weekend, and you may find additional activities to partake in along the way!

18. East Bay Vivarium

The East Bay Vivarium is one of the best things to do in Berkeley for animal-lovers.

It is part zoo and part pet store and is the proud host of one of the biggest inventories of reptiles in California and, in fact, the whole country!

The selection at the East Bay Vivarium is nothing short of impressive.

Crocodile Monitors, Argentine Boas, Madagascar Ground Boas, Red Blood Pythons… you name it, they have it!

Tortoises, tarantulas, and rare creatures are available, including all their needs from good to cages to bedding.

Kids who come by the East Bay Vivarium may even get to pet some of the lizards, as long as their parents are okay with it!

The staff is happy to answer questions and talk about the proper care of these pets.

It’s worth noting, of course, that many of these species of reptile are invasive and could overrun fauna populations, so make sure you’re ready to keep your home escape-proof if you plan to bring a new friend home from Berkeley!

Address: 1827 Fifth St c, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

19. Urban Ore

Urban Ore is a warehouse that spans 3 acres, functioning as one of Berkeley’s most loved retail stores for salvageable item disposal and reusable goods purchases.

It’s a unique antique and thrift store that offers a huge variety to go with its large size, and its environmental message makes it stand out.

Even if you’re not seeking to buy anything, just exploring Urban Ore is rewarding due to all the things to see.

Records, electronics, furniture, kitchenware, books, doors, windows, clothes, musical instruments, camping gear, sporting goods, tools… the list goes on and on.

Urban Ore seeks to end the “age of waste” by recycling everything as much as it can.

75% of its offerings come from drop-offs by the local community.

The remainder of its goods come from the Salvage and Recycling Department and Outsider Trader Department.

Address: 900 Murray St, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

20. Aftel Archive of Curious Scents

Looking for what to see in this California city that is a little more unique?

Check out the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents!

At first glance, this seems like nothing more than a backyard cottage, but it’s actually the country’s very first natural fragrance museum.

The Aftel Archive of Curious Scents opened in 2017 and provides access to more than 300 different scents.

Its entire dedication is to natural artifacts and aromatics, with essences of all kinds derived from the likes of trees, fruits, grass, flowers, and even animal waste.

You can see, touch, and smell many of the raw materials used in the process of perfume creation.

Some of the fascinating and fun items in the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents include a papier-mâché musk deer of “vegan taxidermy” style, a taxidermy civet, and essences dating back a century or more.

All items are original, authentic, and delightful, and visitors can opt to choose three samples to bring home with them!

Address: 1518-1/2, Walnut St, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States

Seeking more thrill and excitement? Why not plan a trip to Orange County, Palm Springs, and Pasadena? If you do, here are some of the best Orange County attractions, some fun things to see in Palm Springs, and some of the top things to do in Pasadena!

21. Free Speech Monument

The Free Speech Monument is dedicated to the movement of the same name and can be found on the University of California, Berkeley’s quad.

The rather unassuming monument is surprisingly easy to miss thanks to its flat, simple design, but there’s symbolism even in that!

In 1989, the monument was installed in front of Sproul Hall, set flat within a walkway.

The monument is merely, on the surface, a cement stone in a round shape that decrees a statement for the freedom speech upon it.

A little hole within holds one soil patch.

So, what’s the symbolism?

Well, directly above the little soil hole is an invisible space that is “unregulated”, allowing anyone who stands upon it to speak as they wish, carrying forward those words into the great world beyond.

Ironically, public speech and assembly regulations in the campus of the college have tightened as the years have gone on, making the monument a bit silly today.

Still, as far as Berkeley attractions go, it’s a fascinating activity to stand above that space and express whatever opinion you like, no matter how controversial.

It’s unusual, but it’s Berkeley’s most interesting free things to do!

Address: Sproul Hall, Barrow Lane, Berkeley, CA, United States

22. Try Some Japanese Food

It’s hard to imagine Berkeley, California as any kind of home for Japanese food, and yet some of the yummiest places to visit for good meals tonight might just be at one of them!

They are surprisingly authentic in many ways and offer insight into the history of Japanese culture in the state over the last century.

One of the more popular Japanese-Californian restaurants here is Iyasare, which translates to “to heal”.

It is situated on Fourth Street and offers intimate dining with an open kitchen, lovely lighting, and a romantic atmosphere.

Food served provides intricate flavors and new combinations of ingredients and textures, courtesy of Chef Shotaro Kamio.

Another popular spot is Kiraku, which is an Izakaya, or an informal and traditional drinking establishment that mainly serves small food plates.

It serves great sake and Japanese beer, with many authentic small plates including Spicy Jellyfish, Wasabi-Marinated Octopus, and Dried Fish Roe.

For the flavorfully adventurous, this is a great choice!

Finally, there’s Ippuku, situated in downtown Berkeley.

It is also an Izakaya and is hailed as very authentic by expats from Japan.

Skewered vegetables and meats, handmade soba noodles, and shōchū (a distilled barley or rice alcohol) are among the favorites.

23. Habitot Children’s Museum

The Habitot Children’s Museum is a hands-on, interactive experience that is one of the most fun things to do in Berkeley!

You can find it on Kittredge Street in downtown Berkeley.

It first opened in 1992, founded by parents and teachers, designed to provide young kids with interactive and safe play and learning.

Some of the activities here include Clay Play, Little Town Grocery and Cafe, Infant-Toddler Garden, and The Art Studio.

There are also plenty of seasonal events, ranging from classes to camps and from workshops to parties.

There’s no denying that the Habitot Children’s Museum is ideal for any families with very young children in Berkeley, California!

Address: 2065 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

24. Try Some Mexican Food

We’ve talked about some of the best Japanese dining establishments that Berkeley, California has to offer – now how about some places to go for good Mexican food?

The most popular restaurant that offers this cuisine is probably Comal, which is in the Berkeley art district in downtown Berkeley.

If you were to pop in tonight, you’d find it packed due to how popular it is, but it’s spacious and offers a welcoming atmosphere so it’s worth a reservation.

Quesadillas, sangria, and margaritas are among the most popular offerings, but Chef Matt Gandin can make just about any Mexican dish there is!

The second popular Mexican food place in the city is Flacos, which is a Mexican vegetarian joint run by Antonio Magana.

He created many meatless versions of recipes passed down from his grandmother.

Originally, he only sold his foods in the city farmer’s markets, but he was eventually able to open Flacos in a small little stone hut.

Flacos is known for its huaraches, taquitos, tamales, and tacos!

25. Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles

Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles is an odd little shop and museum located on Adeline Street, South Berkeley.

It was created in 1965 by Jules and Kaethe Kliot and has a mission of supporting, encouraging, and teaching others about the wonders of textile arts.

Over the years, it has become a staple attraction in this California city, and for good reason!

This fascinating and fun place looks, at first glance, like an old-fashioned store for dry-goods.

Permanent and rotating exhibits discuss the history and intricacies of the world of textiles, a very niche trove of information.

The shop area has a lot of different supplies for the craft, with ephemera, lacework, and patterns galore.

The staff is eager to help and provide more information, as they are all experts at needlework themselves.

At the back of the establishment, you’ll find more unique features like buckram hat forms, books for sale, and even a wall of gloves.

There’s even a collection of sewing machines!

If you’re looking for what to do and seek lesser-known tourist attractions in Berkeley, California, then Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles is the right place to go!

Address: 2982 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States

Planning a road trip around California? Why not visit Sacramento, San Diego, and Solvang? If you do plan the trip, here are some top Sacramento attractions, some of the best places to visit in San Diego, and some fun things to do in Solvang!

26. BioFuel Oasis

Just in case you needed more confirmation that California is all about sustainable and eco-friendly living, you can check out the Biofuel Oasis!

Worker-owned by all women, this is yet another one of the unique Berkeley attractions you can find in the city.

It is essentially an urban resource geared towards those seeking to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint and get back to basics with nature.

Originally known as the Berkeley Biodiesel Collective, which was part of the Ecology Center, the Biofuel Oasis evolved over time.

Soberingly, it’s worth noting that the collective was created a year after the events of 9/11 in response to it, seeking to teach others to brew vegetable oil into fuel to reduce gasoline usage.

Though the Biofuel Oasis is considered among practical places to visit for locals, it’s an intriguing and fun spot for tourists, too.

It sells farm supplies and biodiesel and provides classes on raising farm animals in cities, how to maintain diesel cars, and even how to harvest rain and greywater!

Address: 1441 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Berkeley

If you weren’t sure where to go, then this list of the top things to do in Berkeley should help you perfect your Berkeley bucket list!

Hopefully, you’ll find all the most fun spots that the city has to offer, no matter what your budget and what activities you’re interested in!

Happy travels!