A wonderful Japanese place with great Jazz! -Jonathan Waxman, Top Chef
The grand opening was spectacular - check out the new art gallery and redesigned history museum. Read more.
A time-honored Oakland institution, the center has been peering into the California skies nightly for more than 125 years with its three telescopes, Leah, Rachel and Nellie. (From Aerial America) Read more.
Free, friendly docent-led tours Sunday 11 am and 2 pm. Looking forward to coming back all four seasons.
Amazing off-leash dog beach, with on-site dog washers and cafe. Go on weekdays or get there before 8:30am on weekends or it gets VERY crowded with dogs, people and cars.
Take a tour of the Paramount Theatre of the Arts! This is an Art Deco Jewel - the Grand Lobby, Theater, Halls and Bathrooms are spectacular. Tours usually given 1st & 3rd Saturday Mornings Read more.
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 am - 5 pm. Free with Homecoming name tag!
Go visit John Muir National Site in Martinez.. Its free and fun to see and learn about!
This Drive-In theatre is awesome. The Polish Hot Dogs are pretty delicious and won't kill you. Bring camp chairs, warm layers/blankets, and a small flashlight and enjoy the show!
Enjoy travel and leisure books in the beautiful morrison library room or join the many others taking a nap there.
Home of Cal Rugby - the most successful collegiate program in the country, boasting 25 national titles. Witter is also home to Cal Women’s Lacrosse during the renovation of Memorial Stadium.
The produce is amazing and it's a great place to get your pumpkin or Christmas tree. However, heirloom tomatoes are the shining stars here! Just know that their Fruit/Produce stand closes at Sunset!
This is one of the best lookout points in the Bay Area. Ask the elevator operator what goes on/went on on all the floors you are passing...you might find it fascinating!
A beautiful place to hang out and watch the sunset, or just people watch. It can be fun the walk or run (on University) from the University all the way down the pier.
Best place for fun, retro toys and toys with an educational twist. Avoid the scary clown at the door!
Nice flat hikes in nature with beautiful views of our cities of industry
Was hesitant about getting the black sesame soft serve because I wasn't sure what to expect but I did not regret it all. It was flavorful and different. I would definitely order it again.
With North Coast Adventure Centers, you'll shimmy up seven stories before spending the next 2 to 3 hours taking in an eagle's-eye view of Redwood Park by zipline. Read more.
Lots of details here: http://www.oaklandmagazine.com/Guide-to-12-East-Bay-Hikes/
"Huckleberry is a botanic marvel and can be explored via a 1.7-mile loop that takes two hours to hike and includes steep ascents, though less-strenuous options are available."
"hidden gem in Oakland, tucked in a steep canyon dense with vegetation... a lush redwood forest along a rocky creek and a dry California landscape. Park at Leona Lodge, 4444 Mountain Blvd."
Brickyard Cove, Berkeley’s newest park, opened to the public in March 2022: https://www.berkeleyside.org/2022/03/26/brickyard-cove-berkeley-mclaughlin-eastshore-state-park
Heaven for kids. Sand play area with a water feature. Bring a change of clothes!
“A park that’s been renovated recently with so much to occupy your kids. It’s huge! There’s a large duck pond, sports courts, climbing structures, and yes, a super-duper zipline.”
If you have a car, this is an awesome place to go and catch the sunset. It's really special, hopefully Karl the fog doesn't ruin your view.
Find your way all the way to the top for fantastic views of Oakland, SF, and the bay. There are some breathtaking headstones and mausoleums here too.
Great science museum/learning center for young and old. Incredible view of SF Bay from plaza in front of the Science Center
Day hike https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/Albany-Bulb-former-landfill-hiking-dump-sculptures-15781896.php
Great hike for an unbelievable view. Dogs are able to enjoy the trail as well. Plenty of room to let them run
"dazzling locals with gourmet fried doughnuts similar to malasadas." SF gate write-up: https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/bay-area-doughweime-rare-doughnuts-18290216.php
Dense and delicious gelato. I'd like to see how this place shapes to fit Berkeley as time goes, since it's so new. Be warned that portions are small so opt for more than just the baby scoop!
A delicious selection of Indian inspired ice cream. Try the Golden Chai and the Lotus Rose flavors. They are amazing!
Super old timey drive in dairy spot that hangs on with a booming soft serve business. Get any two flavors swirled together. Banana and chocolate were pretty dang good.
My favorite ice cream place. Don't forget to get a stamp card! They also sell Solidariteas here which I love. Unique and varied flavors, lots of options
Brilliant tours of the whole ship by incredibly knowledgable ex-servicemen - and you can pretend you're in Top Gun. There's nothing not to like!
Though small, this museum has displays you can't see elsewhere. It also let's you get up close and personal in ways often difficult at other museums.
18 miles of new trails opened up in 2023. Tyler Ranch staging area and Sunol Ridge Trail are the new ones.
