The 34-acre UC Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, with over 10,000 types of plants including many rare and endangered species. Organized geographically, the Garden features 9 regions of naturalistic plantings across the world, along with a major collection of California native plants.
The Berkeley Marina includes the city marina and waterfront area, comprising more than 100 acres of parkland. César Chávez Park occupies the majority of the space, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay bridges, Angel Island, and Alcatraz. It's a great place for a picnic, long walk, or to eat outside. The park features seven miles of trails, a 17-acre off-leash dog park, and a portion of the Bay Trail walking/cycling path that circles the San Francisco Bay. There are also several picnic areas with scenic views.
Lake Merritt in Oakland, California is one of our favorite places in the Bay Area. It has a three mile shoreline in the center of Oakland. It's a tidal lagoon and it's home to the United States' oldest designated wildlife refuge dating from 1870. Spend 45 minutes to an hour walking around the 3 mile loop. There are lots of little places to stop and picnic or grab a bite to eat.
Nestled in between the Berkeley Hills and the San Pablo Ridge, Tilden Park is a beautiful natural space with many recreational attractions. This 2,079-acre parkland features nearly 40 miles of hiking trails; an 18-hole golf course; the Regional Parks Botanic Garden; and Lake Anza, where swimming is allowed during late spring and summer. Children and adults alike love the park's small Steam Train, which travels along a picturesque hillside with sensational views.
The Berkeley Rose Garden is set in a terraced amphitheater. With 1,500 rose bushes representing 250 varieties, the garden is a beautiful place to walk around, with peak season blooming in mid-May. It's a fantastic place to admire Berkeley's famous views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The garden also features hiking trails and a picnic area.
Muir Woods National Monument, located on Mount Tamalpais on the Marin Peninsula north of San Francisco, California, is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The monument protects 554 acres of old growth redwood forest, one of a few such stands remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Best ice cream in SF, hands down. The sneaky, local trick is to bypass the line and go to the right to buy a pint. Take your ice cream over to Dolores Park to enjoy some of the best San Francisco views and people watching you can find! If you're in the mood for lunch as well, pop over to Bi-Rite market down the street and to the right. You can order awesome sandwiches and get picnic food to go.