Things To Do
Cheeseboard Pizza
Don't leave without visiting this Berkeley institution. Get a cheese roll or chocolate thing at the bakery, pick up a delicious cheese from the cheese counter, or try the daily pizza special at what has been called "the best pizza place in America" (make sure to sample the green sauce) - all while being treated to live jazz.
The Great Outdoors
Outdoor adventure is at your fingertips in the Bay Area! Wake up at your hotel and find yourself on a hike just fifteen minutes later at Redwood Regional Park or Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland, or Tilden Park in Berkeley. (If you go to Tilden, Max says: don't forget to bring lettuce or celery to feed the animals at the Little Farm!) For beautiful hiking a bit further away, head to Marin County and hike Mount Tam or Muir Woods.
UC Berkeley Campus
Stroll through campus and take in a view of the Bay Area from the top of the Campanile, the world's third tallest bell and clock tower! Or make your way down Telegraph Avenue for a real sense of the People's Republic of Berkeley. Pop into the classic Amoeba Records and Moe's Books, have a burrito at Gordo's Taqueria or a salad at Intermezzo, and save room for dessert at Yogurt Park (this fro yo runs through the blood of many Berkeleyans). Overlooking campus you'll find the UC Botanical Garden and a great view from the Lawrence Hall of Science.
Berkeley Rose Garden
A popular spot to watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge (not to mention the location of Caitlin's graduation ceremony from Brownie to Junior Girl Scouts).
Eat
Click the link to check out an excellent breakdown of the best fine dining in the East Bay, brought to you by Caitlin's torts professor.
Berkeley Bowl West
You might think it's weird to include a grocery store on your travel itinerary. But you haven't been to Berkeley Bowl! If you need to pick up any snacks during your trip, this is produce heaven.
San Francisco
Be a tourist for a day! San Francisco is an easy BART ride away. Check out SF MOMA, get a burrito in the Mission, or take the ferry to Alcatraz. You also can't go wrong walking across the Golden Gate Bridge.