Lots of great hiking trails!
One of our favorite stretches of the East Bay runs along College Avenue from Russell Street (in Berkeley) to Broadway (in Oakland). We especially recommend Mrs. Dalloway's (a favorite bookstore), La Meditarranee (excellent/comforting mediterranean food), Boichik Bagels (New York Times famous bagels), Sfizio (incredible pasta), Market Hall (a purveyor of the finest foods), and Mercy Vintage (fun vintage clothing selection).
Favorite spots in this neighborhood include: Womb House Books (feminist bookstore), Curbside Creamery (excellent vegan ice cream options!), Burma Superstar (amazing Burmese food), & North Light (fun cocktails, delicious tater tots).
After taking a stroll around the lake, an urban birder's paradise, check out: the Morcom Rose Garden, Walden Pond Books (another amazing bookstore!), Arizmendi Bakery, or the Lake Merritt Farmer's Market (only on Saturday mornings).
A lovely park for walking and admiring water fowl along the Berkeley Marina!
Slightly north of the UC Berkeley campus, you'll find some more of our favorite Berkeley spots: Victory Point Cafe (board game cafe with extensive selection + great snacks), Saul's Restaurant & Delicatessen (Jewish diner), & the Cheeseboard Collective Pizzeria (famous Berkeley pizza).