Things To Do
UC Berkeley & Telegraph Ave
UC Berkeley's campus is a beautiful place to walk around, and is where Solis spent the last five years in her PhD program. Make sure to hit Sather Gate, the Campanile, and Memorial Glade. South of campus on and around Telegraph Ave you can find many restaurants, vintage stores, book shops, music shops (including the famous Amoeba), and pop up market stands. If you need a coffee, head to 1951 or Cafe Strada. We also love Top Dog - a delicious no frills hot-dog spot that is a longtime favorite of Solis' family. Solis grew up going here every trip to Berkeley, and brought Troy here on their third date. Now it's one of Troy's favorite Berkeley spots, too! Pro tip: grab a couple hot dogs, hit up IB's down the street for some curly fries, and head to campus for a great picnic! (Exactly what we did just before taking our engagement photos :) )
Rockridge
Rockridge is a very cute neighborhood in North Oakland about 1.5 miles from our place. It has many of our favorite shops, restaurants, and cafes and our local Trader Joe's. We would highly recommend Starter Bakery for some delicious pastries, Cole Coffee for a great cappuccino, Yimm Thai for our favorite Thai food, and Pucquio for some great Peruvian.
Downtown Berkeley
This area is where the Downtown BART station is and has many restaurants, bars, and shops available. Pegasus Books and Half Price Books are both great options for new and used books. We recommend the restaurants Jupiter (try the potato pizza), La Note, Angeline's, and Tap in Lounge.
Elmwood
Elmwood is a cute little neighborhood just a 10 min walk away from us. Take a stroll up and down College Ave and grab a cardamom bun at Nabolom Bakery, coffee or tea from Cafenated, donuts at Dream Fluff, and/or Mediterranean food at La Mediterranee.
Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt in Oakland is the perfect place to go for a walk, read, or people watch. We'd recommend walking down Grand Ave in Oakland and then heading over to the lake!
University of California Botanical Garden
A large outdoor space hosting plants from many different regions! There are redwoods across the street and there is a Japanese style pond in the Northern part of the garden.
Cesar Chavez Park
Cesar Chavez is a park along the Bay that has a great walking path if you'd like to get outside and be near the water. Bring a sweatshirt because it can get cold and windy!
Berkeley Bowl Marketplace
We would not be true Berkeley residents if we didn't hype up our local grocery store to all newcomers. Everyone in Berkeley is a bit obsessed with this place because of their wide range of quality produce and bulk spices at affordable prices. We walk here at least once a week but often more, especially when Troy's kombucha craving hits. If you're staying at an Airbnb and need some groceries, definitely check this one out! It also has many premade food options at affordable prices - our favorite is the sushi.
Public Market Emeryville
This food hall has a wide variety of cuisines available which is perfect if you are traveling with a group so that everyone can pick their preference. It is also walking distance to the Emeryville Marina to walk off your meal. It is also down the street from the Bay Street Shops which have various retailers like Nike, Levi's, and Uniqlo.