Berkeley - Much More Than University Town
Berkeley. Home of free speech, organized protests, and radical hotheads, right? For many folks, the name conjures images from the 1960’s, when the University of California at Berkeley was indeed all of that. But the city offers much more. In fact, visitors often say that Berkeley exudes a European feel because of its low rise buildings and support for small independent retailers. The best way to determine what it’s like is to plan a trip here yourself. And the best way to start that planning is by checking out Berkeley vacation rentals.
Located on San Francisco Bay, just east of San Francisco, Berkeley offers a multitude of options for the northern California visitor. The University of California-Berkeley (UCB) is at the hub of many of them. You can go on a walking tour of campus, or go up in the Campanile/Sather Tower. At 307 feet high, it provides 360 degree views of the Bay Area. Next to campus is the extensive Tilden Park. Lake Anza, in the park, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for water sports. There’s a sandy beach and areas designated for swimming or fishing. The rest of Tilden Park has hiking and cycling trails, plus miniature steam trains and an old-fashioned carousel. After all this fresh air, you’ll be delighted to return to your Berkeley lodging to relax and refresh.
Perhaps you’ll choose one of the Berkeley hotels near campus, so that you can visit more another day. On the other side of UCB campus is the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. Designated to retain some natural outdoor areas in the middle of the city, the Preserve has woodland hiking trails of varying difficulties and steepness.
Maybe you’ll choose your Berkeley condo because of its proximity to the incredible shopping found here. The educated and activist community of Berkeley believes in supporting independent retailers, so your choices will be unparalleled. Six distinct shopping districts each boast their own personality, including Telegraph Avenue with funky, eclectic shopping and Fourth Street, with outdoor cafes and shops filled with original, one-of-a-kind items.
Of course, with it just across the bay, you ought to spend some of your time in San Francisco. You can glory in the majestic sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can see it every day from some of our Berkeley hotels. Enjoy the breathtaking drive across the bridge on your way to spending a day at the Golden Gate Recreational Area. Or you might wish to visit some of the city’s 65 museums. You’ll definitely want to experience a ride on the fabled cable cars, which happen to be the only moving National Historic Landmark.
After days jam-packed with activity, you’ll appreciate the comfort of returning to Berkeley vacation rental that you chose to meet your needs. Pick out the option that fit your needs and budget, and start planning your radical getaway today! Your only regret will be that you didn’t do so sooner.
For more resources regarding Berkeley vacation rentals, please visit this page. You will find condos, villas and other types of accommodations that will fulfill your fabulous California vacation.