{"id":965,"date":"2021-08-06T20:02:54","date_gmt":"2021-08-06T20:02:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/the-ultimate-2-day-berkeley-itinerary-the-blonde-abroad\/"},"modified":"2021-08-06T20:02:54","modified_gmt":"2021-08-06T20:02:54","slug":"the-ultimate-2-day-berkeley-itinerary-the-blonde-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/the-ultimate-2-day-berkeley-itinerary-the-blonde-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate 2-Day Berkeley Itinerary \u2022 The Blonde Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Set beside the San Francisco Bay, you\u2019ll find one of California\u2019s most eclectic cities. Home to the state\u2019s first university and a thriving local art scene, Berkeley has an undeniable cool factor.<\/p>\n

Following the 1906 earthquake, the city became a mecca for artists and it\u2019s stayed that way ever since: Co-op, bookstores, music shops, and vegan restaurants abound.<\/p>\n

There is a rebellious vibe in the air and the history of grassroots movements is palpable.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re looking for a day trip from San Francisco or want to spend a weekend somewhere fresh, here\u2019s the ultimate guide to two days in Berkeley.<\/h4>\n

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Getting There<\/h2>\n

If you are flying into California, Oakland is the easiest airport.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You will find more options arriving in San Francisco (as in SFO), but be aware that it\u2019s a trek. You can hop on the BART\u2014the local metro\/rail system\u2014or rent a car.<\/p>\n

While you can certainly fly into SFO, if you\u2019re taking an Uber from SFO to Berkeley, it can set you back upwards of $200 during peak hours. (It\u2019s not always this expensive, just be mindful of surge pricing!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

I would recommend renting a car to navigate the city! While you will 100% need to pay attention to parking signs and most places require you to pay at a meter, your feet will thank you.<\/p>\n

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If you can swing it, I\u2019d highly recommend making Berkeley part of a longer road trip. From chill beach towns to cosmopolitan urban wonderlands, California is easily one of the best road trip destinations on the planet.

Take a detour over to my \u200b\u200bTwo-Week California Road Trip Itinerary for inspiration!<\/strong><\/center><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Where to Stay<\/h2>\n

There are a few convenient cozy spots. Depending on your budget, here\u2019s what I\u2019d recommend:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Budget<\/h3>\n

Berkeley Inn:<\/strong> While this place doesn\u2019t really have any bells and whistles, it\u2019s a place to stay in the area that will do the trick!<\/p>\n

Mid-Range<\/h3>\n

Aiden by Best Western: <\/strong>Built in April 2021, this wallet-friendly option offers a boutique experience from a reliable chain.<\/p>\n

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina: <\/strong>If you\u2019re driving, this is a great pick as well. It is right next to the marina so the view is unbeatable. You will need to drive to get to the core attractions though, so make sure you\u2019ve got your own set of wheels.<\/p>\n

Luxury<\/h3>\n

Claremont Club & Spa: T<\/strong>his is a sure bet if you\u2019re looking to treat yourself to a luxe stay. Note, however, it is in Oakland so you will be commuting for visits to Berkeley.<\/p>\n

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A Note On Opening Hours<\/h2>\n

As you plan your itinerary, be aware that many local businesses operate on limited hours. This is doubly true during the summer when many students are out of town.<\/p>\n

Top restaurants and other popular hotspots, for example, are often closed on Monday and Tuesday nights.<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re only in town for a couple of days, I\u2019d recommend visiting from Wednesday to Saturday so you have more options.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Day 1<\/h2>\n

Breakfast + Explore<\/h3>\n

Start your day at La Note, an adorable French Restaurant with a tr\u00e8s bien<\/em> breakfast menu.<\/p>\n

While I had to wait to get in, there\u2019s plenty to do. Plan on a chill morning of exploring the nearby bookstores and hip boutiques right around the corner.<\/p>\n

If the line is out the door, you can fuel up with the tasty java down the street at Way Station Brew.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Telegraph Avenue is the beating heart of Berkeley and it\u2019s a perfect place to kick off exploring.<\/h4>\n

Sift your way through the rare treasures in Moe\u2019s Books and peep their calendar for upcoming author appearances. Check out the local music at Amoeba Music then see where the road leads you in this diverse area.<\/p>\n

You will find impressive murals from local and international artists alike all around Telegraph Avenue.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Grab your camera and search for a few of these famous works: Fabulous Berkeley, Mars Mercantile, Telegraph Ave, Yosemite, Love Not War, and Keith Haring.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a helpful map with many of the murals!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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When you need a rest from pounding the pavement, get to CREAM (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me) on Telegraph Avenue. Design your own cookie ice cream sandwich and do some people-watching while you bathe in the sugar rush.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Visit the California Museum<\/h3>\n

To take a deeper dive into the culture, head down to the Oakland Museum of California.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From the native population to the Spanish colonizers to the Gold Rush, they paint a picture of California\u2019s early days. The informative exhibits walk you through Hollywood\u2019s golden era, the local agricultural roots, and much more.<\/p>\n

This is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike so book your tickets to the museum ahead of time. We were lucky to get our tickets the same day, but I would suggest planning ahead!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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The museum has lockers so you can come with bags and backpacks without having to drop anything off ahead of time. There\u2019s also a beautiful garden space with a cafe where you can grab a coffee or cocktail.<\/center><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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For Dinner<\/h3>\n

Dinner at Cheese Board Collective: We heard this is a must-try spot. Unfortunately, they are only open from Thursday to Sunday so we weren\u2019t able to check it out but you might still keep it on your agenda.<\/p>\n

Exhausted after a day of exploring? There\u2019s a fab array of local options so it\u2019s easy to order into your hotel and treat yourself to dinner in bed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Day 2<\/h2>\n

For Breakfast<\/h3>\n

Make a beeline for the Berkeley Social Club to get fueled for the day. While I don\u2019t eat meat, I\u2019ve heard that their special\u2014Millionaire Bacon\u2014is simply divine!<\/p>\n

Mid-Day Activities<\/h3>\n

Explore Berkeley\u2019s Campus:<\/strong> This gorgeous campus looks like it was ripped straight from the Harry Potter set. Wander around and see if you can find a bit of magic.<\/p>\n

Berkeley Botanical Garden:<\/strong> This\u00a0 34-acre garden on the University of California campus is a lovely urban oasis. Not only is it a good place to learn about local flora but you\u2019ll find a perfect vantage point of the San Francisco Bay from here.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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For Lunch<\/h3>\n

We stopped by Gregoire\u2019s for lunch and I\u2019m still dreaming about that quiche (it had sweet corn in it\u2014what a combo)! Gourmet French fast food is apparently a thing\u2026and that is a very good thing.<\/p>\n

For a mid-afternoon caffeine fix, check out Peet\u2019s Original Coffee (2124 Vine Street). Opened way back in 1966, the place is a true one of a kind.<\/p>\n

Browse the on-site museum of Peet and coffee artifacts and breathe in the coffee aroma.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Dinner<\/h3>\n

Make reservations well in advance for Chez Panisse.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Opened back in 1971, this was one of the first farm-to-table restaurants in California. Many famous local chefs got their start there and it spurred an entire gourmet movement in the area.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Check the hours ahead of time. They are closed Monday and Tuesday. Their indoor dining is scheduled to open in October 2021, but this is subject to change.<\/center><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Bonus<\/h2>\n

There were so many things recommended to me that I couldn\u2019t squeeze them all into one trip. Here are a few still remaining on my Berkley bucket list:<\/p>\n

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  • Piedmont Park:<\/strong> A green oasis in the heart of the city. Made for picnics.<\/li>\n
  • South Berkeley Farmers\u2019 Market:<\/strong> The place to be on Tuesdays from 2 to 6:30 pm.<\/li>\n
  • Go Shopping on 4th Street:<\/strong> Eat, drink, and shop until you drop in this all-in-one space.<\/li>\n
  • Top Dog for Hot Dogs:<\/strong> A local institution since the 1960s.<\/li>\n
  • Milkbomb Ice Cream + Donuts:<\/strong> Rumor has it this is the best artisanal ice cream in town.<\/li>\n
  • Bette\u2019s Oceanview Diner:<\/strong> This family-owned spot is famous for its pancakes.<\/li>\n
  • Cafe M:<\/strong> Soak in the sidewalk cafe culture over breakfast or lunch.<\/li>\n
  • Skates on the Bay:<\/strong> Fresh seafood and great views.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    I would love to hear about your must-sees, dos, and eats in Berkeley \u2014 please share in the comments below!<\/h4>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n