Berkeley and Beyond
UC Berkeley Essentials: The Local’s Guide
Take a Self-Guided Tour of UC Berkeley
Get a feel for campus life and the environment where you could pursue your graduate studies. Walk through the redwood groves, visit the Campanile, and experience the energy of Sproul Plaza at your own pace with our self-guided tours. Tip! We recommend the Black History Tour.
Check Out What’s Happening on Campus
Explore the central hub for campus-wide events and activities. From research talks and professional workshops to athletics and student-led programs, discover the opportunities that enrich graduate life at Berkeley.
UC Botanical Garden
Recharge in nature just minutes from campus. The UC Botanical Garden offers a peaceful setting to walk, reflect, and explore its diverse plant collection.
The Lawrence Hall of Science
Science, views, and a little bit of wonder – what’s not to love? Get hands on with interactive exhibits, explore the Outdoor Nature Lab, and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of campus while imagining your future at Berkeley.
Over 130 Centers, Labs and Institutes
UC Berkeley’s campus is home to over 130 multidisciplinary labs, institutes and centers that take your work across the globe. Come walk the halls where world-changing discoveries happen every day!
Breathtaking Architecture
UC Berkeley is one beautiful campus, with amazing architecture. Take a look at some of the most photographed areas of this historic campus.
Discover the Soul of the Bay: San Francisco, Berkeley & the East Bay
Immerse Yourself in Bay Area Culture
The Bay Area iconic museum scene is yours to explore. Tip! Start with the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive. As a UC Berkeley student, you receive free gallery admission with your Cal 1 Card, giving you unlimited access to global cinema and contemporary art.
Uniquely Berkeley
The Bay Area is more than a destination; it’s a vibe. Berkeley and the surrounding areas are diverse in culture, food, and community. Whether you’re searching for a great place to eat or planning an evening out, you’ll find plenty of options to discover.
The Vast East Bay
Berkeley sits at the center of a dynamic urban corridor, flanked by the quiet, family-oriented streets of Albany to the north, the sleek, industrial-turned-modern hub of Emeryville to the southwest, and the sprawling, culturally diverse energy of Oakland to the south.
Beyond the Bridge
San Francisco serves as an extension of your Berkeley experience. Whether you’re attending a conference, catching a concert, or strolling across the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s vibrant heart is just a few miles from campus.
Traveling to Berkeley? No Car Needed!
Berkeley is BARTable!
With campus just a short walk from the Downtown Berkeley BART Station, regional travel is simple. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects you to major Bay Area destinations, making it easy to explore without a car.
Hop On, Hop Off: Ride AC Transit
AC Transit buses provide convenient access to Berkeley and the East Bay. It’s an affordable, convenient way for students and visitors to commute, explore neighborhoods, and visit local attractions.
Explore by Water
The San Francisco Bay Ferry is known for its scenic views of the bay and a promised adventure. It’s the perfect way to ditch the traffic and enjoy the Bay Area weather or a stunning sunset cruise right on the water.