How to Spend a Weekend in Berkeley
Written by Contributor: Mitch Lutjens
How to Spend a Weekend in Berkeley
We have to get away for the weekend with our friends to Berkeley. Each time we come to Berkeley, we are continually reminded of why it’s an artist’s paradise. The city and surrounding communities are welcoming microcosms fit for families and low-key getaways. The food and drinks are hard to beat anywhere else in the Golden State. This trip, we focused on exploring local vendors and finding the best local eateries around and the best things to do in Berkeley, especially when it comes to food and local culture.
Enjoying an afternoon exploring the Berkeley Wine Block is one of the best ways to not only see the city, but also try a variety of modern and local wines. After all, Berkeley is not far from Napa Valley, making it an easy side trip for wine lovers who want to pair tastings with fun activities in Berkeley itself.
Where to Stay in Berkeley
Stay at the Residence Inn Berkeley by Marriott
Setting up a home base in Berkeley is crucial. Not only is the Residence Inn by Marriott modern and affordable, but it’s located perfectly to access everything the city has to offer. The Residence Inn has a rooftop bar called Study Hall, which boasts innovative cocktails gushing with flavor and a stunning wrap-around view of the Bay Area. You are a 15-minute walk to Telegraph Ave (a must-see), and you are virtually on the doorstep of UC Berkeley, which is perfect when you’re in town for a game. Many of the restaurants within a couple of blocks of the Residence Inn host delectable bites you’ll be talking about for weeks. Our rooms were exceptionally appointed, leaving us feeling like kings living in comfort. Don’t miss the convenient breakfast served each morning. It’s also an ideal spot if you’re mapping out places to visit in Berkeley, CA, during a short trip.
Where to Eat in Berkeley California
1. You’re above the rest at the Study Hall Rooftop Lounge
Stop off at the 12th floor of the Residence Inn Berkeley for drinks that magic couldn’t copy. Our group ordered multiple rounds of the Tilden Park and the Mahgeetah, accompanied by appetizers that Paul Hollywood would shake hands for. Study Hall has a lineup of live music that pairs well with the panoramic views of the city, which were exemplified by the private firepit we enjoyed. For both locals and travelers searching for fun things to do in Berkeley, this rooftop lounge blends food, drinks, good vibes, and great views.
2. Get lunch at Gather Restaurant
A sustainably managed eatery with locally sourced fare for casual bites that are elevated beyond your expectations. The patio is a private oasis amidst the energy of the city. Gather has created an atmosphere for relaxation that matches up with any item on their menus. Dining here is not only about the food, but about soaking in the atmosphere–it’s one of my favorite dining places to go in Berkeley for a relaxing meal in the heart of the city.
3. Have a slice at Zachary’s Chicago Pizza
When you’re not in the Windy City, Zachary’s offers some of the best deep-dish pizza you can get anywhere in California. The Classic Combo is filled with a tasty balance of meat and veggies that will leave you asking for more as they wheel you out. The dining area features local art from the community, celebrating this local favorite. Zachary’s is cherished for being employee-owned, and you’ll be able to taste the difference with the help of your designated server. It’s not just about pizza; it’s one of those places to visit in Berkeley where food and local culture come together.
4. Book a table at Zino at the Hotel Shattuck
Mediterranean cuisine is reimagined at Zino, classical plates were recreated and flew out of the kitchen that we shared amongst our group. The Lamb Tagine, Flatiron Steak, and Branzino should be immortalized in poetry because the flavors carve love letters across your palate, and the staff pulled double duty as entertainers and knew exactly what drinks would complement any meal. Zino has also become one of the standout places to visit in Berkeley for anyone who wants fine dining with atmosphere and service to match.
5. Enjoy a Boozey Brunch at The Berkeley Boathouse
Some mornings, coffee doesn’t quite do the job, but the Bloody Mary at the Berkeley Boathouse will warm you to the soul. On a weekend morning, the views of the marina are dreamy and only made better when the food arrives. The menu features brunch favorites only highlighted by their features of Bay Area seafood and fresh catches. In our opinion, the eggs Benedict were indulgent incarnate! For travelers seeking fun activities in Berkeley, brunch at the Boathouse is a refreshing and flavorful way to start the day.
What to do in Berkeley
While in the Bay Area don’t forget to check out these staples:
1. Take a walk down Telegraph Ave
Telegraph Ave is a fusion of delicious restaurants and shops for any need you may have. We loved trying innovative boba tea at Taiwan Professional Tea, and then hopping over to Moe’s Books for a new novel. Cupcakin Bake Shop offered a sweet fix before we stopped off at AxeVentures to throw a few axes. Needless to say, axe throwing turned out to be great therapy for most of our group. Walking down Telegraph Ave should be high on any list of things to do in Berkeley, California, with its mix of food, culture, and quirky experiences.
2. Wine Tasting in the Berkeley Wine Block
The Berkeley Wine Block is a reinvigoration of an industrial part of Berkeley, giving new life to spaces that feel modern and stylish. Coming from Oregon, we’re accustomed to divine Pinot Noirs, but wineries Broc Cellars and Donkey & Goat gave us a new view of heavenly. Broc Cellars focuses on creating the most natural pour in every glass. While the flavors speak for themselves, it was incredible experiencing and learning about natural winemaking. Donkey & Goat presents a robust and exquisite lineup of wines we all loved—the Pet Nat bubbly, striking as the crowd favorite. This area has quickly become one of the top places to go in Berkeley for wine lovers searching for unique pours and a stylish atmosphere.
3. Shop the stores on Solano Ave
Solano Ave was a blast, and also where Zachary’s Chicago Pizza is located! We were taken to more shops than we can count, and each of us left with our wallets a little lighter. We recommend stopping at Peet’s Coffee for some fuel; after all, Peet’s was founded in Berkeley! Then zip next door to Fern’s Garden, where you will find nothing you were looking for, but everything you needed. The owners have curated the store to support local creators and know each product’s story. Hop over to Lavender Bakery & Café, where the pastries will have you loading your pockets with cookies (the Giraffe cookie was adorable). Pamana Plantas was the smallest jungle, stuffed with everything you need to make your home a tropical paradise. Therapy Stores, while technically in Albany, California, is still on Solano and is loaded with quirky and extraordinary gifts. Solano was a hit, we all loved it, and hosts a fantastic celebration on September 11th, where the street is closed and becomes the Solano Avenue Stroll. This street is worth an afternoon of shopping and is one of the places to see in Berkeley if you enjoy a mix of food, shops, and local creativity.
4. Hit the streets!
We couldn’t praise the walkability of this city more. From our hotel, Residence Inn Berkeley by Marriott, we had easy access to fantastic food and stores. Comal is a modern Mexican eatery with a stunning patio and food to match. Pegasus Books has the latest favorites and every classic you could need, and what you can’t find there, Half Price Books will have for the best prices. La Note Restaurant is mouthwateringly amazing and truly has the best omelets you may ever have. Games of Berkeley has more games than you’ll ever be able to play, but you should still grab a new one while you’re there! We did not encounter a shop we didn’t love, and are sure you’ll enjoy the people and options too. Exploring the city streets is not just casual wandering; it’s one of the best things to do in Berkeley, CA, offering a true taste of the city’s character.
Ultimately, we are always reminded why the Bay Area brings in so many people from around the world. It’s a welcoming and beautiful city that’s fit for all. We are always tempted by the idea that this would be a wonderful city to live in… and we love that each time we visit, we discover more to explore. Berkeley is a great city to visit for any occasion, and we couldn’t recommend it more. From wine tasting to local shops and food, there are nearly endless Berkeley points of interest that make each trip memorable in a new way.
Until recently, we had yet to venture outside of San Francisco to see what else the Bay Area has to offer. We were pleasantly surprised to find that renting a car, and driving just beyond the big city, there were plenty of opportunities to explore and discover more California personality than we could have imagined. We spent a couple of days in the Livermore Tri-Valley area, then ventured to Berkeley for an immersive experience of wine tasting throughout their active industrial district, and ended the trip treating ourselves to a couple of nights in Tiburon. The trip was surprisingly charming, elegant, and full of great food and wine.