When most people hear the word Berkeley, they automatically associate it with the University of California at Berkeley aka UC Berkeley. However, this Bay Area town has so much more to offer.

If you have plans to visit the area soon, let us tell you why you should consider stopping by Berkeley as well.

It’s a foodie’s paradise

If you love food, and I mean you are really a foodie at heart, you will fall in love with this city.

To get a glimpse into some of the food culture, you can sign up for a walking food tour with Edible Excursions. This company offers tours throughout the Bay, but their Downtown Berkeley Brunch tour is definitely the move.

Bounce around to 5 different spots within the area while sampling their most popular dishes and a few cocktails along the way. It’s a great introduction to all that this place has to offer.

If you enjoy foods from all over the world, just across from campus, you will find the popular ‘food street.” This road literally has almost anything you could possibly crave.

Art lovers, you’re home

Of course, as one of the top music schools in the world, it’s no surprise that this area is full of visual and performing arts.

Start with the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. They recently announced that they would feature one of the world’s largest collections of historic African American quilts beginning February 19, 2020. A follow-up exhibit will come in early 2022 as well.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to catch a live concert from the Berkeley Symphony outdoors on the Plaza.

Finally, catch a play at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. If you are under age 35, you can even get a discount on certain shows.

It’s home to the only Sake distillery in the U.S.

If you are a spirit connoisseur, you can certainly appreciate this one. As the only sake distillery in the country, Takara Sake is definitely a place that you’ll want to visit.

They offer daily tastings that will also take you through a brief history of this Japanese spirit.

Your tour will end in the traditionally decorated tasting room, where you will get to sample several Sakes that are made not only in Berkeley but in Japan as well.

Mina Tsuchiiwa and her team are very knowledgeable and can even offer great suggestions on what to pair your drinks with as well as how to serve them.

Honorable mention

While there, try to spend at least one night on the beautiful marina. There is a newly renovated DoubleTree Hotel on the water, and it provides some of the most relaxing views and sunsets. Be sure to stop by their restaurant, The Berkeley Boathouse for an upscale dining experience.

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