Looking to spend the day with friends in Berkeley. Know of any good shops, things to do, places to see, et cetera??????

Cheers!

If it was my choice, I would choose Bust.

Native

Berkeley has basically turned into a trendy little shopping area. There are little shops and restaurants, but that's about it. You could also see the Cleremont Hotel, I guess. San Francisco, Point Reyes above San Francisco, or other places may (or may not) be a better choice for you; It just depends on what you're looking to do.

I like the UC Berkeley Musuem--very contemporary with modern art and sometimes some good shows. Also a fine film program and nice coffee shop.

Another place I like is the Rose Garden (fairly decent tennis courts next to it)--on a clear day the view is fantastic.

If you like hiking, Tilden Park is a good place.

The UC campus is beautiful and fun to walk around.

Frank,

Being a little more speciific about what you like would be helpful here -- Berkeley has a variety of things to do in a variety price ranges and around virtually any area of interest. I think you'll get better responses if you can be more focused in your question.

I love just "hanging out" in Berkeley: outdoor cafes, bookstores, walking Telegraph Ave and the areas on the north and south side of campus.

John H

Chez Panisse is a world-renowned restaurant. Reservations definitely needed.

Frank,
I agree with previous poster -- you need to be more specific about what you like. There's a small cluster of upscale shops on 4th Street, where you could have a nice breakfast at Bette's Oceanview Diner (not really a diner -- great souflee pancakes), visit the East Bay Vivarium to view the weird reptile collection, listen to some CDs at HEAR records, go to Cody's (a good independent bookstore).

If you want to be more active -- you could fly a kite at the Berkeley Marina (generally lots of wind there), or go for a great bike ride in Tilden Park along the paved Nimitz Way - views, very scenic (but you'll need need to drive with your bikes on a rack to get there).

You could go to the Ashby Fleamarket, which is held on Saturdays and Sundays in the parking lot of the Ashby BART station -- it can be kind of junk-y, but I've gotten some great things there over the years (African decorative cloth, some good used kitchen ware and tools, my livingroom rockingchair).