Berkeley or Bust?
 

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

If it was my choice, I would choose Bust.<BR><BR>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.<BR><BR>Another place I like is the Rose Garden (fairly decent tennis courts next to it)--on a clear day the view is fantastic.<BR><BR>If you like hiking, Tilden Park is a good place.<BR><BR>The UC campus is beautiful and fun to walk around.

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

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

Frank,<BR>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).<BR><BR>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). <BR><BR>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). <BR><BR>