Overview

Berkeley’s official tourism organization and the city provide comprehensive resources for trip planning, navigation, and discovering attractions. These resources help visitors plan itineraries, find accommodations, and get the most from a Berkeley visit.

Visit Berkeley (Official Tourism Organization)

Visit Berkeley (visitberkeley.com) is the city’s official Destination Marketing Organization and primary resource for visitors. The website provides:

  • Attractions Directory: searchable listings of museums, galleries, parks, and landmarks
  • Dining Guide: restaurant listings by cuisine type, neighborhood, and price range
  • Accommodations: hotel and inn options with reviews and booking information
  • Events Calendar: upcoming festivals, concerts, conferences, and special events
  • Neighborhood Guides: detailed information about Berkeley’s distinct neighborhoods
  • Trip Ideas: suggested itineraries by interest (outdoor, cultural, food-focused, etc.)
  • Maps & Directions: interactive maps and transit information

The site is mobile-friendly, making it easy to plan and navigate while in the city.

Berkeley Visitor Information Center

Location: 2030 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704 (one block north of Downtown Berkeley BART Station)

Phone: (510) 549-7040

Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–5 p.m. (closed weekends and city holidays)

Services:

  • Face-to-face trip planning assistance
  • Free printed maps and the official Berkeley Destination Guide
  • Accommodations and restaurant recommendations
  • Event listings and insider tips
  • Tourist information pamphlets
  • Bay Area transit information

The Visitor Center is staffed with knowledgeable locals who can suggest neighborhoods, trails, and dining based on your interests and schedule.

Berkeley Destination Guide

Visit Berkeley publishes a comprehensive 2025–2026 Berkeley Destination Guide (over 120 pages) available online and in print. The guide includes:

  • Feature articles and photography
  • Attraction descriptions and photos
  • Dining recommendations by cuisine and neighborhood
  • Hotel and accommodation listings
  • Maps and transit information
  • Event calendar and listings
  • Practical visitor information

The guide is available for free download and flipbook viewing at visitberkeley.com. Printed copies are distributed at the Visitor Center, Berkeley hotels, and Oakland International Airport.

City of Berkeley Official Sites

City of Berkeley Website (berkeleyca.gov) provides:

  • City services and permits
  • Parks and recreation information
  • Public safety and emergency contacts
  • City events and news

Berkeley Parks & Recreation (berkeleyca.gov/parks-recreation): Lists city parks, trails, playgrounds, and recreation programs. Information on permit parking, beach access, and park amenities.

UC Berkeley Visitor Resources

Visit.berkeley.edu (UC Berkeley’s official visitor site) offers:

  • Campus tour information and scheduling
  • Visitor Center contact information and hours
  • Campus maps and self-guided tour information
  • Parking and accessibility information
  • Directions and transit options

Berkeley.edu (main university site): News, event listings, academic program information, and campus resources.

Bay Area Transit Resources

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): bart.gov

  • Station maps and schedules
  • Fare calculator
  • Real-time arrival information via the BART app or website

AC Transit: actransit.org

  • Route maps and schedules
  • Real-time bus arrival tracking
  • Trip planner tool
  • Phone: (510) 891-4777

511.org (Bay Area Transit): Comprehensive trip planner for BART, AC Transit, Caltrain, and other Bay Area transit systems. Real-time service alerts and accessibility information.

Digital Tools & Apps

Google Maps: Download offline maps of Berkeley to use without data. Use directions and transit options.

BART App: Real-time arrival information, fare calculator, and trip planning.

AC Transit App: Bus schedules and real-time tracking.

Bay Wheels App: Bike-share availability and booking.

Visit Berkeley App: (when available) mobile trip planning and attraction information.

511 Traveler App: Multi-agency Bay Area transit planning.

Social Media & Online Community

Visit Berkeley Social Media:

  • Instagram: @visitberkeley
  • Facebook: Visit Berkeley
  • Twitter: @visitberkeley

Follow for event updates, seasonal tips, visitor stories, and local recommendations.

Accessibility Resources

UC Berkeley Disability Access & Compliance: access.berkeley.edu Detailed accessibility information about campus buildings, parking, routes, and services.

City of Berkeley ADA Program: berkeleyca.gov/services/ada-program Contact: (510) 981-6418 (voice) or (510) 981-6347 (TDD)

Planning Your Visit

Start here:

  1. Visit visitberkeley.com to explore attractions and accommodations
  2. Check the calendar for events during your travel dates
  3. Contact the Visitor Information Center by phone or in person for personalized recommendations
  4. Download transit apps for navigation
  5. Browse UC Berkeley’s visit.berkeley.edu for campus information

Before you go:

  • Book accommodations early, especially in summer and during graduation
  • Make restaurant reservations at popular venues
  • Plan transit routes using Google Maps or 511.org
  • Check weather and pack accordingly
  • Download maps if expecting limited data connectivity

Getting around:

  • Use BART and AC Transit for regional and local transit
  • Pick up free maps at the Visitor Center or hotels
  • Use your smartphone for navigation and real-time transit info
  • Ask locals for neighborhood recommendations

Questions? Contact the Visitor Information Center, call (510) 549-7040, or email through visitberkeley.com. Staff are friendly and eager to help plan a great visit.