Berkeley

Berkeley is a college town in California that stretches from the bay waterfront to the forested hills above. Wide boulevards lined with shade trees run through residential areas filled with Mediterranean-style homes and small shops.

The settlement formed in the mid-1800s and took its name from the philosopher George Berkeley. During the 1960s, the campus became the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, which later spread to universities across the country.

Students, researchers, and longtime residents share public parks and community gardens throughout the city. Farmers markets draw crowds every week, and many locals commute by bicycle along designated lanes.

Three rail stations connect the town to San Francisco and the wider Bay Area network. Visitors can walk to most shops and restaurants near campus, while the hills require steep uphill streets to reach.

A hillside rose garden holds about 3,000 rose bushes representing over 250 varieties arranged in terraced levels. From the upper tiers, visitors can see the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days.

Location: Alameda County

Inception: 1866

Elevation above the sea: 52 m

Shares border with: Albany, Piedmont

Website: http://ci.berkeley.ca.us

GPS coordinates: 37.87028,-122.26806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07