All About Berkeley, California

Berkeley is a city in northern Alameda County , California, on the east shore of San Francisco Bay. It takes its name from the Irish bishop and philosopher George Berkeley of the 18th century. It surrounds to the south the towns of Oakland and Emeryville and to the city of Albany and to the north the unincorporated community of Kensington. The eastern border to Contra Costa County generally meets the Berkeley Hills range. A population of 112,580 was registered at the 2010 census.

By Oleg. - https://www.flickr.com/photos/olegshpyrko/15400283837/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101352444

Berkeley, California, was originally established by developers who considered the land to be a prime tourist location. The land was given in 1820 by the Rancho San Antonio land grant to the investors for use in developing a new community.

When the area was settled in 1853 the name, Ocean View, was given. The City was incorporated as Berkeley in 1878. The city was assigned the name Berkeley for the contributions of the Irish philosopher, George Berkeley.

This fascinating city has a mild Mediterranean summer climate with dry summers and rainy winters. The location of Berkeley directly opposite the Golden Gate ensures that typical eastward fog flow blankets the city more frequently than its neighbors. The summers are cooler than the typical Mediterranean climate due to the rising ocean currents along the coast of California. These aid in creating cool, foggy nights and mornings.

Berkeley is home to the oldest campus in the University of California system, the University of California, Berkeley and the University-managed and runs Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. It also includes the Graduate Theological Association, one of the world's largest institutions for religious studies. Berkeley is one of the most socially liberal cities in the USA.

It is also a great place to enjoy the things to do outdoors. Berkeley is a must-stop spot for outdoor activities in the Bay Area with the sparkling San Francisco Bay, excellent weather at any season, and its forested foothill terrain.

The most-visited Lake Anza in Tilden Park is a relaxing place for the family to enjoy the water. UC Berkeley's Botanical Garden has 34 hectares of plants from all over the world, waiting to be found and appreciated. The Adventure Playground, one of the top 10 playgrounds of National Geographic, is a must for anyone who travels with the family.

The creative scene at Berkeley engages in every turn. There are many ways to ignite the artistic side of Berkeley. People can wander through the open studio of an artist, experience cutting-edge theatre, or tap their toes to rock n'roll.

With over 100 cultural arts organizations including the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley Art Center, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and Aurora Theater Company, Berkeley is packed with audience-applauded and critically acclaimed productions of world-class art.

Berkeley is the location of several nationally prominent companies, many of which were pioneers in their areas of operation. Notable businesses include Chez Panisse, the birthplace of California cuisine, Peet's original Coffee shop, Claremont Resort, punk rock haven 924 Gilman, and Fantasy Studios Saul Zaentz. Pioneer bookseller Cody's Books, The Nature Group, Clif Bar Energy Products, and the Berkeley Co-op are among the prominent former businesses.

This California city has grown into a major tourist destination over the years. Berkeley's attractions include several bookshops, world renown restaurants, the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Botanical Garden, and the University Art Museum. Because of the excellent marinas and crystal clear waters Berkeley is home to water sports and fishing championships.