This museum has been bringing culture, diversity, fine art and more to Berkeley since 1970. BAM houses an impressive and ever-changing collection of fine art, sculpture and artifacts that span ages and cultures, countries and places. Find the masterpieces from from Impressionists to Surrealists to Post-modernists. Past exhibits have included a collection of mandolins from Tibet from the 15th Century, as well as the paintings of famed lesbian artist Romaine Brooks. There's always something here that captures the imagination, challenges thought and establishment, and entertains as much as it intrigues.
A gallery exhibiting various artworks, the Berkeley Art Center is a slice of vibrant, colorful art in the northern area of the city of Berkeley. Apart from art exhibitions, the center also plays host to numerous live music and literary events. Entrance to the gallery is free of charge, however donations are accepted and encouraged.
Located in Walnut Creek, this museum is a multi-purpose facility that cares for injured and endangered animals from all over the state of California. It operates the largest veterinary rehabilitation hospital in the United States, treating over 6000 wild animals annually. In addition, they have educational tours for children, and a learning theater.
Dolores Park is one of the main hot spots in San Francisco and is the major meet-up place for many citizens. Though it is not very large, it attracts crowds of people and the beautiful views make it worth the visit. Recreational resources include a few tennis courts, basketball courts, two soccer fields and a children's playground, but most of all Dolores Park is often used as a venue for special events such as movies in the park. Its surrounding area is known for some of San Francisco's major culinary attractions: Delfina, Pizzeria Delfina and the Tartine Bakery. It is also a great place to chill with some ice cream from the Bi-Rite Creamery. Saturday hang-outs in the park are often events themselves and it's always packed on weekends. Given its location, it's almost always sunny; the famous fog knows better than to ruin the oasis that is Dolores Park. Whether you choose to sit in Dog Beach, Hipster Beach, Speedo Ridge or partake in actual activity at the playground or tennis courts you are sure to have an unforgettable time.
Located in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is one of the greenest buildings in the city and has a platinum certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The museum features the renovated and expanded Steinhart Aquarium, complete with a hands-on tide pool and the well-known alligator swamp. Other exciting features are the Morrison Planetarium, the four-storey rainforest dome, and the Tusher African Hall. In addition to these educational gems, the museum features other natural history exhibits as well as exhibits about global warming. The Academy Café offers international cuisine, while the elegant Moss Room restaurant is the only dining option available in the park past museum closing time.
Occupying a massive 3.64 acres, the Berkeley Rose Garden boasts over 3000 rose bushes and 250 unique rose varieties. This fragrant city park features six luscious terraces, four tennis courts, and a spectacular sunset view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Historians and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the New Deal roots of the park's Depression-era construction, as well as the charming First Bay Tradition-styled design of the park and the surrounding residential neighborhood. The garden blooms most dramatically in mid-May.