Perennially ranked among the top universities in the world, this 1,232-acre (499-hectare) campus is embellished with iconic museums, historic libraries, architectural marvels and immaculate lawns. In addition to being educated and enlightened by Nobel laureates, the university also encourages its bright young minds to excel at sports NCAA sports, molding them into well-rounded individuals. Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley is the oldest educational institution in the University of California system. Campus life centers on Sproul Plaza and Sather Gate where you can find a reminder of Berkeley's place in American social history. The site also includes the plaque marking the spot where Mario Savio launched the Free Speech movement in 1964. Steve Wozniak, Chris Pine, Eric Schmidt and Gordon Moore are some of the university's most notable alumni.
Featuring a building which served as the State Capitol from 1853 to 1854, the Benicia Capitol State Historic Park makes for a fascinating visit. The interiors as well as the exterior portion of the landmark have been restored and is open to the general public for viewing. Visitors can explore the furniture, furnishings and fixtures that were used in the bygone era. Guided tours or group visits can also be arranged with prior reservations.
The California Historical Society strives to preserve the history of California. Discover printing and lithography in the West, as well as antique posters and maps. Exhibits offer fascinating insight into the daily life in California, including a horseless carriage (or so reads the license plate). You'll also find extensive collections of fine art, photographs and manuscripts, including Gold Rush era diaries and letters. The museum has a bookstore with titles on almost anything you would like to know about California from its earliest days to the present.
871 Fine Arts is one of the coolest art bookstores of San Francisco. The ever-changing selection of contemporary art is an excellent reason to visit this place, with long thin windows that let in massive quantities of light. The staff that is well-versed in the art scene. The best reason, though, is the selection of art books and exhibition catalogs, many out of print and very difficult to find elsewhere. The prices reflect the rarity, too. Art lovers have never been disappointed by the store. You won't be either! Call for more information.
This state park, which spans the shorelines of several cities, features a landscape characterized by wetlands, sandy shores, landfills, and marshes. The park offers plenty of recreational opportunities for nature and outdoor enthusiasts and serves as an ideal outdoor destination for all ages. Trails winding across the expanse enable visitors to admire the picturesque environs of the area, and vantage points scattered along the paths afford splendid views of the San Francisco Bay. Those inclined to wildlife viewing and hiking will relish a visit to this scenic state park.