Hikers, lovers, and photographers go for the stunning panorama of the Berkeley skyline. Fans of college football go to join the spirited "Tightwad Hill" crowd in their "free seats" overlooking Memorial Stadium. It may not be easy to get here, once you've made it, you immediately sense the tradition steeped within these grounds. Though it looks more impressive from afar, you can find the giant, block-letter "C" on this hill, where it has received hundreds of coatings of paint since its original construction in 1905. Also, during football games the California Victory Canon fires from Charter Hill after every Cal Bears touchdown and victory. Please note that the hill is steep and un-lit at night.

Located in the west part of the main University campus, this pavilion is the prime venue for Cal-Intercollegiate Athletics and Basketball games. It is also used for training by the Gymnastics team, and has a seating capacity of 12,000 spectators.

This museum represents more than 100 years of scholarship by Cal's renowned anthropological department. The museum houses almost four million in its collection, with pieces that range from the Americas to Egypt, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. The jewel of the collection is an exhibit relating to Ishi, reputed to be the last Native American living in the wild. Brought to Berkeley by Alfred Kroeber, he lived under close observation until his death.

This is a hands-on science museum. Walk in past a full-scale fiberglass model of a fin whale and indulge in earthquake simulations, dice-rolling games of probability, a planetarium and hundreds of other exhibits for both kids and adults. The younger set will particularly appreciate the Wizard Lab. The view from here (day or night) is about the best you will get in the Bay Area.

Welcome to one of the largest collections of Jewish and Jewish-American art, artifacts, books and archives in California. Find an amazing wealth of information, history and little known facts here, making it a perfect place for both adults and children, Jewish and non-Jewish alike to spend a day. Some of the permanent collections include painting and sculpture from the 18th century to the present, rare works by Marc Chagall and Chana Orloff, an extensive film and photography exhibit and an incredible library and archive collection that specializes in Jewish history in the Western States since the mid 19th century.

Built at the turn of the 20th Century, this theater has played host not only to the University's graduation ceremonies, but has also been one of the premier venues in the city for live shows, and one of the only under the open sky. Designed like a classical Greek amphitheater with its tiered concrete seating and immense stage, it seats 8,000, every seat is a good one, and the acoustics are fantastic. Since it is outdoors, be sure to bring a coat or sweater as it gets chilly even during the summer, and a blanket if you want to sit on the grass before the stage. Call to have a schedule sent to you. Prices depend on the show.

This Berkeley museum doubles as a research center at the University of California at Berkeley. Its evolutionary history collections and exhibits include invertebrates, microfossils and paleobotany. The free museum is also known for its accomplishments in technologies such as environmental scanning electron microscopy and molecular paleontology. You will find the latest cutting edge research here. After a trip to the museum, take a walk through the university's beautiful campus.

At Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center you really can find it all. With dance classes, dance demonstrations, dance performances and more, you'll be set at this one stop center for all things dance. This non-profit venue promotes cultural diversity and appreciation of all lifestyles through music and dance programs that are influenced by the African, Balkan, Brazilian, Cajun/Zydeco, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Reggae, American roots from Bluegrass to Swing, and other cultures. There are nightly live musical performances, workshops for children and adults, dance performances and more. Also included at this venue is the Ashkenaz's Cafe which serves beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and food, mostly organic and vegetarian, which stays open during shows. Check the website or call for details about show times and classes.

Partly in the city of Berkeley and partly in Albany, this is a wonderful place to spend a day or even a few days shopping, eating and strolling. A quaint, upscale neighborhood, Solano caters to locals, and both the stroller and yuppie sets. Find everything from the familiar and commercial, like Starbucks, to the more local, like the famous Zachary's Chicago Pizza and the Oriental Rug Gallery. With the food, an abundance of handmade furniture and antiques and lots of small clothing stores featuring locally made items, this area is a shopper's and eater's delight.

For the thrills of thoroughbred horse-racing, visit this Albany fast track, located just five minutes from San Francisco over the Bay Bridge (take the Gilman exit). It is an old-fashioned race track with a modern makeover. When the first race starts, the fun begins. Make bets, drink beer, and cheer for your favorite horse. Contests and giveaways at the track are not uncommon, like their Sunday Dollar Days where admission, beers, sodas and hot dogs are all just 1USD. Ample parking and great views of The City by the Bay are an added plus.