As a soon-to-be graduating senior, I’ve made it a goal of mine to explore more of Berkeley. Time is running out as I only have roughly seven months left to take advantage of everything Berkeley has to offer, from its local restaurants to its quirky shops. Here are my recent Berkeley visits that I recommend checking out!

Romeo’s Coffee

Located on Telegraph Avenue, Romeo’s has become one of my new favorite coffee shops. Although I can only attest to how good their coffee is, they also offer pastries, juices and various food options. The shop has a lot of comfortable chairs and tables perfect for studying, but it’s just as great if you just want to Snackpass a drink and take it to-go. 

Berkeley Rose Garden

I can’t believe I never heard of this spot sooner because the vibes are immaculate. There are a variety of roses to admire, and the rose garden has several benches throughout for visitors to sit and enjoy the view. If you’re up for a walk, all you have to do is walk up Euclid Avenue, which is right across the street from Northgate Hall. Admission is free, so it’s perfect for an inexpensive weekend activity. 

Berkeley Marina

The Berkeley Marina is the perfect place to breathe in some fresh air, have a picnic or simply take a walk. The 51B bus will take you straight there; no extra walking necessary! Visiting the marina made me forget about the bustling city that Berkeley sometimes is, and it was a great way to find some moments of peace and quiet. Not to mention, it’s great for anyone who likes to people watch.

Moe’s Books

Moe’s, which is also on Telegraph Avenue, is a large bookstore that buys and sells new and used books. If you ever have time on your hands, I recommend stopping by because the reading options are endless, especially since there are four floors of books. They don’t only sell books though — there are also a bunch of posters, cards and art prints for sale too. 

Planterday

Technically located in Oakland, Planterday is a small plant shop that donates a portion of their proceeds to suicide prevention and mental health services in the community. Located on College Avenue, it’s only a 51B bus ride away. Although small, the shop offers a variety of houseplants and pots for any plant parent!

Now that I’ve made it a goal to leave my apartment more this academic year, I’ve learned that Berkeley has more to offer than what I initially thought. Discovering these places and shops has been a highlight of my semester so far, and I can’t wait to visit more Berkeley spots.