Berkeley, California is located along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay in Alameda County. It has created a reputation for being a free, progressive and sometimes controversial community. It offers an amazing mix of people, attractions and attitudes. It is a great city for walking or riding a bike to see the sites and get a feel for the city.
The city is also full of breathtaking architecture. Many of the homes in the community were built in the Arts and Crafts style and are a treat for the eyes. The Lawrence Hall of Science is the perfect place for kids of all ages to enjoy some hands-on exhibits. The Botanical Gardens offer 34 acres of wonderful landscapes.
Berkeley offers a very temperate climate. Summer highs remain around a mild 65F and are very dry (will little or no rainfall accumulation). Winters are also pleasant with low temperatures rarely falling below freezing.
Cheap flights to Berkeley are serviced by Oakland International Airport (OAK) just a few miles outside the city. Cheap airline tickets from Los Angeles can start under $100 US. Flying in from New York will cost a bit more but cheap airline tickets will still start well under $300 US.
There is a wide array of accommodations around Berkeley - each with as much personality as the city has to offer. Cheap hotels in Berkeley can offer great amenities and a wonderful experience and still start under $100 US. Finding rooms near some of the main attractions may cost a bit more but there are still cheap hotels rooms available for around $150 US.