Hotels in Berkeley: Parks, Recreation and History

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Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Berkeley offers two distinct ways to plan a trip: the city’s parks and recreational facilities, and the history of Washington Park Cemetery. When choosing a place to stay, you can first decide whether recreational opportunities or a historical focus should guide your choice. There are also specific options for groups, from reservable park pavilions to tours that must be scheduled in advance. These differ in both purpose and planning requirements: a park activity is not the same as a visit that requires an appointment.

Parks and Recreation

In 2023, Berkeley’s parks included 11 parks covering approximately 33 acres in total. The acreage is an estimate, and the number of parks may also change over time. Ramona Lake is a named body of water within the park and recreation facilities. The offerings also include a municipal swimming pool, a splash pad, and several baseball and softball fields. For a general overview, the total acreage indicates the overall scale, while the individual facilities better show which recreational interests are catered to.

For choosing activities based on your interests, the facilities can be divided into two activity groups: water activities and ball sports. Ramona Lake, as a named body of water, is distinct from these. You can therefore decide in advance whether to include a water activity, a ball game, or a body of water as a point of interest in your plans.

Nonresidents can also reserve pavilions in Berkeley’s parks. If you plan to use a pavilion, check the date and conditions in advance, and treat the reservation as a separate step. Reserving a pavilion is one planning consideration alongside choosing your accommodation.

A Historical Perspective

Washington Park Cemetery was established in 1920 during racial segregation and covers 75 acres in an area that is now part of the City of Berkeley. The year refers to its founding, while the acreage describes its present-day location. The connection between racial segregation, the cemetery, and its current place within the city is a distinct aspect of Berkeley’s history. It differs significantly from the city’s park and sports facilities. If local history is also a factor in choosing a destination, this point of interest offers a different perspective from a recreational activity.

Group Tours

Tours of Berkeley Fire Department facilities are a possible activity for families, school classes, and groups; they must be arranged in advance. Contact the department directly before your trip to ask whether a time can be arranged for your travel dates. Because the visit requires an appointment, don’t plan it as a spontaneous activity. Planning requirements differ for groups: reserving a pavilion is the main consideration for that activity, while the fire department tour requires a scheduled appointment.

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