Berkeley & Oakland
The east side of the San Francisco Bay area has 2 smaller cities, Berkeley and Oakland, that are worth a blog posting on here. Luckily I had one friend in each of these places to show me the best spots for visitors and locals alike.
Berkeley
A small city near the big city that is known for being the home of one of the top schools in the nation. It also has breathtaking views from the neighborhoods and local parks.
What To Do
Fountain Circle & Indian Rock Park
Upon arrival, I was recommended to park (for free) at The Fountain at the Circle. We walked around this charming neighborhood full of individualistic houses, mansions, and cottages that will fulfill any HGTV desire. Then at the top of one of the hills not far from the fountain, we made it to Indian Rock Park which has one of the best views of San Francisco and the Bay area.
Where To Eat
Jerusalem Organic Kitchen
Chels told me to check out the Jerusalem Organic Kitchen as it is a go-to place for the locals. They recommended the Jerusalem falafel wrap (you choose to have it regular or spicy; Chels recommended spicy). This thing was HUGE and dare I say magically delicious!
Other Food Recommendations
Chels also highly recommended The Cheese Board as having the best bread they’ve ever had before. Also, the Westbrae Biergarten has a really good steak sandwich with french fries.
Oakland
Before coming to Oakland, I did my “research” by watching Disney/Pixar’s movie, Up!
What To Do
Walk Along Piedmont Avenue
Park in the middle of Piedmont Avenue near Fenton’s Creamery and there are a bunch of shops to wander around. Don’t forget to pay to park!
Pixar Studios
I recommend you go to the Pixar Studios Sign for a photo op! Even though you cannot go in the gates, it is still a pretty cool thing to take a picture in front of it. It is fun driving around and envisioning why the artists for the movie “Up” made the house look the way it does in the movie!
Where To Eat
Fenton’s Creamery
Mentioned and showcased in the Disney/Pixar movie Up, Fenton’s Creamery also has amazing food and ice cream. This historic spot is known for it’s crab salad sandwich (melt in your mouth good), and it’s black and tan sundae (almond and vanilla ice cream with hot fudge and caramel sauce). You know I got both! Katherine said the trick to eating the ice cream is to eat off the edges of the almond ice cream. Then, dig in so you can get some hot fudge and caramel with the rest of your spoonfuls :)
