Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
adults (many closed on weekdays) on subjects ranging from earthquakes to nanotechno-
logy, and outside there's a 60ft model of a DNA molecule.
AC Transit bus 65 runs to the hall from the downtown BART station. You can also catch
the university's Bear Transit shuttle (H line) from the Hearst Mining Circle.
West Berkeley
Berkeley Marina
MARINA
At the west end of University Ave is the marina, frequented by squawking seagulls, silent
types fishing from the pier, unleashed dogs and, especially on windy weekends, lots of col-
orful kites. First construction began in 1936, though the pier has much older origins. It was
originally built in the 1870s, then replaced by a 3-mile-long ferry pier in 1920 (its length
dictated by the bay's extreme shallowness). Part of the original pier is now rebuilt, afford-
ing visitors sweeping bay views.
Adventure Playground
PLAYGROUND
(
510-981-6720;
www.cityofberkeley.info/adventureplayground
;
11am-5pm Sat & Sun & daily
mid-Jun-mid-Aug, closed last week of year; )
At the Berkeley Marina, this is one of the coolest play spaces in the country - a free out-
door park encouraging creativity and cooperation where supervised kids of any age can
help build and paint their own structures. There's an awesome zip line too. Dress the tykes
in play clothes, because they
will
get dirty.
San Pablo Ave
STREET
Formerly US Rte 40, this was the main thoroughfare from the east before I-80 came along.
The area north of University Ave is still lined with a few older motels, diners and atmo-
spheric dive bars with neon signs. South of University Ave are pockets of trendiness, such
as the short stretch of gift shops and cafes around Dwight Way.
4th St Shopping District
DISTRICT
Hidden within an industrial area near I-80 lies a three-block area offering shaded side-
walks for upscale shopping or just strolling, and a few good restaurants.
