Discover Berkeley
34 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Grizzly Peak View of San Francisco Skyline & Bay Bridges
This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. It's particularly stunning during sunset.
Sather Tower from Faculty Glade
This iconic spot offers a stunning view of the Campanile, especially during golden hour. It is a quintessential Berkeley landmark and captures the essence of the university's architecture.
The Campanile (UC Berkeley)
An iconic bell tower offering architectural and panoramic views of the campus and surrounding area.
“**Grizzly Peak**
Located near Martinez, Grizzly Peak offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area. It's an excellent spot for landscape and panoramic photography.
Berkeley Pier
Extending into the San Francisco Bay, the pier offers stunning views of the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. It's ideal for sunset and waterscape photography.
UC Berkeley Memorial Pool
Located near Moffitt Library, this spot provides a beautiful reflection of Doe Library and the Campanile. It's ideal for capturing the academic and architectural essence of UC Berkeley.
Wildcat Peak via Nimitz Way
A scenic hiking trail offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area. It's a great spot for capturing landscapes and sunsets.
UC Berkeley Doe Library Entrance
The entrance of Doe Library is an iconic spot with a beautiful facade that offers a great backdrop for photography, especially during golden hour.
Blake Garden, UC Berkeley
A picturesque garden with a creek, reflection pool, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It is perfect for nature and landscape photography, especially during weekday hours.
The Big C
Located on Charter Hill, this giant 'C' offers panoramic views of the campus and the Bay. It's a unique spot for landscape photography.
Berkeley Rose Garden & Codornices Park
These connected parks offer a mix of natural beauty with terraced gardens and unique playground features. The rose garden is especially vibrant during bloom season.
Berkeley Marina
Provides scenic views of the Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline, ideal for waterfront and cityscape photography.
Berkeley Rose Garden
A picturesque garden known for its beautiful rose blooms, offering serene and peaceful photography settings, especially in spring.
Giannini Hall
This historic building offers beautiful architecture with a picturesque entrance. It's great for capturing architectural details and portraits.
Codornices Park & Berkeley Rose Garden
This park features a terraced garden, a famous concrete slide, and a variety of tree species, providing a picturesque backdrop for family photos and nature photography.
Fourth Street
This vibrant shopping district offers a mix of urban life, boutique stores, and street art, making it perfect for capturing candid moments and urban street scenes.
UC Berkeley Bear Statues
Located throughout the campus, the bear statues are iconic and fun subjects for photography. They can be used to create playful and symbolic compositions.
South Hall Steps
As the oldest building on campus, South Hall offers historic architecture and a great view of the Campanile from the steps.
Lake Anza
A picturesque lake within Tilden Regional Park, offering opportunities for landscape and waterscape photography.
“**Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park**
This lesser-known waterfall in Codornices Park near Berkeley offers a serene and natural setting. It's perfect for capturing intimate nature scenes.
Philosophy Hall / Stephens Hall Courtyard
This quiet courtyard between Philosophy and Stephens Halls offers serene benches and steps surrounded by trees, perfect for capturing peaceful moments.
Cowell's Beach, Berkeley Marina
A scenic beach area in Berkeley with views of the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco skyline. It's great for sunset photography and capturing urban-natural contrasts.
Facultly Glade
A scenic area on the UC Berkeley campus with picturesque pathways and a bridge, ideal for nature and architecture photography.
Memorial Pool
A scenic spot near Moffitt Library, offering reflections of the surrounding buildings and Campanile.
UC Berkeley Campus
The University of California, Berkeley campus offers a mix of modern and historic architecture, including iconic buildings like Sather Tower. It’s a great spot for capturing educational and architectural photography.
Telegraph Avenue
Known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and street performers, Telegraph Avenue is a great spot for capturing urban life and street photography.
Codornices Park
A park featuring a hidden waterfall, beautiful natural scenery, and a concrete slide. It's a great spot for family and nature photography.
Codornices Park's Rose Garden
This specific area within Codornices Park features a beautiful rose garden, offering a serene and colorful setting for photography.
Sphere Within Sphere Sculpture
This unique sculpture is a great spot for capturing abstract and artistic compositions.
Giannini Hall and Haviland Hall
Two buildings with beautiful entrances and surrounded by trees, ideal for capturing architecture and nature photography.
Codornices Park (Hidden Waterfall)
Located in nearby Berkeley, this park features a hidden waterfall accessible via a short hike. It offers opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Berkeley Hills
Offers panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding landscape, ideal for landscape and cityscape photography.
John Hinkel Park
Features an outdoor amphitheater with oak groves and ivy, providing a natural and rustic backdrop for photography.
Hidden Waterfall in Codornices Park
A small but picturesque waterfall in Berkeley, accessible via a short hike. It's ideal for nature and landscape photography.