Car Rental Berkeley

Parking in Berkeley

• Oxford Garage (94704) is ideal for those visiting UC Berkeley, close to the campus, the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. It’s open seven days a week with around 100 spaces.
• Allston Way Garage (94704) is a six-level, 600-space parking lot in the heart of Downtown. It is open late, ideal for those heading to the restaurants and bars of the city center.
• On-street metered parking is available across Berkeley, with around 2,000 spaces in Downtown alone. Time limits and prices can vary.

Key roads in Berkeley

• Interstate 580 (I-580) connects the coast with mainland California and cuts through Berkeley’s westside, near the marina. Use this route to reach San Rafael to the northwest and Oakland to the south.
• Interstate 80 (I-80) breaks free from I-580 to become San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge. This is the main route in and out of San Francisco from Berkeley.
• University Avenue starts at Berkeley Marina and runs right through the city towards the university. On this road you’ll find many of the city’s main shops and restaurants.

How to get from Berkeley to Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

It takes just under 30 minutes to drive the 15 miles from our Berkeley pickup location on San Pablo Avenue to Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park.

1. Leave the Berkeley car rental lot heading south on San Pablo Avenue.
2. After around two miles turn left onto Ashby Avenue.
3. Follow straight for about seven miles as it becomes Tunnel Road.
4. Take exit 1C onto Redwood Road towards Wayside Parking Lot and your destination.

How to get from Berkeley to San Francisco

San Francisco is a 20-minute drive from downtown Berkeley. Head west on University Avenue to join the I-580. Then merge onto the I-80 over the Bay Bridge and into the city.

Best hotels in Berkeley

Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Emeryville

5555 Shellmound St, CA, 94608

Sat between Berkeley and Oakland, close to the I-580 and Bay Bridge, Courtyard hotel is a stylish and convenient choice whether you’re in the Golden State for business or pleasure. The hotel features a 24/7 business center and fitness center, while each room has free Wi-Fi.

Claremont Club & Spa - A Fairmont Hotel

41 Tunnel Rd, CA, 94705

This luxurious four-star hotel can be found at the base of Claremont Hills, surrounded by luscious greenery. The on-site tennis courts provide the perfect afternoon activity overlooking the Bay, while the award-winning wellness spa will help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

200 Marina Blvd, CA, 94710

Standing as the only hotel on Berkeley Marina, you can’t get much closer to the San Francisco Bay than this. Each room comes with its own balcony or patio for taking in that fresh salt air, while the Berkeley Boathouse on-site restaurant is the perfect spot for watching the sunset over good food.

Best restaurants in Berkeley

Chez Panisse

1517 Shattuck Ave, CA, 94709

You’d struggle to find a local who doesn’t mention Alice Waters’ own iconic restaurant when recommending places to eat in Berkeley. First opening more than 50 years ago, this cozy eatery is responsible for farm-to-table cuisine as we know it today, with a flavorsome and locally sourced menu that changes nightly.

The Butcher’s Son

1954 University Ave, CA, 94704

This vegan restaurant is a hot spot for students rolling out of bed late to head for brunch. Browse a comforting, creative menu with a hip, urban interior. Pancakes, bagels and sandwiches are all up for grabs here –we’d recommend the #thisismyaddiction sandwich.

Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen

2261 Shattuck Ave, CA, 94704

Don’t be fooled, you’re still in California at this New Orleans-inspired restaurant in downtown Berkeley. Expect a warm Louisiana welcome and lively music while you dine on southern favorites such as shrimp creole and chicken jambalaya.

What to do in Berkeley

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

2155 Center St, CA, 94720

California is an artistic haven, from the bright lights of Hollywood to San Francisco’s creative art scene. As part of the university, BAMPFA is inspiring the next generation of artists with its gallery exhibitions and film programs, ranging from Ming dynasty paintings to avant-garde film.

Tilden Regional Park

2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, CA, 94563

You can transport yourself from the bustling city to the serene natural wonders of Tilden Park in minutes via your rental car. Explore the 2,000-acre forest, which features a golf course, multiple hiking trails, a swimming spot and botanic gardens. Head to Grizzly Peak Boulevard at sunset to see the sky erupt in warm hues across the Bay.

University of California, Berkeley Campus

Berkeley, CA, 94720

Berkeley is known as a university city. Visitors are free to roam the campus to take in the views. One building that cannot be missed is the Sather Tower, the third tallest clock tower in the world. Head to the top for sweeping views of the Bay.