Day 2: Berkeley
A walk around campus and some hanging out on its surrounding streets like Shattuck, University and Telegraph avenues should give a good idea of where you’d spend most of your life as a Berkeley college student. The soul of the 60s free speech movement, the university retains much of its progressive, free-spirited tone. The beautiful city feels more spacious and relaxed than San Francisco. While Berkeley, too, offers an array of shops and good food, the style feels homey and the wide streets are bike-friendly.
If you have time while on campus, consider checking out one or more of Berkeley’s excellent institutions, such as the UC Berkeley Art Museum or the Lawrence Hall of Science, an interactive science center for curious kids and adults alike. Nestled in the beautiful Berkeley Hills is Tilden Park with a lake, eucalyptus forests, botanical gardens and a golf course.
Afterwards, head along Shattuck Avenue to get a feel for the bustling, vibrant downtown area. If you want to cruise around Berkeley easily, use the Bear Transit shuttle; it costs 50 cents for the public and stops downtown every 12 to 30 minutes. For lunch, don’t miss the famous Chez Panisse at 1517 Shattuck Ave., American culinary icon Alice Waters' original “California Cuisine” creation.
-
Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, is an enduring symbol of the UC Berkeley campus.
-
P. C. Loadletter
For lodging, the Claremont Resort & Spa boasts breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and a world-class spa. Other lodging options include The Doubletree, The Rose Garden Inn, the elegant Bancroft Hotel and Travelodge Berkeley.
Day 3: Palo Alto
One of the leading research and educational institutions in the world, Stanford University also has one of the largest campuses, spanning 8,180 acres, and one of the most impressive entranceways: a long, palm-tree lined drive leading to the center of the historic campus. Take an hour-long walking tour starting at the Visitor Information Services Center located in Memorial Auditorium. Don’t miss the impressive Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts and its world-renowned collection of Rodin sculptures. Admission is free. For a unique tour, visit the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (currently closed for tours until 2009) and see how elementary-particle research is conducted.
-
Statutes on Stanford's campus in front of the Hoover Observation Tower.
-
Eric Chan
The Marguerite Shuttle is also a great way to get around campus, and around Palo Alto; it’s free and open to the public, and runs Monday through Friday. It’ll also take you to downtown Palo Alto, a charming—although increasingly chain-store filled—shopping and dining area. Eat exquisite “new Vietnamese” cuisine at Tamarine or for authentic Italian fare go to Osteria.
The best place in town to stay is the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, which newly launched its College Connection Program for families visiting Stanford that extends well beyond your campus visit (see sidebar). Its Quattro Restaurant and Bar serves a fantastic weekend brunch. Other lodging options include the Days Inn, the Crowne Plaza, and the Garden Court Hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel College Connection
When you book your stay, let the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley know it’s for a Stanford college visit, and upon arrival, soon-to-be students receive the Stanford Survival Guide (an insiders’ guide to the University and surrounding Palo Alto region, including excursions to nearby wineries and golf courses), a Stanford Directory and an edible Stanford treat made by the hotel’s pastry chef.
Manon Dargis, the hotel’s dedicated College Concierge, is the local authority on all things Stanford. She’ll answer questions, plan your itinerary and facilitate VIP access. The best part? The College Concierge service is available year-round. Call the hotel’s Stanford Hotline—a dedicated number for all Stanford visitors to the property—and she’ll coordinate the order and delivery of personalized Student Care Packages, from birthday packages to well wishes on finals. She’ll even receive boxes for students and store them until the student moves onto the Stanford campus at the start of the school year.
Weather Tips
Bay Area weather is generally regarded as beautiful year-round, and shouldn’t much factor in to your college tour plans. A predictable chilly fog hovers over San Francisco, keeping the temperature at a 65-degree average year in, year out. But sunny days are frequent surprises, more common in Berkeley, and warmer still in Palo Alto. Summer months are more reliably warm, but also hopping with tourists, offering less of an authentic San Francisco living experience than October through May.
For recommended itineraries for the rest of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area, read our South Bay College Visit Guide.
Contributors: Maya Curry, Nicole Fancher, Jill K. Robinson, Donna M. Airoldi
Comments
No Comments.