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ADMISSIONS > Welcome > Living in the Bay Area >
Directly across the bay lies the city of San Francisco, a short drive or easy BART ride away. With its cable cars, Victorian houses and steep hills, San Francisco has long been regarded as one of the most scenic and charming cities in the United States. The city is home to internationally recognized museums, opera, ballet and the San Francisco symphony, as well as critically acclaimed restaurants. This richly diverse metropolis offers jazz and blues festivals, street fairs and numerous ethnic celebrations and activities.
The mild climate of the Bay Area makes outdoor activities possible year-round, and a great variety of recreational opportunities are close to Berkeley.
Just north of San Francisco is mountainous and picturesque Marin County, home to many hiking and biking trails. Muir Woods, with its famous towering redwood trees, and the bird and coastal sanctuary of Point Reyes National Seashore are also in Marin.
Just a few hours drive east are the ski resorts of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, as well as hiking, camping and mountain climbing in Yosemite National Park.
Less than an hour drive north of Berkeley lie the tranquil regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma, home to some of America's finest vineyards and wine makers. Many of the wineries welcome visitors and offer guided tours, wine tasting and picnic areas.
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