While there is an understandable homeless issue facing the Berkeley area, people who are not used to being asked for handouts should beware. There are some, most notably on Telegraph Ave. and even then the younger set, who are not really homeless, but dress up in rags and panhandle as a way to make some extra cash. There were a series of articles on this years ago, about how suburban teens (who had quite a bit of money) showed up to bum cash off of unsuspecting tourists and students so they could party. Really ruins your feelings about the area and about giving to people, for there are those who are on the streets who could genuinely use your help.
Unique Suggestions: Well, if you are there and are approached by someone, keep an eye on their age. Younger people are more often (note: not more likely) the ones who try to trick you by dressing up as a homeless person. And you can always do the "let me get you something to eat/drink" instead of just dumping off change or a bill onto them. That might weed out those who are looking to score cash, as they do not really want food cause they're not very needy. Just keep your eyes and ears open.
Written Mar 3, 2008
Poor shopping, bad food, and insane homeless people that actually kill people randomly in the middle of the day. This street became the hippie mecca after Regan teargassed the students here back when he was Governor of California. This is only a reasonable place to go if you don't know where Santa Cruz is, or if you want to hang out with other 'homeless' street punks and beg for change for a bit before you head back to blackhawk and your parents' $2 million ranch house.
Unique Suggestions: Avoid the homeless people, they won't remember if you give them some money, and may just kill you if you don't. Avoid the tie-dye clothing unless you're from another country and it might actually be cool there. Avoid the food, clothing, bongs, tattoos and jewlery, the quality is shoddy. Look for original tshirt and print art. Local booksellers Moe's and Cody's far outshine Barnes and Noble.
Fun Alternatives: If you're looking to buy into an authentic hippie experience just like the hippies did, try visiting Haight street in San Francisco, your favorite drug dealer in Santa Cruz, or anywhere in Thailand.
Written Dec 28, 2002
Don't get caught parking in the 'Reserved for Nobel Laureates' spot!
Written Aug 26, 2002
This is the map for all the parks in Berkely.
Written Aug 24, 2002
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Reviews and photos of Berkeley attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Berkeley sightseeing.

This is the map for all the parks in Berkely.
278 members live in Berkeley
Q: Hey, Just wondering how one would go about setting up a stall to sell stuff on Telegraph Avenue... Are there limited spaces?...

A: In order to set up a booth on Telegraph Avenue you must do/meet the following requirements: 1. Goods must be handmade by yourself; Obtain a "Sellers Permit; " Call the...
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Berkeley is one of the most densely populated cities in the state, and has a population of over 100,000. The city was very famous during the 60s for the hippie movement at the University of California...
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Berkeley is a small city in Northern California - about ten miles across the bay from San Francisco. It has a history of social activism and the wide diversity of the city (everything, from its...
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Lived here while studying at the UC

I lived in Berkeley for about 2 years. I rented a studio apt my freshman year and then moved to a single room closer to campus. But in the end I found it was more convienient commuting to school....
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They don't call it Berzerkeley for nothing!

Berkeley is... well... it's Berkeley. The whipping boy of conservative America, Berkeley is the birthplace of "Political Correctness." Before that it was the epicenter of the free speech movement....
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Berkeley has always been a political hotbed for human and civil rights. Whether you are talking about the Black Panthers or People Park, riots or peaceful protests, you will hear the city of...
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