Indoor Things to Do in Berkeley

Whether you're looking for rainy day activities, want to escape the fog, or simply prefer exploring indoors, you'll find no shortage of options in Berkeley.

Here's where to go when you want to spend some time inside:

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Tour Berkeley’s Museums

Wander through the museums, collections, and academic spaces that define Berkeley’s intellectual spirit. Each museum highlights a different side of Berkeley’s history and creativity.

Science & Curiosity Museums

• Aftel Archive of Curious Scents – Open Saturdays, this intimate museum features a world-class collection of antique fragrance artifacts, aromatic materials, and century-old reference books dedicated to natural scents.
• Lawrence Hall of Science – Explore interactive science exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and themed films. Be sure to stop by the planetarium for an out-of-this-world show!

History & Cultural Heritage Museums

• Berkeley Historical Society and Museum – Learn about Berkeley’s evolution through preserved records, photographs, artifacts, and rotating exhibits that document the city’s multifaceted past.
• The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life – Discover exhibitions and programs that illuminate the history and cultural diversity of Jewish communities across the global diaspora and the American West.

Art Museums & Galleries

• Berkeley Art Center – Experience contemporary art in an intimate setting, supported by exhibitions, workshops, and community-focused artist events.
• Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) – Dive into an impressive lineup of more than 20 annual exhibitions, 450 film screenings, and frequent cultural programs that blend art and cinema.
• David Brower Center – Explore art exhibitions dedicated to environmental work and sustainability.
• Lacis Museum of Lace & Textiles – Browse extensive collections of historic lace, textiles, costumes, and a specialized library dedicated to textile arts.

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Create Something New

When you want to dive into a hands-on activity, Berkeley’s maker studios provide the tools, materials, and instruction to get you started.

• Brushstrokes Studio – A paint-your-own pottery studio with ceramics ready to design and personalize.
• Kala Art Institute – Take a class, explore the gallery, or apply for an artist residency.
• Scents by the Bay – Learn all about scents and create your own custom fragrances in aromatherapy, candle, and perfume classes.
• Sticky Art Lab – Experiment and create imaginative projects with exciting reuse materials and bring home unique handmade projects. Great for kids and adults!
• UC Berkeley Art Studio – Sign-up for a course in ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, design, printmaking, crafting and textile arts.

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Watch a Show

Settle in for an evening of theatre or live music at one of Berkeley’s venues. From large-scale productions to intimate performances, there’s always something playing. Check the event calendar for upcoming shows!

• Berkeley Playhouse – Theatre dedicated to developing new family musicals and performing pieces that celebrate their diverse audiences.
• Berkeley Repertory Theatre – Enjoy one of the season’s plays or a special event showcasing a broad spectrum of artistic voices, perspectives, and genres.
• The Freight – Catch live roots musicians from around the world take the stage, or dig deeper through workshops and classes.
• The UC Theatre – A multi-tiered live music venue offering culturally diverse programming with local, national, and international touring performers.

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Explore the Food Scene

Taste your way through Berkeley with these self-guided and guided foodie experiences.

• Boichik Bagels – Tour the bagel factory and watch classic NY-style bagels being made fresh.
• Peet’s – Visit the original Peet's Coffee shop in North Shattuck to see a small memorial and museum honoring founder Alfred Peet.
• Takara Sake USA –Founded in 1983, this is the nation’s leading producer of premium sake, mirin, and plum wine. Explore the museum and sample sake varieties in the tasting room.
• TCHO Chocolate – Book a tour at this Berkeley-based artisan chocolate maker and learn about the chocolate-making process.

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Play a Game

Gather your group for indoor fun ranging from physical challenges to tabletop strategy.

• AxeVentures – Try indoor axe throwing in a safe environment.
• The BreakRoom – Meet up with friends for a night built around pool tables, darts, foosball, classic games, two full bars and pizza.
• Games of Berkeley – Shop for a game to play at your hotel or join in on one of their gaming events.
• Victory Point Cafe – This board game cafe has a vast game library, plus coffee, snacks, beer, and more.

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Shop for Something Interesting

Spend an afternoon shopping the many local boutiques that call Berkeley home.

• Amoeba Music – A long-time Berkeley favorite offering an extensive selection of music and movies in multiple formats.
• Bookstores – Browse the shelves at Berkeley’s independent bookstores to find your next read.
• Thrift Shops – Search for new-to-you items for your wardrobe and one-of-a-kind home goods.

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