Photo: Alex
Photo: Peter Haggett
Photo: John Chambers
Sather Tower
$Activity
🕑 1-2 hours for the tower and immediate grounds, or 3-4 hours if including museums and picnic time👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Younger children will enjoy the elevator ride and open spaces for playing, while older kids and teens appreciate the stunning views, campus architecture, and educational museum exhibits. The tower visit is brief enough to hold most children's attention.
About
Sather Tower, the iconic 307-foot Campanile at UC Berkeley, offers kids a thrilling elevator ride to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Bay Area. Beyond the tower, families can explore the beautiful campus grounds, discover world-class museums, and relax at Memorial Glade,a sprawling green space perfect for picnics and letting kids run free.
Highlights
- ✓Elevator ride up 307 feet to the observation deck with panoramic Bay Area views
- ✓Spotting San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Mount Tamalpais from the top
- ✓Hearing the massive carillon bells ring during daily concerts
- ✓Exploring the beautiful UC Berkeley campus with its historic architecture
- ✓Playing and picnicking at Memorial Glade's expansive lawn
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit the tower first thing when it opens (10am weekdays, noon weekends) to avoid crowds and ensure shorter wait times for the elevator.
- 2.Bring a picnic to enjoy at Memorial Glade after your tower visit,there's plenty of space for kids to play frisbee or run around.
- 3.Check the carillon concert schedule; kids love hearing the bells ring from the tower, with performances at 7:50am, noon, and 6pm on weekdays.
- 4.Parking is challenging on campus,use the Lower Hearst Garage or take BART to Downtown Berkeley station and walk 15 minutes through campus.
- 5.Combine your visit with the nearby Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology or UC Botanical Garden for a fuller day of exploration.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during the academic year offer the liveliest campus atmosphere, though weekends are quieter with fewer students. Spring (March-May) is ideal when the weather is pleasant and campus is beautifully blooming, perfect for outdoor activities and picnics.
What to Know
Tower admission is just $4 for adults and $3 for children and seniors (cash only). The campus is fully walkable, and while there are cafes and food options scattered throughout, bringing your own snacks for kids is recommended. The tower has 61 bells and closes during performances.
Seasonal Notes
The tower is closed during UC holidays and special events. Fall semester brings vibrant campus energy with students, while summer is quieter but offers better weather. Occasional campus tours and special events may affect access, so check the official schedule before visiting.
Nearby Eats
Head to Cheese Board Pizza on Shattuck Avenue (10-minute walk) for legendary vegetarian pizza that kids love, or try Gregoire for French-inspired takeout including kid-friendly options perfect for a campus picnic.
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