A funky mix of street vendors, shops, and cafés as well as tattoo and piercing parlors align Berkeley’s Telegraph Street, one of the most popular areas for locals, college students, and tourists to hang out. Stretching out from the edge of the UC Berkeley campus, the paved sidewalks of Telegraph are at a slight incline so be prepared for a little work out and possibly maneuvering around the occasional pothole or vagabond. Inconveniently, there are no public restrooms but the majority of restaurants will have an accessible one but you will need to be a paying customer. Handicapped parking spots are available sporadically up and down Telegraph along with meter spots that are free if one has a disabled placard or license plate.

All along Telegraph there are places to buy exotic teas and oils, used books, and fresh flowers. There are also many different jewelry and clothing stores carrying everything from modern to Indian designs. You will also find stores like, 501 Skateboarding, Volcom, and Hot Topic.

Buffalo Exchange is a fantastic used-clothing store chain and the one in Berkeley is one of the best . There are two levels to the store and has a ramp to access both areas. You can also sell your slightly-used clothing for cash or credit towards a store purchase (below photos).

Everywhere on Telegraph are vendors selling all sorts of hand-crafted items, stickers, sculptures, paintings, rocks, knitted hats, jewelry, and even hair wraps.

From Indian to Mexican to Japanese to Vegan to Berkeley’s famous Blondie’s Pizza and Fat Slice, there is a mix of places to eat whether you are looking to dine or have a quick bite. You will also easily find a variety of cafes, tea and coffeehouses, and bars all along Telegraph. Still on Telegraph but off the main strip (away from the UC Berkeley campus) is a charming restaurant and coffeehouse called Le Bateau Ivre (below photos). The French-inspired menus for lunch, dinner, breakfast, and brunch are all delicious; the French Onion Soup is particularly tasty and satisfying. If you are not hungry then come in for a cup of house-roasted coffee or imported beer and sit inside in either welcoming dining room or outside on the quiant patio.

There are also two diverse music stores, Rasputin’s (right Photo) and Amoeba (left photo) with new and used CDs, LPs and DVDs.