<p>Great website. Thanks.</p>
<p>I’ve lived in Berkeley for over 20 years and I disagree about it never or hardly ever getting above 70 degrees, and NEVER getting above 80 degrees. There are plenty of “heat wave” days, where it gets near 90, and is routinely in the high 80’s in August, September, and even October.
Even in the “actual” summer months of June and July, it can be in the high 70’s, nearly 80 on some days, full sun, after an initial chill/fog in the early part of the day.</p>
<p>People who want hot-hot-hot all the time, or all summer long, need to drive or take BART a short distance inland to the bedroom communities of Lafayette, or Walnut Creek, or else go across the Bay Bridge, a short drive to the North Bay cities of Sonoma, Santa Rosa, etc. Wine country is super hot in the summer. I was just there in late June and it was over 100F for almost a week.</p>
<p>I really wish people would stop “dissing” the Berkeley climate, because actually, Berkeley has some of the best climate anywhere in the country. It leans toward coolish most of the year, but there is ample sun, and mild winters, and we don’t get the blistering heat and oppressive humidity that most of the rest of the country has to deal with. Also, no tornados or hurricanes. (Yes, okay, earthquakes. But after 20 years, I’ve never felt more than the mildest of them, and we are VERY well prepared for them here.)</p>
<p>As for beaches, I’d echo what others have said, and add that there are spectacular beaches all within short drives of Berkeley; just not super great for swimming, as the water is cold. Point Reyes National seashore has lovely beaches. Also, consider a short day trip to Santa Cruz, which has a lovely beach.</p>
<p>You’ve no doubt got your answer by now - lol - as it’s been years since you posted this question, but for people reading it now, perhaps wondering the same: Lake Anza is probably about 20 minutes by bus from downtown Berkeley/campus area. Not sure which bus line will take you there, just go the AC Transit website for current schedules.</p>
<p>SoCalii - lots of places to surf depending on level. I would look toward Pacifica/Linda Mar world famous Taco Bell at the beach. They have one side that very beginner friendly then a rougher side up a bit at rockaway beach. Not really bus able though. Ocean Beach is nasty, and I was born and raised in SF. It’s not nice at all. The beaches near Half Moon Bay are gorgeous.</p>
<p>But they’re definitely correct all beaches are way too cold to swim. Lakes might be slightly better but not much. Lakes up here are not pretty at all. Unless you head up to Sierras.</p>
<p>FYI did you know Berkeley owns a cabin haha you can use. Just an FYI.</p>
<p>This lake near Livermore was really good to swim at Del Valle I think was the name. There also Chabot, no idea if people swim that.</p>