About the Thousand Oaks Neighborhood in Berkeley

Thousand Oaks is a neighborhood in Berkeley, California. It lies at an elevation of 239 feet and is located near the base of the Berkeley Hills. The main shopping street is Solano Avenue, which runs along the south side of the neighborhood. 

Thousand Oaks is in Alameda County and is one of the best places to live in California. There are several bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Thousands Oaks is a popular retirement community, its public schools have a high reputation

Things to Do in Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks is blessed with an abundance of fun attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy. Here’s a short list of our favorites:

1. Sather Tower | University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley’s Sather Tower is a bell tower with clocks on its four sides. It’s more popularly known as The Campanile because it resembles the Campanile di San Marco in Venice. It is a well-known symbol of the university. The university’s most recognizable structure, the tower was built in 1914 and is 307 feet tall (93.6 meters). It is the world’s third tallest bell and clock tower, having seven stories and an observation deck on the eighth floor.

The carillon was originally made up of 12 bells, but these were increased to 48 bells in 1979 and 61 bells in 1983. The tower also contains fossils from the La Brea Tar Pits Park in Los Angeles.

2. Berkeley Repertory Theatre | 2025 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 647-2949

The Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a well-known performing arts organization and acting school located on Addison Street in the city of Berkeley, California. The theater was established as a storefront stage in 1968 and has since evolved into one of the most innovative performance venues in the United States. It has two stages and has premiered many plays that are later staged on Broadway and in London.

The theatre also tours some of its productions across the United States and to other countries, in addition to performing at its Berkeley site. There are 30-minute pre-show docent lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as after-show talks following matinee shows.

3. The Ecology Center Farmers’ Markets | 1947 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 548-3333

The Ecology Center Farmers’ Markets are open-air markets that feature local California products at three different locations in Berkeley: Downtown, North and South berkley. The market celebrates sustainable agriculture with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables as well as meats for sale from small scale farmers.

The farmers’ market sells locally grown and produced food, including breads, cheese, flowers and other plants, fruits and vegetables, jams and preserves, olive oil, vegetables, and much more. Musical performances are held at the markets on a regular basis. Musical performances and other special events are held in the farmers’ market.

4. Berkeley Rose Garden  | 1200 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA 94708 510-981-6637

The Berkeley Rose Garden is a public park located on Euclid Avenue in North Berkeley, California, near the University of California. The garden is a unique, one-of-a-kind attraction that has been around since 1933. It was started as part of the WPA program and it still stands today with stunning views from its terraced amphitheater in San Francisco Bay to Golden Gate Bridge.

The garden has more than 3,000 rose bushes, including 250 different kinds of roses. It is one of the finest rose gardens in northern California, with a Rose Day Celebration on Mother’s Day being one of several activities it hosts.

5. Lawrence Hall of Science | 1 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720 510-642-5132

The Lawrence Hall of Science, established in 1968 to honor Ernest Orlando Lawrence who was awarded the first Nobel Prize from the University of California. It is a public science center in Berkeley, California that provides hands-on science exhibits, develops education programs, aids professional development, and provides after-school science resources to students of all ages. There are several permanent exhibits, such as Forces That Shaped the Bay and KidsLab, among others.

The Lawrence Hall of Science is considered to be one of the best science centers in America, hosting rotating exhibits and featuring an interactive planetarium that opened up for visitors in 1973.

Living in Thousand Oaks

Residents of Thousand Oaks are blessed to live in an area full of nature while also being quite close to city life.  There is never a shortage of coffee shops, parks or shopping centers to enjoy within a five-minute drive of Thousand Oaks. Residents are also able to enjoy a rich spiritual life at the following houses of worship:

Living in Thousand Oaks

Residents of Thousand Oaks are blessed to live in an area full of nature while also being quite close to city life.  There is never a shortage of coffee shops, parks or shopping centers to enjoy within a five-minute drive of Thousand Oaks. Residents are also able to enjoy a rich spiritual life at the following houses of worship:

1. Northbrae Community Church | 941 The Alameda, Berkeley, CA 94707 (510) 526-3805

The principles of openness and love have been at the heart of this community since its founding. The church is a warm, welcoming, and diverse spiritual community inspired by Christian roots, open to all religions and personal beliefs, and dedicated to serving our neighborhood with respect for all people and the environment. 

They aim to provide a friendly and caring welcome for spiritual inquiry and development. To assist in creating a just and sustainable planet, improve multi-faith and educational programs relevant to present and future generations. Create a vibrant community gathering place where people of all faiths can gather.

Northbrae Community Church has been giving both money and food to the Alameda County Community Food Bank on a yearly basis for many years. It is one of the major beneficiaries of the community outreach efforts.

2. Epworth United Methodist Church | 1953 Hopkins St, Berkeley, CA 94707 (510) 524-2921

Epworth United Methodist Church is a lively and active intergenerational faith community, representing the rich diversity of families that makeup the Bay Area. It’s located in north Berkeley a mile from the UC campus and the Graduate Theological Union, and includes a diverse array of ages, races, religions, economic classes, sexual orientations, abilities/disabilities.

Members of the church come from a variety of racial, age, sexual orientation, gender, job, ability, and perspective backgrounds. Its goal is to get together to worship God, study Scripture, and put it into practice so that Christian faith may be strengthened and people may learn about one another’s lives through positive interaction.

3. First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley | 2407 Dana St, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States (510) 848-6242

The First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley is a mega church located in downtown Berkeley, CA. The Church was formed on March 30, 1878, the day before the city of Berkeley was incorporated, by 27 individuals desiring to serve the growing university community.

Its mission is to provide a caring environment that encourages and challenges our students, staff, and the community they serve to develop into Christ-centered individuals who will make a difference in the world. The heart of the church is Jesus Christ, as seen through people from all walks of life.

4. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church |  401 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Berkeley, CA 94708 (510) 524-8281

Shepherd of the Hills is a welcoming Lutheran Church, which strives to be an inclusive community for people from all walks of life.

The Shepherd of the Hills is a community that includes Lutherans with widely varying life experiences and opinions. They live all over Berkeley, Kensington Oakland Richmond El Cerrito San Francisco beyond – despite these differences they are Christians whose primary vision of God’s love for humanity can be found in grace.

Parks, Schools & Other Points of Interest in Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks is also home to some amazing parks, schools, public libraries and schools for its citizens to enjoy.  These facilities are all world-class, beautifully maintained and clean so residents of surrounding communities often visit to enjoy them.  Here’s a short list all located in Thousand Oaks:  

1.  Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive | 2155 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 642-0808

The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive were founded in 1963 with a gift of several paintings and money from Hans Hofmann, an artist, and educator. The museum has been linked to the University of California, Berkeley since it opened in 1970. Robert Mapplethorpe, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko are just a few of the featured artists.

The MATRIX Program for Contemporary Art, one of the museum’s initiatives, recently acquired Steven Leiber’s collection of art materials and Conceptual Art. Sheldon Renan established the Pacific Film Archive in 1966, which shows foreign films and has a library with an online database of movies. The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive have relocated to new premises designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro Architects.

The Lawrence Rinder-led Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is an art museum, repertory movie theater, and archive run by the University of California, Berkeley. From 2008 to 2020, Lawrence Rinder served as Director; subsequently, Julie Rodrigues Widholm took over in August 2020.

2.  Tilden Regional Park | 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563 (510) 544-2747

Tilden Regional Park is a well-known East Bay park on Grizzly Peak Boulevard. It was named after Charles Lee Tilden, a businessman who bought most of the property to preserve the wilderness area for public use and enjoyment, with almost 2,000 acres.The picturesque views of San Francisco and the Bay from this park are breathtaking. With high peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests it’s an excellent place to take in nature’s beauty.

Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and running are all permitted on the park’s numerous paths. Anza Lake, a golf course, a miniature steam railway, and much more are among the park’s attractions.

3. University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA (510) 642-6000

The University of California, Berkeley is a public research university in California’s capital city. The University of California was founded in 1868 as the first land-grant university in the state and the first campus of the University of California system. The University has fourteen colleges and schools with over 350 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The university is ranked among the world’s top 200 by several prestigious organizations.

Berkeley is one of the Association for American Universities’ 14 original members, and it has several world-renowned research institutes, including Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) Space Sciences Laboratory. Berkeley is a world-renowned research institute and one of the most prestigious universities in America.

4. Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association | 2318 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 841-2242

The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) is a non-profit organization in Berkeley, California, whose goal is to educate people about the city’s history and, through that education, foster an appreciation for historic buildings. The group was formed on December 9, 1974. It has been operating since 1971. The Association’s headquarters are at the McCreary-Greer House at 2318 Durant Avenue, which was donated to BAHA in 1986 by Ruth Alice Greer. It is a City of Berkeley Landmark, built in 1901 in the Classical Revival style.

The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) is open to the public on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Located at their office in the rear of the building, members can enjoy unlimited free research while non-members pay a fee ($35/visit). Professional researchers will be charged $75 per hour.

5. Berkeley Marina| 201 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710

The Berkeley Marina is  located on University Avenue in the westernmost part of the city, encompassing 52 acres of water and over 1,500 berths. The beautiful Golden Gate Bridge beckons boaters out of their way into San Francisco Bay as they approach Berkeley Marina from the west. There’s a hotel, yacht club, several restaurants, a fishing pier, and several bike and footpaths beside the marina. Visitors to the marina may visit various attractions.

The moment you arrive at the Berkeley Marina, you’ll feel right at home. They will provide you with excellent services like WiFi, boater-only restrooms, a fuel dock, and 24 hour free pump-out facilities. They also provide close access to amenities such as restaurants, social boating clubs, Berkeley Yacht Club events, water-based classes, kayaking rentals, paddle boarding lessons, windsurfing lessons, and more.

Map From Thousand Oaks to Our Location