Following the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, Berkeley began to boom as many San Franciscans fled the city and settled on the east side of the bay. This charming area has really raised its profile in the last few years and is now home to many stylish restaurants and cafes.

Berkeley is also the site of the University of California and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Try and book a table at Skates On The Bay (tel 001 510 549 1900), the views over Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge from here are incredible.  The Lemon Drop cocktails aren't bad too!