Sather Gate UC Berkeley
Historic Beaux-Arts gate at UC Berkeley, known for its ornate bronze metalwork and as a central hub for campus life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer students, more peaceful
Sather Gate UC Berkeley
Best Time
Fewer students, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Beaux-Arts gate at UC Berkeley, known for its ornate bronze metalwork and as a central hub for campus life.
"Sather Gate is one of their iconic structures on campus and there are a number of other iconic buildings a short walk away."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Great for graduation pics! Try to avoid climbing for photos to stay out of trouble .
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
It's close to other iconic buildings like the Campanile. Enjoy a full campus walk!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Beaux-Arts Architecture
Southern Entrance of UC Berkeley Campus
Admire the ornate bronze metalwork and Beaux-Arts design of this historic 1910 landmark.
Photo Opportunities
In front of Sather Gate
A popular spot for graduation photos and memorable campus snapshots . Capture your Berkeley memories here.
Campus Landmark
Southern Entrance
This gate is a significant landmark and was once the main southern entrance to the campus.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Sather Gate Crowds
Respecting Campus Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Great for graduation pics! Try to avoid climbing for photos to stay out of trouble.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
It's close to other iconic buildings like the Campanile. Enjoy a full campus walk!
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Visit when roses are blooming for extra picturesque views.
📣 Witness Campus Life
Often a hub for student events, protests, and performances.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Great for graduation pics! Try to avoid climbing for photos to stay out of trouble.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby
It's close to other iconic buildings like the Campanile. Enjoy a full campus walk!
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Visit when roses are blooming for extra picturesque views.
📣 Witness Campus Life
Often a hub for student events, protests, and performances.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tricky during the school year; consider off-campus options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Sather Gate to be an iconic and architecturally impressive landmark at UC Berkeley, perfect for photos and experiencing campus life. Its historical significance and Beaux-Arts design are frequently praised, though the area can become extremely crowded on school days, impacting the visitor experience.
"I graduated from UCSD and worked at UCLA, but had never visited Berkeley. I think Sather Gate is one of their iconic structures on campus and there are a number of other iconic buildings a short walk away. Maps took me to a parking lot a short distance from the gate. I wouldn't park here when school is in session, but it was okay on a sunny afternoon in August."
Nathan Okawa
"I was walking around the UC Berkeley campus and walked through this gate. This gate used to be the southern entrance of the campus and is a significant landmark. It is close to the campanile as well. I visited at a time where the surroundings had lots of roses and the place looked very beautiful!"
Vyshnavi Vennelakanti
"A nice photo op if you’re going to be near campus anyway. A student told me that these gates were the basis for the outside of the university in Monsters U!"
Michelle Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sather Gate is located at the southern entrance of the UC Berkeley campus. If driving, parking can be challenging during the academic year, with nearby lots available but often filling up. Public transportation, such as BART to Downtown Berkeley station, is a convenient option, followed by a short walk to the campus.
Yes, Sather Gate is easily accessible via public transport. The Downtown Berkeley BART station is a short walk away, making it a convenient destination for those coming from across the Bay Area.
From San Francisco, take BART towards Richmond or Antioch and get off at the Downtown Berkeley station. From there, it's a pleasant walk to Sather Gate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sather Gate is an outdoor landmark on the UC Berkeley campus and is freely accessible to the public. You do not need a ticket to view or walk through it.
Sather Gate is part of the UC Berkeley campus, which is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, the campus itself may have specific hours for certain buildings or areas. The gate itself is always visible.
There is no admission fee to visit Sather Gate. It is a public landmark on the university grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Around Sather Gate, you can explore the UC Berkeley campus, visit the nearby Campanile for panoramic views, and discover other historic buildings. It's also a popular spot for student gatherings and events.
Absolutely! Sather Gate is a very popular spot for photos, especially for graduation pictures. Its iconic architecture makes for a memorable backdrop.
While tempting for photos, climbing on Sather Gate is not permitted and may result in being asked to leave by campus authorities. It's best to admire its beauty from the ground.
Sather Gate can be extremely busy and crowded, especially on normal school days. Visiting during weekends or off-peak hours can offer a less crowded experience.
Sather Gate, built in 1910, is a historic Beaux-Arts landmark and was once the main southern entrance to the UC Berkeley campus. It's a symbol of the university's rich history and architecture.
📸 📸 Photography
For the best light and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. Weekends and summer breaks also offer a more relaxed atmosphere for photography.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, large-scale commercial shoots or events might require permits. Be mindful of student activities and protests that may be occurring.
Its intricate Beaux-Arts design, ornate bronze metalwork, and its status as a historic campus landmark make Sather Gate a visually appealing subject for photographers.
Drone usage on university campuses is typically restricted or prohibited due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check UC Berkeley's specific drone policy before attempting to fly one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🎓 Graduating Students
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Sather Gate
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Sather Gate holds symbolic importance for the university. It has been a backdrop for countless student memories, graduations, and campus celebrations.
Interestingly, a student once shared that the gate's design was the inspiration for the exterior of the university in the Disney-Pixar movie Monsters University.
Sather Gate as a Hub for Campus Life
You might encounter a capella groups performing, student organizations tabling for events,+1 or even spontaneous demonstrations.Its prominent location makes it a natural meeting point for students, faculty, and visitors. The area around Sather Gate is often buzzing with activity, offering a glimpse into the dynamic atmosphere of the university. Whether it's a Cal Day celebration
or a more serious demonstration, Sather Gate is often at the heart of it all.For students, it's a place for quick meetups, a spot to grab a coffee, or even a dramatic location for a breakup.
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