Top California Experiential Activation Venues

Host your event in the Pauley Ballroom, which is highly sought after. The ballroom, the East Bay's second largest venue, features prestigious oak paneling, a 30 foot high ceiling, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of Sather Gate and the Campanile. For smaller gatherings or breakout seminars, the Pauley Ballroom can be divided into two halves. East Pauley makes up 1/3 of the ballroom, while West Pauley makes up 2/3. Please note that in order to meet personnel, catering, and/or logistical demands, a reservation request for Pauley Ballroom must be made at least 30 days in advance. If you are hosting or preparing a Major Event, please see the Campus's Non-Departmental User Procedures for requesting access to campus facilities. This guideline also defines what constitutes a major event. If you have any issues concerning this policy, please contact the LEAD Center at lead@berkeley.edu for Student Groups. If you have any questions concerning this policy as a non-campus affiliate, please contact Risk Services at risk@berkeley.edu. A planning consultation with an Event Coordinator is included in your rental. The meeting should be held 60 days before to the event. Please bring accurate times, set-up requirements, and catering requirements. During this meeting, three room designs depicting the layout of your event are created. Each additional diagram costs $77. 3 business days prior to your event, room diagrams are finalized. Kerr Lobby can be included in your Pauley Ballroom rental at no additional cost. The lobby, with its wood paneling, is ideal for registration and handout tables.

• Spaces for 10-120 Guests
• 7 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 7 Total Spaces

At The Belamar, weddings in Manhattan Beach are soulful soirees, held in either an indoor or outdoor setting and ideal for both intimate occasions and larger-than-life affairs. In the Sunset Garden and Sunset Ballroom, elegance meets eclectic in beautiful Los Angeles wedding venues. The Belamar Hotel Manhattan Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is a luxury hotel in Manhattan Beach, California. Welcome to the Manhattan Beach Marriott, which features 120 guest rooms and seven spacious suites on sunny Manhattan Beach, which has been named one of the "Ten Best Beaches in California." The Belamar, a new addition to the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is ideally situated near Los Angeles International Airport and the beach, making it the area's premier venue for weddings, meetings, and events. With over 7,000 square feet of event space, we put you in the heart of the Los Angeles area, near an array of upscale shops and attractions, including the nearby coastal cities of Redondo and Hermosa Beach, among others. Raise the Level of Your Meetings The Belamar, located less than 4 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, features cutting-edge facilities and meeting space options. In addition to offering impressive event spaces, our dedicated staff is committed to making your event a hassle-free occasion as possible. Sunset Ballroom has a capacity of 120 people and is 2,030 square feet. The Sunset Ballroom, with its 2,030 square feet of space, is ideal for business meetings, corporate conferences, and other events with up to 120 attendees.

• Spaces for 150 Guests
• 1 Outdoor

Holman Ranch is the ideal location for any event. Holman Ranch is stylish and sophisticated, yet quaint and cozy, with understated elegance throughout, making it the ideal Northern California wedding or event site. Holman Ranch is known for its magnificently restored 1928 Carmel stone hacienda, a wonderful house tucked in the Carmel Valley hillside with spectacular 360-degree vistas of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Our 400 acre private estate offers numerous indoor outdoor spaces for your event or wedding, allowing you the option of selecting the perfect location for your party. A few of our exquisite Carmel Valley event and wedding spaces include: - The Rose Patio - The Ceremony Lawn - The Stone Terrace - The Wine Cave - The Carriage House - The Conference Room - The Hacienda Depending on the purpose of your event, whether you’re holding the wedding of your dreams or a meeting of the board, our event spaces allow you to enjoy the beauty of Carmel Valley while accomplishing everything on your to-do list. Nothing beats a fun team-building activity, but why settle for the usual suspects like an escape room or happy hour? With your business team, take happy hour to the next level with an overnight or weekend event! Holman Ranch provides overnight accommodations, ensuring that your company's executives never have to worry about drinking and driving. Our event planning staff can assist you in putting together the perfect schedule for a memorable and productive team-building event. Do not forget about your business holiday parties - Holman Ranch is unlike any other holiday party venue, and we are here to help you make yours a success year after year. Look no further than Holman Ranch's wonderful array of unforgettable spaces if you are looking for the perfect wedding site. Our historic ranch can accommodate groups of 1 to 500 people, so you will not have to worry about not having enough room for your loved ones to celebrate your important day. For your special day, you will also find gorgeous scenery for photos, abundance of animals, incredible prep rooms, and more.

• Spaces for 150 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Event Space
• 1 Historic Space

McCloud Mercantile Hotel is a historic boutique hotel and event venue occupying a restored turn-of-the-century mercantile building at 241 Main Street in McCloud, California, near the base of Mount Shasta. The building dates to 1897 and has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. The Mathis family purchased the property in 2000 and has spent more than two decades restoring it, rehabilitating the upper floors into twelve uniquely themed guest rooms while preserving original architectural elements including Douglas fir flooring, 12-foot wood ceilings, and historic display cases. The Great Room serves as the primary event space, accommodating up to 150 guests for weddings, receptions, business conferences, yoga retreats, family reunions, concerts, and community events. The room features dimmable chandelier and spotlight lighting, velvet drapes for light control, an HD projector with retractable screen, a professional sound system, and configurable tables and chairs. In-house catering options are available through the venue's on-site dining team. Set among the forests and rivers of the Shasta Cascades, the McCloud Mercantile Hotel offers event guests access to a distinctive mountain-town setting that combines historic architecture with modern amenities.

• Spaces for 300-550 Guests
• 1 Barn
• 1 Historic Space
• 1 Estate

When it comes to hosting a charming "destination" wedding, even if you live in the area, our venue is unmatched. Our All-Inclusive Package includes rentals, your choice of four beautifully manicured event spaces, and the ability to select from a variety of customizable catering menus to meet your specific needs. We pre-approve all of our vendors, which makes the planning process incredibly simple. Organizing events at the Camarillo Ranch is the responsibility of Command Performance, a team of professionals with a wealth of experience and knowledge. With a combined event experience of more than 50 years, you can rest assured that you are in good hands! In addition to weddings, we specialize in corporate functions and retreats at the ranch, as well as social events, private parties, and other types of gatherings at the ranch. We'd be delighted to assist you in turning your initial ideas into a spectacular event! Our beautiful venue is located in the city of Camarillo, in the state of California. This historic ranch, built in the early 1900s, can accommodate up to 1,000 guests for weddings, social gatherings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Adolfo Camarillo, the man himself, was the catalyst for everything.

• Spaces for 200-250 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Historic Space
• 2 Total Spaces

Alisal Ranch is a luxury guest ranch and resort nestled in California's Santa Ynez Valley, set on 10,500 acres of rolling foothills near Solvang and Santa Barbara. Open since 1946, the property has deep historical roots — the land was home to the Chumash people and later renamed "Alisal," a term meaning "grove of sycamores." Today it holds membership in Historic Hotels of America, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and The Dude Ranchers' Association. The ranch hosts weddings, corporate retreats, and private gatherings across a range of indoor and outdoor settings. The Alisal River Terrace accommodates up to 250 guests with panoramic views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, while the Sycamore Room offers an elegant indoor option for up to 200 seated guests, complete with high-beamed ceilings and a majestic stone hearth. Intimate ceremonies take place in the Sycamore Grove beneath ancient oak trees. The ranch emphasizes a balance of authentic Western hospitality and relaxed sophistication, with the landscape — open range, Alisal Lake, and abundant wildlife — providing a backdrop unlike any traditional ballroom or hotel venue.

• Spaces for 200-250 Guests
• 1 Event Space
• 1 Meeting Space

Fruitridge Community Center is a 7,825-square-foot multipurpose event facility operated by the Southgate Recreation & Park District in Sacramento, California. Located at 4000 Fruitridge Road, the center was originally constructed in 1981 by Sacramento County and substantially remodeled in 1998, and has since served as a popular gathering place for a wide range of community and private events. The main hall accommodates up to 250 guests for receptions, parties, and social gatherings, or up to 200 guests in banquet seating. Movable partitions allow the hall to be divided into five private meeting areas, making the center well-suited for both large celebrations and smaller group functions. The facility includes a fully appointed kitchen and audio-visual capabilities for presentations and entertainment. Fruitridge Community Center hosts weddings, birthday parties, corporate retreats, family reunions, and community events. Rental inquiries are welcomed by contacting the facility directly by phone or email.

Green Acres Petaluma is a local family run farm located just two minutes from Downtown Petaluma. This beautiful 3+ acre property is located in the foothills of Petaluma, CA overlooking the picturesque valley hills. The fields that were once grazed by chickens and cows have been transformed into an elegantly modern space with rustic hues. The property includes a modernized 2400 sq. ft. barn, restored shipping container bar, 4000 sq. ft. turf grass lawn, and contemporary décor that’s a little bit country, and a little bit chic. We welcome you and your guests to use our space for your special event. Weddings We welcome all marital celebrations, including Engagement Parties, Engagement Photo Shoots, Rehearsal Dinners, Wedding Ceremonies, and Wedding Receptions. Social With our multiple spaces available for use, we can accommodate small and large events. Please contact us to plan Birthdays, Showers, Reunions, Holiday Parties, and more. Corporate Ideal space for local Corporate Events, Fundraisers, and Workshop Rental Space. We have multiple areas for use at the property. Please inquire for more information.

Manages & operate a diverse portfolio of event venues in San Francisco, California; from national landmarks to entirely new art+community concepts, the NON PLUS ULTRA collection of venues represent several of the city’s most stunning and exciting spaces.

Established in 1915 by Italian immigrant, Cesar Menotti, Townhouse is the oldest bar in Venice and one of the oldest bars in the Los Angeles area. Townhouse's live entertainment basement, The Del Monte, was a true speakeasy during Prohibition (1920-1933) and a night-life nucleus, serving many nefarious and infamous characters of the day, masked cleverly by Menotti's grocery store above. Underneath the rows of produce was a trap door and dumbwaiter that could bring down two guests at a time. Alcohol was brought in by boats from Canada and then smuggled via underground tunnels. Once Prohibition ended in 1933, a staircase was added. Today both floors serve hand-crafted cocktails from the golden age of drinking with classic bartending techniques and know-how and offer a fine library of world-class spirits, beer, and wine. The Del Monte features the crème de la crème of live entertainment including live music, djs, comedy and burlesque, five to seven nights per week.

• Spaces for 99 Guests
• 1 Meeting Space
• 1 Park

The Griffith Park Visitor Center Auditorium is situated in the heart of Park Center within Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Located at 4730 Crystal Springs Drive in Los Angeles, the auditorium provides a casual, welcoming setting for meetings, receptions, and special events, accommodating up to 99 guests. Just outside the building, a beautifully landscaped native garden offers additional outdoor gathering space, complete with picnic tables and barbeques. The garden is also home to a striking ceramic mural that traces the history of Griffith Park and pays tribute to two trailblazing Park Rangers who shaped the park's legacy. The auditorium is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, making it an accessible and established choice for private events, community gatherings, and milestone celebrations in the heart of Los Angeles.

• Spaces for 100 Guests

A Sacred Space of Outstanding Beauty Take a minute to reflect on your life's journey, Wayfarer. Allow the sacredness of the world to restore your soul. During your journey through this life and forward into the next, may the interplay of sky and water, leaf and rock, support the birthing and growth of your inner being. Your Wedding Date Has Been Reserved With a $200 non-refundable Reservation Fee, we will hold your tentative wedding reservation for fifteen days and then release it to you. We provide you with this time so that you can think about your wedding ideas at Wayfarers Chapel in peace. If you decide to proceed with your wedding plans at the Chapel, we ask that you confirm your wedding by paying the entire wedding contribution (minus the reservation fee) and returning the completed and signed wedding questionnaire to the Chapel within fifteen days of making your reservation. If you decide not to proceed with your wedding plans at the Chapel, we ask that you cancel your reservation. Wedding contributions are non-refundable, but you are free to change your wedding date or time without incurring any additional fees. If we do not receive your wedding donation and completed questionnaire before the end of the fifteen-day period, we will assume that you do not intend to proceed with your wedding arrangements at the Chapel and will cancel your wedding reservation at the Chapel. Reservations are not held on a waiting list at this time. Please contact our Reservations Office if you would like to find out what days and times are currently available for scheduling.

• Spaces for 25-125 Guests
• 1 Outdoor
• 1 Barn
• 2 Total Spaces

Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse is a one-of-a-kind destination retreat rental set at 2,200 feet elevation in the low mountains above Santa Ynez Valley, California — 15 minutes from the Los Olivos wine region and one hour from Santa Barbara. The property comprises three historic structures relocated from the East Coast: an 18th-century New Hampshire barn/farmhouse, a West Virginia timber home, and a Tennessee Appalachian cabin, each disassembled, shipped cross-country, and reassembled using original construction techniques. The main house spans 3,600 square feet; a 600-square-foot guest house sits on the same grounds. The farmhouse accommodates boutique gatherings, rustic weddings, anniversary celebrations, family reunions, and milestone birthdays. Indoor entertaining fits 25–50 guests; the expansive decks and meadows accommodate 25–75 guests outdoors. The property has hosted over 200 family events across more than 15 years, and has been featured in Architectural Digest and Country Living magazine. Amenities include five fireplaces, a hot tub, a La Cornue double-oven range, a wood-burning barbecue grill, speaker zones throughout indoor and outdoor spaces, wireless internet, and an extensive library of rare and antique books. All utilities are included with rental.

• Spaces for 10-300 Guests
• 1 Restaurant
• 5 Hotels
• 5 Total Spaces

Dream Inn Santa Cruz sits directly on Cowell Beach at 175 West Cliff Drive, making it the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Municipal Wharf, the property blends coastal California character with full-service event capabilities. The hotel offers 3,500 square feet of flexible indoor event space across three connected rooms — the Surf View Room, the Beach View Room, and the Sand Room — all sharing a spacious pre-function foyer. Together they accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, galas, corporate meetings, and private dinners, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of Monterey Bay. An additional private meeting room, The Cove, seats up to 10 for intimate gatherings, while Jack's Patio, an 8,000-square-foot outdoor venue, hosts receptions of up to 300. All event spaces are equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art A/V equipment. The culinary team sources from more than 20 local Monterey Bay farms and is a member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, offering plated, buffet, and family-style menus with vegan and vegetarian options.

Monday through Tuesday, 10pm to 2am, Thursday through Sunday, 6pm to 12am, and Friday and Saturday, 6pm to 2am! APOTHEKE LA IS OPEN MONDAY THURSDAY AND SUNDAY, 10PM TO 2AM! PLEASE MAKE ALL TABLE RESERVATIONS THROUGH THE RESERVATIONS LINK. THANK YOU. Walk-in and standing-room service are available to the extent that capacity permits. IF YOU HAVE A RESERVATION FOR MORE THAN 8 PEOPLE, PLEASE EMAIL RESERVATIONS@APOTHEKELA.COM CHEERS! FOR ANY AND ALL EVENT QUESTIONS, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW AND A MEMBER OF APOTHEKE'S EVENT TEAM WILL CONTACT YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU. Winner of the German Design Award for "BEST INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE" by Interior Design Magazine, and named one of the "Best Bar & Lounges of the Year" by Interior Design Magazine. Dress in a sophisticated manner is encouraged. Entrance is granted at the discretion of the host(ess). Parking is available directly behind the Apotheke, which is located at 1726 Naud Street.

• Spaces for 300-700 Guests
• 2 Hotels
• 2 Ballrooms
• 1 Outdoor

San Diego has beautiful weather all year and provides a variety of exciting activities and events every day. Everything is just a stone's throw away from the Handlery Hotel San Diego, from holiday celebrations and seasonal festivals to cultural events and sporting events on land, sea, and air. The Handlery Hotel San Diego delivers memorable moments in a gorgeous location for your wedding day, with one of the only private outdoor garden ceremony settings in San Diego, enchanting ballrooms with al fresco patios, and delicious cuisine. With an educated team ready to assist you in planning, answering questions, and fulfilling requests, the Handlery Hotel San Diego will ensure that your San Diego wedding, reception, or special celebration is a pleasant, festive, and stress-free affair. Our planning staff will take care of every detail whether you're organizing a sales conference, product presentation, training session, boardroom meeting, or awards banquet. You and your guests will experience meeting venues tailored to your needs, with focused attention from our onsite meeting specialist and great culinary cuisine.

• Spaces for 80 Guests
• 2 Museums
• 1 Outdoor
• 2 Total Spaces

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a 78-acre living sanctuary in Mission Canyon, dedicated exclusively to California native plants since its founding in 1926. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the garden encompasses miles of winding trails, a historic redwood grove, creek crossings, and sweeping views of the ocean, mountains, and meadows — offering a setting unlike any conventional event venue in the region. For private events, the garden accommodates gatherings of up to 80 guests across several distinctive spaces, including the Pritzlaff Conservation Center — with its deck, patio, and lawn — the historic Blaksley Library, and a gallery and various terraces situated throughout the grounds. The intimate capacity reflects the garden's commitment to protecting its living plant collection while providing guests with an immersive natural environment. The events team specializes in ceremonies and receptions, corporate retreats, birthday celebrations, cocktail parties, and rehearsal dinners. Every gathering unfolds among nationally recognized collections of native flora, making Santa Barbara Botanic Garden a uniquely meaningful backdrop for milestones large and small.

• Spaces for 200 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Country Club
• 1 Historic Space

Catta Verdera Country Club occupies a 30,000-square-foot Santa Barbara mission-style clubhouse set across 335 acres of rolling hills and woodlands in Lincoln, California, roughly 30 minutes from Sacramento. The property traces its roots to the Whitney Ranch, established in the 1870s, and the club was developed to complement the valley's natural features — gentle streams, oak trees, Ponderosa pines, and granite outcroppings. The centerpiece event space, Casa Alegria, maintains the mission aesthetic with vaulted ceilings, arched windows, and a stone fireplace, accommodating up to 200 seated guests for weddings, galas, and private celebrations. The Retreat offers an adjacent facility suited to smaller, more intimate gatherings. Shady verandas, open decks, courtyards, and fountains throughout the grounds provide additional settings for cocktail hours and outdoor moments. Wedding packages include ceremony coordination, in-house culinary and bartending services, a dance floor, and a dedicated event coordinator — all managed by the club's on-site events team. The venue also hosts corporate events, birthday parties, anniversaries, luncheons, and golf tournaments.

Seven4one is a boutique coastal hotel on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California, available exclusively as a full private-buyout venue for weddings and special events. The property's 10 guestrooms and 2 suites, described as the largest vacation rental in Orange County, become an all-inclusive celebration setting when reserved in full — guests enjoy overnight accommodations alongside their event. The venue accommodates intimate gatherings of up to 100 guests across several distinct spaces: an ocean-view sun deck and open-air urban courtyard for ceremonies, an ocean-view deck for cocktails and sunset viewing, a sleek lobby lounge for relaxed conversation, and a central courtyard lounge for dancing. The beachside setting is customizable to match each couple's or group's vision. Kitchen S4O provides in-house culinary services with flexible styles ranging from passed hors d'oeuvres to formal dining, along with bar packages and signature cocktails. Seven4one hosts weddings, anniversary celebrations, corporate retreats, and other private gatherings, approaching each event as custom-built around the client's preferences.

• Spaces for 500 Guests
• 1 Country Club

Chula Vista Golf Course, located 20 minutes south of San Diego and between Mt. Miguel and the Sweetwater Reservoir, is a stunning location for your wedding. We specialize in designing one-of-a-kind weddings and special events of all sizes and types at Chula Vista Golf Course. We make certain that it reflects your personal style and creates lifelong memories for you. We handle anything from small weddings and banquets to massive outdoor festivities. The outstanding environment of the club offers stunning vistas for your ideal day. Because we can accommodate up to 200 guests, Chula Vista outdoor ceremonies are elevated to new heights. Indoor accommodations for ceremonies of up to 150 guests are available, with the magnificent backdrop of the course giving ample photo opportunity. Our skilled on-site events crew will ensure that every element of your special day is handled beautifully. Chula Vista Golf Course also provides a variety of packages to suit your taste and budget. Vista Room The course's gorgeous backdrop provides a plethora of photo options to capture the romanticism of your special day. The Vista Room, which can accommodate 200 guests, is a warm and inviting setting for your Bonita wedding or ceremony. This open design with high ceilings is painted in a neutral hue, making it easy to customize to your preferences. Links Room The Links Room is ideal for smaller groups of up to 80 people. This unique site features a bank of windows that provide pleasant views of the rolling, highland greens. It has a contemporary vibe to it, with deep mahogany accents, that is comfortable and inviting without being stuffy. This space is ideal for any Chula Vista wedding celebration. Ceremony Site In Bonita, California, our Ceremony Site is the best. Our spectacular outdoor space overlooks a well-kept golf course and offers breathtaking vistas, making it the ideal wedding venue in San Diego.