Walk around the UC Berkeley campus over the next couple of weeks and your only company will probably be chubby squirrels and crowing blackbirds. Students and faculty have vacated the university's 1,230 acres, leaving you plenty of space to roam one of the most sylvan campuses around. At no other time of year is Cal so tranquil; even usually chaotic Sproul Plaza is silent. Start at the historic Sather Gate, make a right, and wander along Strawberry Creek to the grassy, amphitheater-shaped Faculty Glade (once thought to be home to Ohlone Native Americans). On the western side of the glade, check out the Arleigh and Ruthie Williams Redwood Grove. When we were there last week, the branches were trimmed with paper snowflakes some holiday-spirited students had hung. Just look out for those Cal bears—they pop up in the most unexpected places.

TIP: End your wanderings on the leafy terrace of the Caffe Strada just across from the campus at the corner of College Ave. and Bancroft Way.

For a map of Berkeley campus click here.