Lying across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco, the East Bay consists primarily of Contra Costa County and Alameda County. It has a unique culture that's more laid back and uncomplicated than its Western neighbors.
Oakland, the area's largest city, is famous for its somewhat smaller Chinatown and its beautiful waterfront Jack London Square (http://www.jacklondonsqua...), as well as its large port and eucalyptus-spotted hills. Berkeley, just north of Oakland, is home to the University of California (http://www.berkeley.edu) and tens of thousands of students, as well as left-leaning politics and great food.
