We only walked the trail and did not see any bbq's grills. If there are some I assume it's first come first serve. Check with the Berkeley Parks and Rec. Department.

Berkeley pier has been fenced up. May be next or near the pier. The restaurant next to the pier might be a great location.

I wouldn't know an exact spot to fly kites there, but there is a mobile kite store that may have more information about this, and the Berkeley kite festival might be worth checking out. There is a lot of open space at the marina and the wind is good. Good luck!

Sunrise would be over the hills to the East...not too dramatic.

Yes, but...not everywhere. There are walkways all around the marina. You will not be able to go down to look at boats that are on private docks. There will be a locked gate at the top. But if you are staying at the hotel, or parked at one of the restaurants, it's easy to get to the path that goes around the marina area, either side (north or south) has a trail. It's easy to see all the boats parked in their slips down below, just can't go down to the docks. The view is often spectacular at night, so don't think that some fog can stop you from having a good time. Dress in layers, just in case. As far as safety, as long as you stick to the path, you should be OK. There is the hotel, Skates restaurant, Berkeley Yacht Club. Skates has a security guard for their parking lot. We love to go there for dinner because of the view.