college tours in california

12 February 2015

Suggested College Tour Itineraries

Here are some suggestions for schools to visit, grouped by region, to get you rolling. Each list includes 5-6 schools that offer a range of sizes, settings and selectivity to help imagine the possibilities.  We also suggest others worth considering and why.  

Cities currently covered include Boston, New York City, Syracuse, Washington DC, Chicago, Cleveland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.  

Click on the Continue Reading link below to see our suggestions, or try our College Tour Planner to build your own custom campus tour itinerary.

Suggested starting point

• Boston College
• Northeastern
• Boston University

These popular Boston area schools represent a good mix of size, setting and admissions selectivity.  All are easily accessed via public transportation, and given their relative proximity you can squeeze in two campus visits a day if necessary.  

For a taste of smaller schools in more rural locations, consider driving to western Massachusetts to visit Amherst , Williams , Hampshire College , Smith or UMass Amherst .  If you're interested in engineering, check out Olin , UMass Lowell and WPI , and if you're interested in entrepreneurship visit Babson .  

• Sarah Lawrence

Though we've contained the list to schools in NYC, it's easy to venture out into upstate NY, Connecticut, New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania if you're game.  If you're interested in visiting Ivy League schools, both Yale and Princeton are within relatively easy reach by car, bus or train. Cornell is four hours away, but if you head up that way you can also visit Colgate and Hamilton to give you a taste of small, medium and large schools in rural settings.  

• Syracuse University
• Ithaca College
• Hobart and William Smith

The schools on this list offer a great mix of size, setting and selectivity. If environmental science and forestry are your thing, check out SUNY ESF , and if you have time to venture to Rochester, check out the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology .

Washington DC

• American University
• George Washington
• Johns Hopkins
• University of Richmond
• University of Virginia

The schools on this list are medium to large schools in suburban and urban settings. Time permitting, consider also checking out William & Mary , Virginia Tech and Washington and Lee .  

• University of Chicago
• Northwestern
• University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
• University of Wisconsin

These schools are all classic medium-large universities. For a smaller school experience, check out the Colleges that Change Lives in the area, such as Knox , Beloit , Wheaton , Wabash , Kalamazoo and Cornell College .  

• Case Western
• Carnegie Mellon
• University of Michigan

These schools provide a broad mix of sizes and settings. Kenyon and Oberlin exude a small school, small town feel, Ohio state and Michigan a classic Big Ten college town feel, and Case Western and Carnegie Mellon a more urban feel.

San Francisco

• UC Berkeley
• UC Santa Cruz
• University of San Francisco
• Santa Clara University

Most of the San Francisco Bay area schools tend to be larger in size, but offer great variety in terms of locale/setting. Three popular University of California campuses are within two hours: the more rural, bicycle-friendly Davis, the urban, progressive Berkeley, and the earthy-crunchy Santa Cruz.  

Los Angeles

• Claremont Colleges
• UC San Diego

These popular Southern California schools offer a good mix of size, setting and selectivity. You'll need a car to see them all, but in certain situations it's still very possible to squeeze in two campus visits a day.  The Claremont Colleges— Pomona , Claremont McKenna , Pitzer , Harvey Mudd and Scripps —are particularly interesting to visit because of their setup as a consortium with distinct campuses but shared classes.

If you're interested in STEM fields, be sure to check out Caltech and Harvey Mudd. If film or animation are your thing, check out Chapman University , Cal Arts and Loyola Marymount in addition to USC and UCLA.

• Tags: American , Amherst , Babson , Beloit , Boston College , Boston University , CalArts , Carnegie Mellon , Case Western , Chapman , Claremont McKenna , Colgate , Columbia , Cornell , Cornell College , Fordham , George Washington , Georgetown , Hamilton , Hampshire , Harvard , Harvey Mudd , Hobart and William Smith , Ithaca , Johns Hopkins , Kalamazoo , Kenyon , Knox , Loyola Marymount , Michigan , MIT , Northeastern , Northwestern , Notre Dame , NYU , Oberlin , Occidental , Ohio State , Olin , Pepperdine , Pitzer , Pomona , Princeton , Purdue , Rochester , Rochester Institute of Technology , Santa Clara , Sarah Lawrence , Scripps , Smith , Stanford , Syracuse , Tufts , UC Berkeley , UC Davis , UC San Diego , UC Santa Cruz , UCLA , UMass Amherst , UMass Lowell , University of Chicago , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , University of Richmond , University of San Francisco , University of Virginia , USC , Virginia Tech , Wabash , Washington and Lee , Wheaton - IL , William & Mary , Williams , Wisconsin , WPI , Yale , Yeshiva
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• California Tour

Colleges/Universities we will visit:

UC Berkeley, Stanford University, Santa Clara University, UC Santa Barbara, Loyola Marymount University, UCLA, Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Chapman University, UC San Diego, University of San Diego, UC San Diego, and the University of Southern California.

If you think California might be in your future, then this is the tour for you! Starting in San Francisco and finishing in Los Angeles, this 9-day program includes visits to a range of the most popular university destinations selected every year by thousands of successful international school students. Participants will see a wide range of colleges so that by the end of the program, they will have experienced colleges of different sizes, selectivity, and “feel”.  Along the way, students will receive advice directly from admissions officers, current college students, and TS College Tours counselors. As a well-deserved break from mapping out their futures, participants will enjoy a day of fun and excitement at Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park before visiting the final colleges on the itinerary. This popular tour combines discovery, fun, and essential information about preparing college applications.

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HOW TO ANSWER THE UC APPLICATION PROMPTS

Course description.

The UC schools have some pretty specific things they are looking for in their application. This video course provides students with a step-by-step guide to understanding what those things are, and how they can answer each of the eight possible UC Personal Insight Questions in a way that helps them stand out and paint a complete picture of who they are, what they are passionate about, and how they will contribute to their future UC campus. It includes all the resources and exercises you need to tackle the UC questions, the activities list and includes recorded Q&A sessions in which I answer the most common questions about both the UC personal insight questions and the writing process as it relates to the UC schools.

• Session 1 – How to Choose Your Topics
• Session 2 – How to Stand Out on Each of the UC Prompts
• Session 3 – Revising the First Draft
• Session 4 – Taking Things to the Next Level
• Session 5 – Ethan Workshops Your Essays

Plus: In the first session, you’ll learn the one thing you ABSOLUTELY MUST DO before beginning your UC application.

HOW TO WRITE THE COMMON APPLICATIONS + SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS

This video course offers a values-based approach to producing not only a stand-out Common Application, activities list, and additional information section, but also the supplemental essays that most selective schools require.

It includes all the resources you need to tackle the application and includes Q&A sessions in which I answer the most common questions about both the college application and supplemental essay-writing process.

• Module 1 – How to Create an Inspired Application in Half the Time
• Module 2 – The Activities List, Additional Info, and “Why Us?'”Essay
• Module 3 – The Extracurricular Essay
• Module 4 – Specific Supplemental Essays
• Module 5 – Short Answers + More Supplemental Essays
• Module 6 – How to Make Sure an Application Is Doing Its Job
• Bonus Modules – The Rest of the College Application

HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL STATEMENT

This online video course provides students with everything they need to write an amazing personal statement for college. Whether you’re using the Common Application, Coalition Application, or applying to one of the hundreds of public state colleges or universities, this course will give you the tools to write an essay that demonstrates your core values and how you’ll make meaningful contributions to the college campus. With over a dozen video lessons and awesome sample essays, it’s the most comprehensive course of its kind.

• Module 1 – Brainstorming
• Module 2 – How to Structure Each of the Four Essay Types
• Module 3 – How to Revise Your Essay
• Module 4 – Ethan Gives Feedback on Real Essays
• Module 5 – How to Make Sure Your Essay is Doing Its Job
• Module 6 – How to Bring an Essay to Life With Details and Color
• Bonus Modules – Advanced Techniques

Explore UCLA and discover an incredible academic community with a vast array of resources and opportunities. An inspiring setting full of collaboration, optimism and imagination. And a heartfelt commitment to find solutions to the challenges we face here and around the globe.

Take a Campus Tour

Experience UCLA by taking an in-person or virtual tour. In addition to seeing the remarkable architecture and endless student resources, you’ll get a sense of our extraordinary community of scholars whose energy and enthusiasm bring our campus to life.

Attend Admission Events

Gain insight into the admission process by attending events on campus, across California, throughout the country and around the world. Learn more about UCLA, meet staff from Undergraduate Admission and get answers to important questions.

Getting To and Around Campus

Planning to visit? Here are some helpful tips about how to get to UCLA, where to park once you’re here and additional transportation options.

More Ways to Explore Campus

If you’re not able to participate in a campus tour, experience UCLA on your own by taking a virtual or self-guided tour.

Get a Feel for Campus

This aerial shot of UCLA captures everything from the Hill, where students live, to sports facilities to the standout architecture and landscaping found throughout campus.

Royce Hall was one of UCLA’s four original buildings. Today, its 1,800-seat concert hall auditorium serves as the university’s main performing arts facility.

Janss Steps, first known as “the 87” after the number of steps leading up to Dickson Plaza, served as the original entrance to the university.

The main undergraduate library on campus, Powell Library offers students a wealth of services, spaces, collections and programs that promote student learning.

Students move along Janss Steps and enjoy the sun on Wilson Plaza where, in 1965, Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke to a crowd of 5,000 students and faculty.

The iconic bronze statue known as The Bruin stands in the heart of campus across from John Wooden Center, one of UCLA’s 16 recreational and athletic facilities.

Pauley Pavilion is UCLA’s renowned venue for sporting events, concerts, debates and other popular events, including rock and pop concerts by legendary performers.

The Court of Sciences is home to the "Bombshelter", an informal counter-serve café with outdoor seating that’s great for studying or meeting up with classmates.

The Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center includes a high-tech recording studio, a digital music production center and spaces for rehearsal and teaching.

Students head to and from north campus by passing under Bunche Hall, named after Ralph J. Bunche ’27, the first African-American to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Kerckhoff Hall, which served as UCLA’s first student union building in 1931, is home to Kerckhoff Coffee House, student government and the Daily Bruin .

Saxon Suites on the Hill offers students furnished two-bedroom suites along with a shared barbecue area. Meal service and recreation facilities are nearby.

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2024 Summer Schedule Now Open!

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Get ready for an unforgettable journey as students gather to explore the vibrant cities of california and visit some of california's top colleges and universities you'll discover the right questions to ask campus officials, master the art of comparing schools, and uncover the key factors in your college decision-making process.  , tour dates: july 14-19, 2024, san diego, orange county, los angeles, santa barbara, & san francisco, california, the tour will include visits to: , university of california, san diego (ucsd) university of san diego (usd) university of california, irvine (uci) claremont mckenna caltech loyola marymount university university of california, los angeles (ucla) university of southern california (usc) uc santa barbara (ucsb) cal poly san luis obispo (slo) stanford university university of california, berkeley (uc berkeley/ cal), click the tabs below to learn more about this program and view a tour schedule..

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California College Tour - Frequently Asked Questions

What cities and campuses will students visit during the tour.

Students will embark on an unforgettable journey through some of California's most vibrant cities, including San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco. The tour includes visits to esteemed institutions such as UCSD, UCI, Claremont McKenna, Caltech, Loyola Marymount University, UCLA, USC, UCSB, Cal Poly SLO, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley.

What are the accommodation arrangements?  

Students will enjoy comfortable stays at business class hotels such as Sheraton, Westin, Marriott, or Embassy Suites. Accommodations are conveniently located near attractions, providing easy access to the best of each city's offerings. 

What is included in the tour price?

The tour price includes hotel accommodations, transportation, all meals, gratuities, full-time tour directors, guided tours and activities, and a comprehensive information packet.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?  

Yes, provided that we are notified in advance most dietary restrictions can be accommodated including avoiding common allergens, and providing vegetarian or vegan meal options. 

How many students are on the tour? 

The tour is capped at 20 students. 

Is the tour chaperoned?  

Yes, two experienced teachers will travel with the students keeping them safe along their journey and providing guidance regarding the college admissions process.

How can I reserve my spot?

Secure your place on the California College Tour by CLICKING HERE .

How can I ask more questions?

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Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore, discover, and shape your future—reserve your spot today!

Join our email list or click the chat window on the bottom right of the screen to ask about current specials. .

Tour pricing is all-inclusive of everything the student needs from the moment they land at San Diego airport to when they depart San Francisco including housing, meals, tours, ground transportation, site seeing and driver gratuity. Students are responsible for pocket money for personal items such as souvenirs.

Price Options for California College Tour

Please note: 

• Schedule Subject to change. 
• While rare, some universities may limit the number of students who can be on a tour. While we always try to give students their first choice, registrations are on a first come first serve basis.

Education Unlimited believes in small-group, immersive learning with subject matter experts and experienced teachers. We strive to provide industry-leading instruction to all of our students and hold all staff to the highest possible standards. Staff assignments vary by program and location. All tours will include a minimum of two staff chaperones and will have a minimum of a 10:1 staff to student ratio.  2023/2024 California Tour leaders include: 

Janet Willford,  - College Tour Leader

Janet Willford is an experienced high-school teacher.  She has taught both leadership and speech and debate at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, CA for over twenty years.  As the winner of the Eukel Teacher Trust award in 2004 one student said of Ms. Willford: “I have never known a teacher who cares so much about her students, their lives, and their school. She is truly the best asset San Ramon Valley High School has”.  As noted by one parent, “Every mother dreams of a mentor to help their daughter blossom into a young woman. I could not have chosen a better woman for the job. Janet Willford is excellence on two feet”.  Janet has been a college tour leader with Education Unlimited since 2010. In addition to her teaching role at San Ramon Valley High School, Janet has served as the school’s activities director since 1997.  In 2016, Janet oversaw the creation of the S.T.E.M Club on the school’s campus.  Created by the students themselves, Janet helped coordinate this effort by high school students interested in inspiring elementary age children to pursue science-based learning.  Janet has a Bachelor’s Degree in English from The University of California, Santa Barbara.

Jennifer West, MA - College Tour Leader

Jennifer West is an experienced high school teacher and coach. With over 30 years of experience working with students in various educational spaces, she has honed her skills in creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters inclusive and interactive college and career readiness. Mrs. West experience includes 15 years as an academy English teacher, color guard director and Cheer coach. In addition, she coaches a nationally ranked independent color guard. In addition, Jennifer is her schools Activities (ASB) Director. In this role, Mrs. West has been committed to creating a campus culture that is inclusive, supportive, and focused on college and career readiness. She understands that travel can be an essential part of personal growth and has planned and overseen multiple trips to national championships for her groups. Jennifer is also an experienced world traveler who firmly believes that experiencing life outside of your neighborhood makes for a more well-rounded individual. In recent years, her personal travels have taken her on many adventures including trips to South Africa, Poland, Jennifer holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from Point Loma University. She is passionate about helping students find their passions and the right environment in which to foster them, and her dedication to creating a positive and supportive educational space is second to none.

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California College Road Trip Itinerary for Parents & Students

If you are the parent of a prospective college student, you are probably neck deep in the college planning process. From researchings schools to SAT’s, you definitely have your hands full. Perhaps, you are considering squeezing in a few college campus visits, but don’t know where to begin. Don’t worry, this California college road trip itinerary will help you get started.

As a parent in the middle of this process myself, I understand feeling overwhelmed. We recently took a family vacation to several college campuses on the California coast. Keep reading for a simple California college road trip itinerary that can easily be modified to suit your needs.

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

What to Consider Before Planning Your California College Road Trip

Before you hit the road for a West Coast college tour, you need to devise a plan. Consider these factors:

• How much time do you have for the road trip?
• What colleges and universities do you want to visit?
• What is your budget? Do you prefer inexpensive accommodations or luxury hotels?
• Do you want organized campus tours or self-guided tours?

Seeking Stamps Tip : Check out this helpful college trip planner to plan your itinerary.

California College Road Trip Itinerary Tips

• While you explore California college campuses, give yourself time without overwhelming your teenager. I recommend students touring one college per day and planning a fun activity in the surrounding area.
• For organized tours, check university websites to register for college visits months in advance . If you plan a last minute trip, you can see the campus on your own. Importantly, check the university calendar for school closures and holidays.
• Before you depart, download the Park Mobile parking app used at many college campuses. To use Park Mobile, you simply enter the zone number posted in the area, select how long you want to park, enter your vehicle information, and pay. This is a convenient way to park without meters or searching for parking spots.
• Book your hotel rooms and map out your route
• Pay attention to the drive time between destinations and consider traffic when you plan your drives.

Our California College Road Trip

When we took our high school junior on a recent college tour, we had a limited window between finals and the holidays. To maximize our time, we flew to San Francisco, rented a car, and drove south. If you have additional time, it’s easy to drive north from San Francisco to Sacramento and visit additional universities.

All the organized school tours were booked when we planned our college tours in California, so we did self-guided tours. You can check in with the visitor center at most schools and get maps and campus information.

We stayed in San Francisco before our campus visit and spent time at Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf. In the city, you can visit vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, check out crooked Lombard Street, and admire the Golden Gate Bridge.

Seeking Stamps Tip : We stayed at the Kimpton Alton hotel in San Francisco. I highly recommend it because of its location near Fisherman’s Wharf. Compared to some other hotels in the area, the rooms at the Kimpton were larger and better suited for a family sharing a room.

1. UC Berkeley

Our first California college visit was UC Berkeley. Berkeley, also known as Cal, is the original University of California founded after the gold rush in 1868. Cal is the mothership of the UC system, so this university campus is a great place to start your college tour.

Berkeley, California is renowned for its rich cultural scene, academic excellence, and progressive values. Located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, Berkeley has charming neighborhoods filled with historic architecture, a thriving arts community, and a dedication to social activism.

UC Berkeley walking tours are 90 minutes and begin at the Koret Visitor Center. Explore the campus to see places such as The Campanile, Haas School of Business, Sproul Plaza, and California Memorial Stadium. You can schedule your UC Berkeley tour or explore the campus through a virtual campus tour .

If you prefer a self-guided tour of the campus , Berkeley has the option to call into this number (510) 550-7599, and listen to information about each destination as you explore the campus.

Berkeley Visitor Center Address:

• Koret Visitor Center, 2227 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94720

Koret Visitor Center Hours of Operation:

• Monday-Friday: 8:30am–4:30pm
• Saturday-Sunday: 9:00am–1:00pm
• Check for holiday closures

Where to Stay Near UC Berkeley:

During our UC Berkeley campus visit we stayed at the Graduate Berkeley . I recommend this hotel because of its quirky vibe and close proximity to the campus. When you stay here you can walk to campus and easily explore downtown Berkeley. There is also a great place for breakfast right next door.

The Graduate Address:

• 2600 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA 94704

Other suggested hotels in the Berkeley area:

• Doubletree Hotel Berkeley Marina – an affordable hotel option 15 minutes from UC Berkeley
• The Claremont Club and Spa – luxury hotel 10 minutes from the Berkeley campus

Things to Do Near UC Berkeley:

• Explore Telegraph Avenue known as the “heart of Berkeley”
• Visit the UC Botanical Garden
• Wander through Tilden Regional Park
• UC Berkeley is just 20 minutes from San Francisco

Additional Colleges and Universities You Can Visit Near UC Berkeley

• UC Davis (1.5 hours north of Berkeley)
• Stanford University
• The University of San Francisco
• San Francisco State University
• Samuel Merritt University
• Cal State University East Bay

2. UC Santa Cruz

After visiting UC Berkeley, drive about 1.5 hours to Santa Cruz, California. Santa Cruz is a charming coastal city nestled on the northern edge of Monterey Bay. It’s a beloved destination that captures California’s laid-back beach culture combined with towering redwood forests and lively downtown area.

UC Santa Cruz feels like the polar opposite of UC Berkeley. Surrounded by woods, the UCSC campus has a serene camp-like feeling. At UCSC, there isn’t a visitor center like you find on other campuses. You have the option to schedule a UCSC campus tour or do a self-guided tour .

During your campus tour, check out the athletic field with sweeping ocean views, the Quarry Center and amphitheater, and get lost winding through the small roads around campus.

Seeking Stamps Tip : Here is important parking information for UC Santa Cruz before your visit.

Where to Stay Near UC Santa Cruz

During our visit to UC Santa Cruz we stayed at the Dream Inn . It is located approximately 10 minutes from campus and has a fun retro-surfer aesthetic. Dream Inn offers beautiful ocean views and is within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, and the Santa Cruz boardwalk.

Dream Inn Address:

• 175 W Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Things to Do Near UC Santa Cruz

• Winchester Mystery House the unique house of the Winchester widow (stop on your way south from UC Berkeley)
• Visit The Mystery Spot – witness peculiar gravitational anomalies of the area
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk – enjoy amusement park rides and play arcade games
• Santa Cruz Pier – this is a great place to shop or eat with beautiful views. Make sure to look for the sea lions under the pier.
• Hike Old Cove Landing Trail
• Try a Santa Cruz scavenger hunt

Additional Colleges and Universities You Can Visit Near UC Santa Cruz

• Santa Clara University
• Cal State University Monterey Bay

3. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Next, on our California college tour itinerary is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. From UC Santa Cruz, the drive to San Luis Obispo is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Nestled in the heart of California’s central coast, San Luis Obispo is a charming city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Known locally as SLO, this picturesque town boasts stunning coastal landscapes, world-class wineries, and a thriving arts scene. 

Cal Poly SLO has the second largest campus in California with 9, 178 acres. Interestingly, in 2023, it was named the “ most innovative school in the west “.

Once you arrive at Cal Poly SLO, go to the visitor welcome center. Grab a coffee at Scout coffee before you head out. Cal Poly SLO has options for guided campus tours or to register for self-guided tours . While on campus make sure to check out the expansive Mott Athletic Center, Spanos Stadium, and Dexter Lawn.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Welcome Center Address:

• 1 Grand Ave Building 172H, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

Hours of Operation for Cal Poly’s Welcome Center

• Monday-Friday 9:00am- 4:00 pm

Where to Stay Near Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

• La Quinta Inn & Suites – a budget friendly option near campus
• The Apple Farm Inn – a quaint boutique cottage-style hotel
• Hotel Cerro – a modern upscale option
• Hotel San Luis Obispo – a luxury hotel surrounded by hills

Things to Do Near Cal Poly SLO

• Visit the SLO Bubblegum Alley – a wall of A.B.C gum and Instagram spot that will gross you out!
• Check out Pismo Beach
• Soak up the scenery along Highway 1
• Adults can visit a vineyard to taste wine in San Luis Obispo
• Take an e-bike tour to Morro Bay

Additional Colleges and Universities You Can Visit Near Cal Poly SLO

• Cuesta Columbia College-San Luis Obispo
• Laurus College

4. UC Santa Barbara

From Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to UC Santa Barbara it’s a quick 1.5 hour drive. Santa Barbara is a stunning coastal city tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Known for its picturesque beaches, charming Mediterranean-style architecture, and vibrant arts scene, Santa Barbara is an idyllic destination. UC Santa Barbara is renowned for its research impact, cutting edge academics and dynamic social culture .

Once you drive onto campus, go to the UCSB visitor center. Choose from a guided UCSB tour or self-guided tour of UC Santa Barbara . While you visit make sure to check out Storke Tower and go up to the top of the library for 360 degree panoramic ocean views!

UC Santa Barbara Visitor Center address:

• 1102 Student Affairs Administrative Services Building, Santa Barbara, CA 93106

Hours of Operation for UCSB Visitor Center:

• Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm

Where to Stay Near UC Santa Barbara

During our visit to Santa Barbara we stayed at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel. It is about 15 minutes from campus and close to the beach.

For more things to do, check out this helpful two day Santa Barbara itinerary .

Some other places to stay in Santa Barbara are:

• Hilton Garden Inn – an economical option close to campus
• Brisas del Mar – close to the Santa Barbara Harbor
• Kimpton Canary Inn – in downtown Santa Barbara

Things to do Near UC Santa Barbara

• Check out Isla Vista
• Go to the beach
• Explore shops and restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara
• Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo
• If you have more time, take a Santa Barbara food tour

Additional Universities You Can Visit Near UC Santa Barbara

• Antioch University Santa Barbara

Next visit UC Los Angeles , one of the top Southern California colleges in the heart of Westwood. Westwood, California boasts picturesque tree-lined streets, and an array of world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. UCLA is celebrated for having 16 Nobel Laureates, 15 MacArthur Fellows, 120 NCAA championships and more Olympic medals than most nations .

The drive from UC Santa Barbara to UCLA takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, but that greatly depends on traffic and the time you plan to travel.

Sign up ahead of time for a UCLA guided tour or use this brochure for a self-guided tour of UCLA . Brochures are also available in the undergraduate admissions office if you want to pick one up after you arrive.

Some of these best things to see on the UCLA campus are Ackerman Union, UCLA School of Film and Television, the Fowler Museum, or grab some swag at the UCLA store.

Address for the UCLA Undergraduate College Admissions office:

• 1147 Murphy Hall Los Angeles, CA 90095

Where to Stay Near UCLA

• W West Los Angeles Beverly Hills -a convenient hotel within walking distance to campus
• Luskin Hotel – an upscale option close to campus
• Kimpton Hotel Palomar – a 10 minute walk to campus

Things to do Near UCLA

• Hammer Art Museum – this art museum is known for its exhibits of contemporary and historical art
• UCLA Planetarium – shows about constellations and astronomy are family-friendly and free
• The Getty Center – check out the art museum, gardens and gorgeous views
• Watch a performance at the Geffen Playhouse
• Visit Santa Monica

Additional Universities You Can Visit Near UCLA

• Pepperdine University

The University of Southern California is known for its beautiful brick buildings, Trojan school spirit, lively sports and its world-renowned film school. USC is approximately 30 minutes from UCLA.

Student led tours at USC are 75-90 minutes. For self-guided tours, you do not need to check in with the admissions office. Here is a USC map for the self-guided tour , and it also shows the best locations for campus parking.

While you visit make sure to check out the hub of campus life in the student union, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and check out the six Heisman Trophies at Heritage Hall.

Where to Stay Near USC

• The USC Hotel – this hotel is a budget-friendly option within walking distance to campus
• Hotel Figueroa – this is an affordable option closer to downtown Los Angeles
• Intercontinental Los Angeles – an upscale option close to shops and restaurants in downtown L.A.

Things to do Near USC

• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles – explore fossils and dinosaurs in this interesting museum
• The California Science Museum – this is just five minutes form the UCS campus. Check out the space shuttle Endeavour and Ecosystems exhibit
• The Griffith Observatory – this observatory has views over Hollywood and has been featured in several films
• Check out a sporting event on the USC campus

Additional Universities You Can Visit Near USC

• UC Irvine – this campus is about 45 minutes south of USC

7. UC San Diego

Last, but not least is UC San Diego which is one of the world’s leading research universities. UCSD is in La Jolla, California which is a stunning coastal community north of San Diego . Known for its stunning beaches, upscale shops and restaurants, and vibrant cultural scene, La Jolla offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty and modern luxury.

Similar to the other campuses, UC San Diego offers both guided tours and self-guided tours. Here is a helpful campus map of UCSD . The self-guided tour route begins at town square near the student services building on the corner of Rupertus Way and Meyers Drive.

While you are on campus make sure to visit Price Center, Sun God statue, the futuristic Geisel Library, walk the snake path and look for the “fallen star” on top of the engineering building.

Address for UCSD Student Services Building:

• 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093

Hours of Operation for UCSD Student Services:

• Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Where to Stay Near UCSD

• Residence Inn La Jolla – this is close to campus and budget-friendly
• Hyatt Regency Aventine – this hotel is a few miles from campus but close to restaurants
• Estancia Hotel La Jolla – this gorgeous property is close to campus but feel like a secluded getaway

Things to Do Near UCSD

• Visit Birch Aquarium – this is a fascinating aquarium close to campus
• Shop at UTC mall
• Explore shopping and restaurants in Downtown La Jolla
• Go to Legoland and explore Carlsbad, CA – this is about 20 minutes north of La Jolla
• Explore Balboa Park – a 1200 acre San Diego landmark with fabulous museums
• Go to the World Famous San Diego Zoo – see an array of animals including the adorable pandas

Additional Universities You Can Visit Near UCSD

• San Diego State University
• University of San Diego
• Point Loma Nazarene College

Check Out The Best Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA In This Post!

California College Road Trip: Final Thoughts

I hope this California college tour itinerary helps you plan your college road trip. Although it can seem overwhelming to plan California college tours for high school students, this guide will help you get started. While you visit prestigious campuses and enjoy family travel on the open road, a California college road trip is sure to create lasting memories and provide valuable experiences for any student embarking on their college journey.

Jenny is a travel enthusiast who has explored the world for 20+ years and visited over 40 countries. She currently lives in sunny Carlsbad, California, with her husband, two teenagers, and dogs. As a part-time traveler, you will find her local posts about the San Diego area and advice on a variety of international destinations.

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