Discover the 6 California Campuses That Are Basically Tourist Attractions

In addition to textbooks, tests, and late nights, college is also about the experience. If you’re going to be on a campus for four years, why not choose one that looks like it belongs on a postcard?

Some of California’s institutions are equally as magnificent as the state’s famous surroundings, which include breathtaking beaches and towering redwoods. These campuses create an escape-like atmosphere for studying, whether it’s through its ancient architecture, vistas of the ocean, or tree-lined quads.

Here are six California colleges that have been ranked among the most beautiful in the country.

1. UC Berkeley – A Classic Campus with Bay Views

UC Berkeley is a place where history and nature meet. Known for its stunning Beaux-Arts-style buildings, the campus is filled with gorgeous architecture, including the famous Sather Tower (or “The Campanile”), which offers an incredible view of the San Francisco Bay.

Beyond the historic charm, the greenery here is next level. Massive eucalyptus trees, open grassy quads, and peaceful botanical gardens make Berkeley feel more like a park than a college campus. Whether you’re lounging on Memorial Glade or hiking up to the Big C for a scenic overlook, this campus is a beauty.

2. UCLA – Where Classic Meets Modern

UCLA’s campus in Los Angeles is the perfect mix of classic and contemporary. The red-brick Romanesque buildings, like Royce Hall and Powell Library, give it that traditional college feel, while modern glass structures bring in a sleek touch.

But what really makes UCLA shine is its setting. The campus is surrounded by rolling green spaces, hidden gardens, and even an on-campus botanical garden. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and during golden hour, the sunsets over Los Angeles are pure magic.

3. Stanford University – A European-Style Masterpiece

If there were ever a college that felt like a European getaway, it’s Stanford. With its Spanish-style architecture, palm-lined walkways, and vast open spaces, this campus is designed to impress.

The Main Quad, with its grand archways and sandstone buildings, is picture-perfect, while Hoover Tower provides one of the best panoramic views in all of Silicon Valley. The campus also has hidden gems, like the Arizona Garden and a sprawling arboretum, making it one of the most scenic places to study.

4. University of San Diego – A Coastal Paradise

Perched on a hill overlooking Mission Bay, the University of San Diego is easily one of the most beautiful campuses in California. With its Spanish Renaissance-style buildings, white stucco walls, and red-tiled roofs, the school has an elegant, old-world charm.

The crown jewel of the campus is the Immaculata Church, a breathtaking cathedral with a grand dome and intricate stained glass. Add in palm trees, colorful gardens, and ocean breezes, and this campus feels like a European resort.

5. UC Santa Cruz – A College in the Redwoods

If you love nature, UC Santa Cruz is the ultimate dream school. Instead of city streets and crowded sidewalks, this campus sits in the middle of a massive redwood forest, giving it a peaceful, almost magical vibe.

Walking through UCSC feels more like hiking through a national park. The towering trees, ocean views, and occasional deer sightings make it one of the most unique college experiences in the country. And when the morning fog rolls in over the treetops? It’s straight out of a fairytale.

6. Pepperdine University – Malibu’s Oceanfront Gem

If there’s one school that looks like a luxury resort, it’s Pepperdine. Sitting on a hill in Malibu, this university offers jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The campus itself features Mediterranean-style architecture that blends perfectly with the coastal surroundings. Whether you’re studying in a peaceful courtyard or catching a sunset over the water, Pepperdine is the kind of place where every day feels like a vacation.

Final Thoughts

Not all college campuses are created equal, and these six California schools prove it. Whether it’s the ocean views at Pepperdine, the historic charm of UC Berkeley, or the redwood forests of UCSC, each of these universities offers an environment that makes the college experience even more special.

If you’re lucky enough to go to one of these schools, take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you. And if you’re still deciding on a college, why not choose one that feels like a dream destination?