If you are the parent of a prospective college student, you are probably neck deep in the college planning process. From researching 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.
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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 full 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
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. (already been chewed) 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
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
- Check for holiday closures
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
5. UCLA
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
6. USC
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 feels 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
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.
