California Dreaming - Beautiful Campuses

I'm a junior in high school and I'm beginning to think about college. I want to stay in California for school, so I was wondering - which college campuses in California are considered the most beautiful?

California is indeed home to many beautiful campuses. Each campus has a unique charm, so which ones you find the most appealing may come down to personal preference.

Two campuses that often come up in conversations about beautiful campuses are Stanford University and University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Stanford's sprawling campus is known for its unique Spanish Colonial-style architecture, palm-tree-lined walkways, and manicured gardens. It also houses the Rodin Sculpture Garden and the Cantor Arts Center, which add to the campus's aesthetic appeal.

UC Santa Barbara, on the other hand, has a beachside location that is tough to beat. The campus is neatly tucked between the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Santa Ynez Mountains on the other, offering stunning views from almost anywhere on campus.

Scripps College is another one to consider. As part of the Claremont Colleges, Scripps is smaller but also beautifully designed, with a Mediterranean-style architecture and lush gardens throughout. It's often noted for its intimate and tranquil ambiance.

Pepperdine University in Malibu is also famous for its stunning campus. Its buildings are designed in the Mediterranean Revival style and the campus provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

There's also Loyola Marymount University, located on the bluffs overlooking Marina Del Rey and Playa Del Rey. Its views of the Pacific Ocean, combined with its mission-style architecture, give it a distinctive Southern California feel.

Finally, University of San Diego is worth mentioning for its Spanish Renaissance architectural style and views overlooking Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Bear in mind, though, visiting the campuses (either virtually or physically when possible) may give you a better sense of the campus environment more than just looking at pictures or reading descriptions. Ultimately, you should choose a place where you find both the academic environment and the physical surroundings conducive to your own learning, growth and happiness.