5 Most Scenic College Campuses Near Orange County
When watching a television show or movie set near a college, you will see many scenes showing students walking and talking as quiet, inspirational music plays in the background. Orange County and nearby areas are fortunate to host several college campuses that are just as inspirational as their fictional counterparts. Some campuses are filled with aesthetically-pleasing buildings arranged in both practical and beautiful ways. Others let nature set the tone with the choice of flora on their very green campuses. When looking for an eye-catching college campus, check out the following California choices.
University Of California, Irvine
260 Aldrich Hall
Irvine, CA 92697
(949) 824-5011
www.uci.edu
The University of California, Irvine campus really is designed for those moments when students need to clear their heads. The academic and administrative buildings are set in a circle around Aldrich Park, which is named in honor of founding chancellor Daniel G. Aldrich. The clever campus layout allows the park to be used for study, sports or just meeting up with family and friends; the annual college commencement is held on the Great Lawn in the park as well. Thanks to a pedestrian footbridge, the campus also is connected to the nearby Westpark Plaza.
California State University, Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011
www.fullerton.edu
A beautiful college campus, the California State University in Fullerton covers 236 acres in Orange County with 29 permanent buildings. The campus is extra special thanks to its arboretum, which serves as both a source of natural beauty and enlightenment. In 1970, a group of students and faculty developed this landmark on some land at the Northern end of the campus. Over time, the Fullerton Arboretum has become a popular destination on the campus and a way to educate people about nature, sustainabilty and culinary arts. It also remains a very green testament to the efforts of those students and instructors 45 years ago.
California Baptist University
8432 Magnolia Ave.
Riverside, CA 92504
(877) 228-3615
www.calbaptist.edu
A private Christian university in Riverside, California Baptist University contains eye-catching and inspiring architecture. As one reviewer put it, the well-maintained campus is "breathtakingly and beautiful." Some of the buildings display a style known "Mission Revival" architecture that also brings to mind the structure of a Spanish hacienda. Newer buildings and facilities have been added to the campus, which increase the aesthetic beauty of California Baptist University.
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Golden West College
15744 Goldenwest St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 892-7711
www.goldenwestcollege.edu
This two-year college campus is located in Huntington Beach, an Orange County destination known as "Surf City." Students don't have to be Greg Brady of "Brady Bunch" fame to enjoy their time at Golden West College, however. Considered one of the most beautiful campuses in SoCal, the abundance of trees and plant life make this a great place to start a secondary education. With an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students, the campus is typically not crowded and is filled with quiet places to study and meet.
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
(562) 985-4111
www.csulb.edu
A list of scenic college campuses isn't complete without the home of the "Walter Pyramid." Named after Dr. Mike and Arlene Walter, this eye-catching structure serves as the home Long Beach State's basketball and volleyball programs. The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center is also a beautiful landmark on the Long Beach campus. Located outside of Orange County, this university is perfectly suited for walking, thinking and getting a degree in California.
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