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Summary
This California college road trip itinerary offers a comprehensive guide for parents and students exploring potential universities. From the historic UC Berkeley to the serene UC Santa Cruz, and the vibrant UCLA and USC campuses, this journey combines educational tours with the exploration of California's rich landscapes and cultural scenes. Accommodations like the Kimpton Alton Hotel and Dream Inn enhance the experience with their unique vibes and prime locations.
🌉 Day 1: Exploring San Francisco
Begin your California college road trip with a visit to UC Berkeley, exploring the vibrant city of San Francisco, including iconic sights like Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf.
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🏫 UC Berkeley
The original University of California campus, known for its academic excellence and rich cultural scene. 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.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UC Berkeley Campus Tour: World's Best Public University", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5XxqW9Z7PI", "channel": { "name": "Campus Crawl"}, "published_date": "May 3, 2021", "length": "8:50" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Discover UC Berkeley", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzU_erbKBFc", "channel": { "name": "UC Berkeley Admissions"}, "published_date": "Mar 22, 2023", "length": "1:39" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UC Berkeley Campus Tour | Q&A with Cal Students | Pros & ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syZQ6bPNg7U", "channel": { "name": "College and Career Champion"}, "published_date": "Dec 31, 2022", "length": "14:27" }</div>
Tips
Consider a self-guided tour if organized tours are booked. Check out Sather Gate and the Campanile. If you prefer a self-guided tour of the campus, Berkeley has the option to call into a specific number and listen to information about each destination as you explore the campus.
🏨 Kimpton Alton Hotel
A recommended hotel for its location near Fisherman's Wharf, offering larger rooms suitable for families. The Kimpton Alton Hotel in San Francisco is ideally located near Fisherman’s Wharf, providing spacious rooms that are well-suited for families. It offers a comfortable and convenient stay, allowing easy access to the vibrant attractions of the city.
Tips
Book in advance for better deals and to ensure availability.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +14157719000 |
| 📍 Address: 2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133 |
🔗 Profiles:    |
🎡 Fisherman's Wharf
A bustling area known for its shops, restaurants, and waterfront views. In the city, you can visit vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, check out crooked Lombard Street, and admire the Golden Gate Bridge. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Alcatraz Island for a historical tour, offering a unique insight into the city's intriguing past.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "FISHERMAN'S WHARF SAN FRANCISCO / Best Things to do ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9PEES-aFdY", "channel": { "name": "The Awkward Tourists"}, "published_date": "Sep 17, 2023", "length": "12:41" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco | Biggest Tourist Trap in SF?", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljI2g0nu2Jc", "channel": { "name": "Landon Kissell"}, "published_date": "Feb 13, 2024", "length": "6:30" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Fisherman Wharf San Francisco. Local Perspective ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWlKUl0nYOw", "channel": { "name": "that place"}, "published_date": "Nov 6, 2023", "length": "13:47" }</div>
Tips
Visit Alcatraz Island for a historical tour, and explore the diverse array of shops and dining options along the waterfront.
🌊 Day 2: UC Santa Cruz Visit
- Travel to Santa Cruz to explore the serene UCSC campus, surrounded by woods, and stay at the Dream Inn with its retro-surfer vibe.
<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> UC Santa Cruz\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (2.3 miles, \ud83d\ude98 6 min, \ud83d\ude87 27 min)\n>\n> Dream Inn\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>
🏞️ UC Santa Cruz
UC Santa Cruz offers a tranquil, camp-like atmosphere, distinct from other campuses, and provides options for both guided and self-guided tours, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UC Santa Cruz 6-minute Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADnM9b3P3Iw", "channel": { "name": "UC Santa Cruz Undergraduate Admissions"}, "published_date": "Apr 5, 2022", "length": "5:54" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "University of California, Santa Cruz | UCSC | 4K Campus ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJlF2ubRSQg", "channel": { "name": "CampusMania"}, "published_date": "Feb 20, 2023", "length": "11:39" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UC Santa Cruz Campus Tour Chapter 4: The Residential ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC2_LW4UmOc", "channel": { "name": "UC Santa Cruz Undergraduate Admissions"}, "published_date": "Sep 16, 2021", "length": "4:55" }</div>
Tips
Explore the Quarry Center and amphitheater, where the campus's unique charm is on full display. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking ocean views from the athletic field.
🏨 Dream Inn
The Dream Inn is renowned for its stunning ocean views and its vibrant proximity to the Santa Cruz boardwalk, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment for visitors.
Tips
Located just a brief 10-minute drive from the UCSC campus, the Dream Inn provides a convenient and picturesque base for exploring the charms of Santa Cruz.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: +18317408069 |
| 📍 Address: 175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 |
| 🔗 Profiles: |
🚗 Day 3: Discovering San Luis Obispo
Drive to San Luis Obispo to visit Cal Poly, enjoying the city's natural beauty, small-town charm, and nearby attractions like Bubblegum Alley.
🏫 California Polytechnic State University
Nestled in California’s central coast, San Luis Obispo offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. The university campus is surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes, and the city boasts a thriving arts scene, making it an ideal destination for both academic exploration and leisurely strolls.
Tips
Explore the campus to admire its architecture and serene surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and cultural offerings of San Luis Obispo.
| Travel Information |
|---|
| 📞 Phone: (805) 756-1111 |
| 🌐 Website: https://www.calpoly.edu/ |
| 📍 Address: 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 |
🌴 Day 4: Santa Barbara and UCLA
- Visit UC Santa Barbara for its dynamic social culture, then head to Los Angeles to explore UCLA and its surroundings.
<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> UC Santa Barbara\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (96.0 miles, \ud83d\ude98 2 hr 7, \ud83d\ude87 4 hr 45)\n>\n> UCLA\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>
🏖️ UC Santa Barbara
Known for its picturesque beaches, charming Mediterranean-style architecture, and vibrant arts scene, UC Santa Barbara offers a unique coastal campus experience. The campus is nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, providing a stunning backdrop for academic pursuits.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UC Santa Barbara Campus Overview", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exLv9cwLa9w", "channel": { "name": "UCSB Admissions"}, "published_date": "1 month ago", "length": "5:15" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "University of California, Santa Barbara | UCSB | 4K Campus ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFVhiSJ6kxI", "channel": { "name": "CampusMania"}, "published_date": "Jun 12, 2023", "length": "4:26" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Campus Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP21UmziZw0", "channel": { "name": "The Campus Quad"}, "published_date": "Mar 12, 2021", "length": "8:23" }</div>
Tips
Stay at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel for its convenient proximity to both the beach and the campus. The hotel's beachfront location allows for a relaxing and enjoyable stay while exploring UC Santa Barbara.
🎓 UCLA
Explore the diverse offerings of the UCLA campus, including the Ackerman Union, UCLA School of Film and Television, and the Fowler Museum. The campus exudes a blend of academic excellence and vibrant student life, making it an enriching destination for visitors.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "2022 UC Los Angeles | UCLA Campus Tour | Student Q&A ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WEjPu9LW2E", "channel": { "name": "College and Career Champion"}, "published_date": "Aug 9, 2022", "length": "11:19" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UCLA Virtual Campus Tour | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zUt0h9cYCA", "channel": { "name": "Acts2Fellowship UCLA"}, "published_date": "May 7, 2020", "length": "8:45" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "University of California, Los Angeles [Part 1] - Virtual Walking ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x-KYrvezXw", "channel": { "name": "University Walk Tour"}, "published_date": "Feb 2, 2024", "length": "17:36" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UCLA Campus Tour 2024", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnG_i_k7_es", "channel": { "name": "World Walks"}, "published_date": "Aug 15, 2022", "length": "26:55" }</div>
Tips
Don't miss the opportunity to grab some UCLA swag at the campus store, offering a range of memorabilia and merchandise to commemorate your visit to this prestigious institution.
🌴 Day 5: USC and UC San Diego
Conclude your road trip with visits to USC for its Trojan spirit and UC San Diego for its leading research and stunning coastal community.
<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> University of Southern California\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (113 miles, \ud83d\ude98 1 hr 57, \ud83d\ude87 4 hr 26)\n>\n> UC San Diego\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>
🏛️ University of Southern California
The University of Southern California, located approximately 30 minutes from UCLA, is renowned for its beautiful brick buildings, lively sports, and world-renowned film school. The campus exudes a vibrant energy and is a testament to academic excellence and rich history.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "University of Southern California Campus Tour | USC | Q&A ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7uObOmchbQ", "channel": { "name": "College and Career Champion"}, "published_date": "Aug 29, 2022", "length": "15:59" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Visit the University of Southern California", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eERe0-E4Zpg", "channel": { "name": "USC"}, "published_date": "Oct 20, 2011", "length": "5:14" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "University of Southern California (USC) Campus Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nJ9b0Xve7k", "channel": { "name": "The Campus Quad"}, "published_date": "Oct 12, 2016", "length": "14:04" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "University of Southern California | USC | 4K Campus Drone Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Jg_Hf9ljs", "channel": { "name": "CampusMania"}, "published_date": "Aug 13, 2023", "length": "1:00" }</div>
Tips
While visiting USC, be sure to explore the hub of campus life in the student union, immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and marvel at the six Heisman Trophies at Heritage Hall.
🌊 UC San Diego
UC San Diego, nestled in the stunning coastal community of La Jolla, is a leading research university known for its picturesque beaches, upscale shops, and vibrant cultural scene. The campus offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern luxury, providing a captivating backdrop for academic pursuits.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "2022 UC San Diego (UCSD) Campus Tour + Student ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmXpVFFK8Uo", "channel": { "name": "College and Career Champion"}, "published_date": "Jul 26, 2022", "length": "14:34" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Welcome to UC San Diego", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKaYzDPRvY0", "channel": { "name": "UC San Diego Admissions"}, "published_date": "Mar 17, 2023", "length": "5:53" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "UCSD Campus Tour | 2020", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPFmUzXOPu0", "channel": { "name": "UCSD Klesis"}, "published_date": "Sep 18, 2020", "length": "5:40" }</div>
Tips
During your visit to UC San Diego, make sure to explore the iconic Price Center, admire the Sun God statue, and marvel at the futuristic architecture of the Geisel Library. Additionally, take a leisurely stroll along the snake path and seek out the intriguing "fallen star" perched atop the engineering building.
