25 Beautiful West Coast Campuses You Have to See to Believe

13. University of San Diego – San Diego, CA

The University of San Diego is what happens when you take a Mediterranean hill town and drop it into one of America’s sunniest cities. Perched on a bluff with panoramic views of Mission Bay, the downtown skyline, and even the Pacific Ocean, USD’s campus is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture—white stucco walls, cobalt-blue tiled domes, terracotta roofs, and flowing fountains around every corner. The centerpiece is the Immaculata Church, a stunning basilica that rises above the campus like a beacon of faith and history. USD's gardens and open-air courtyards make even the busiest days feel calm and inspiring. But beyond the beauty, the university has serious academic chops, especially in law, business, peace studies, and international relations. Rooted in Catholic values, USD places a strong emphasis on ethics, social justice, and global citizenship. Whether you're strolling through a palm-lined promenade or researching sustainable development, the setting here elevates every experience.