25 Beautiful West Coast Campuses You Have to See to Believe

7. University of California, San Diego – La Jolla, CA

UC San Diego feels like a vision of the future—an academic utopia nestled between eucalyptus groves and rugged coastline. Anchored by the iconic Geisel Library, which resembles a concrete spaceship blooming from the forest, the campus is a blend of architectural boldness and coastal calm. Set in upscale La Jolla, UCSD’s proximity to the beach allows for a balance of hardcore research and laid-back Southern California vibes. You might see students walking to class in wetsuits, carrying both laptops and surfboards. Known globally for its work in oceanography, neuroscience, and engineering, UCSD is as innovative as it is scenic. The Birch Aquarium, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and medical research facilities make it a magnet for scientists and thinkers. But despite its research clout, the campus retains a chill energy—art installations dot the pathways, grassy courtyards invite napping and Frisbee games, and taco trucks serve up lunch with an ocean view. It’s a place that fuses intellect, nature, and creative energy in the most California way possible.