25 Beautiful West Coast Campuses You Have to See to Believe

8. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) – San Luis Obispo, CA

Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo is where hands-on learning meets hands-down beauty. Nestled in a valley surrounded by golden hills and just a short drive from the Central Coast, the campus feels like a natural extension of the landscape. With a strong emphasis on agriculture, engineering, and applied sciences, its motto—“Learn by Doing”—is embodied in everything from its on-campus vineyards and orchards to its student-built structures and live projects. Architecturally, Cal Poly’s campus is unpretentious but welcoming, with a mix of modern labs and classic brick buildings. The neighboring hills offer endless hiking and biking options, and the nearby downtown SLO provides charm, community, and incredible local food. It's a university where students learn to build things—literally and metaphorically—and where the outdoors isn’t a backdrop, but an integral part of the curriculum. From sunrise hikes to engineering expos, Cal Poly is grounded, inspiring, and refreshingly real.