Planning college visits across Southern California? The Sea View Inn offers the ideal location for families exploring the region's diverse universities. Strategically positioned in the heart of the LA area, this welcoming inn puts you within easy reach of multiple campuses, saving you time, stress, and accommodation costs as you tour some of the nation's top schools.
Southern California is home to an exceptional concentration of universities, from prestigious research institutions to specialized arts schools and everything in between. The Sea View Inn's central location allows you to visit multiple campuses without the hassle of packing and unpacking or navigating LA's notorious traffic from distant suburbs.
University of Southern California (USC)
Distance: Approximately 15-20 miles
Located in downtown Los Angeles, USC is one of the nation's leading private research universities. The beautiful campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, and tours typically showcase the renowned School of Cinematic Arts, Marshall School of Business, and Viterbi School of Engineering. Plan for 2-3 hours for your campus tour and information session.
Website: www.usc.edu | Admissions: admission.usc.edu
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Distance: Approximately 20-25 miles
Nestled in the upscale Westwood neighborhood, UCLA is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the country. The sprawling campus in the foothills offers stunning views, world-class facilities, and a vibrant student atmosphere. Don't miss the iconic Royce Hall and the beautiful botanical gardens. Tours run approximately 2 hours.
Website: www.ucla.edu | Admissions: admission.ucla.edu
Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles
Perched on a bluff overlooking Marina del Rey and the Pacific Ocean, LMU offers breathtaking views alongside strong programs in business, film and television, and engineering. The Jesuit university's intimate campus combines academic excellence with a close-knit community feel.
Website: www.lmu.edu | Admissions: admission.lmu.edu
California State University, Long Beach (Cal State Long Beach)
Distance: Approximately 20-25 miles
One of the largest universities in California, Cal State Long Beach, sits just minutes from the beach and offers excellent programs in engineering, business, and the arts. The campus features the renowned Walter Pyramid and beautiful Japanese gardens.
Website: www.csulb.edu | Admissions: www.csulb.edu/admissions
Pepperdine University
Distance: Approximately 35-40 miles
Located in Malibu with panoramic Pacific Ocean views, Pepperdine's campus is consistently rated one of the most beautiful in America. The Christian university is known for strong programs in business, law, and public policy, as well as extensive study abroad opportunities.
Website: www.pepperdine.edu | Admissions: www.pepperdine.edu/admission
Chapman University
Distance: Approximately 35-40 miles
Situated in charming Old Towne Orange, Chapman has rapidly risen in national rankings with powerful film, business, and performing arts programs. The compact, walkable campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings in a picturesque setting.
Website: www.chapman.edu | Admissions: www.chapman.edu/admission
Occidental College
Distance: Approximately 15-20 miles
This prestigious liberal arts college in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles offers rigorous academics in an intimate setting. Known for strong programs in diplomacy, economics, and the sciences, Occidental emphasizes close student-faculty relationships.
Website: www.oxy.edu | Admissions: www.oxy.edu/admission
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Distance: Approximately 25-30 miles
One of the world's premier science and engineering institutions, Caltech's compact Pasadena campus punches well above its weight in research and innovation. Tours of this elite institution offer insight into cutting-edge research facilities and Nobel Prize-winning faculty.
Website: www.caltech.edu | Admissions: www.admissions.caltech.edu
University of California, Irvine (UCI)
Distance: Approximately 40-45 miles
UCI's modern campus in Orange County features a distinctive circular layout and is consistently ranked among the top public universities. Known for strong programs in computer science, biological sciences, and engineering, the campus offers state-of-the-art facilities.
Website: www.uci.edu | Admissions: admission.uci.edu
California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)
Distance: Approximately 30-35 miles
One of the largest universities in the CSU system, Cal State Fullerton, offers excellent value with strong programs in business, communications, and engineering. The sprawling campus serves a diverse student body.
Website: www.fullerton.edu | Admissions: www.fullerton.edu/admissions
California State University, Northridge (CSUN)
Distance: Approximately 30-35 miles
Located in the San Fernando Valley, CSUN is one of the largest single-campus universities in California. Known for strong programs in business, engineering, cinema, and television arts, and as a leader in accessibility and support for students with disabilities.
Website: www.csun.edu | Admissions: www.csun.edu/admissions
Peak Visiting Seasons:
Spring (March-May) - Most popular time for junior year students
Fall (September-November) - Ideal for seniors finalizing their lists
By Grade Level:
Times to Avoid:
Sample 3-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Westside Schools
Day 2: Downtown & Central LA
Day 3: Orange County Schools
Book Tours in Advance: Popular schools like UCLA and USC fill up quickly, especially during peak visiting season (spring and fall). Reserve your spots 2-4 weeks ahead through each school's admissions website.
Allow Travel Time: Although distances may appear short, LA traffic can be unpredictable. Budget 45-60 minutes for most campus drives, and use Google Maps traffic feature to plan departure times.
Visit on Class Days: Schedule visits for Tuesday through Thursday when campus life is most active. Avoid visiting during finals week or breaks.
Explore Beyond the Tour: Plan extra time to walk around campus independently, grab food in student dining areas, and sit in on a class if permitted.
Bring Questions: Prepare specific questions about programs, housing, internships, and student life for tour guides and admissions counselors.
Sea View Inn Amenities for College-Hunting Families
While college tours are your priority, the Sea View Inn's location also offers easy access to Southern California attractions for downtime:
Choosing the right university is one of life's most important decisions, and visiting campuses in person provides invaluable insight beyond brochures and websites. The Sea View Inn eliminates the hassle of constantly relocating during your Southern California college tour, allowing you to focus on what matters: finding the perfect fit for your educational future.
With over a dozen major universities within a 45-mile radius, you can efficiently explore diverse options—from large research universities to intimate liberal arts colleges, from beachside campuses to urban settings—all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a single home base.
Ready to plan your Southern California college tour? Book your stay at the Sea View Inn and discover why families choose us as their college visit headquarters. Contact us for special rates for extended stays and recommendations for efficient tour routing.
Image by Katz Gohsend from Pixabay
