CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’: THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE CRAWL
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By Lauren Sorof, Allyson Sorof (SDSU '25) & Sam Sorof (UCSB '28)
So you're thinking about college in California? As Bay Area natives, we totally get it. This is an amazing place to live, learn, and explore! From LA palm trees to Santa Barbara beaches, San Diego surf, Silicon Valley energy, and Berkeley hills, this road trip shows you what living the college life in California could really feel like.
We've got mid-range to high-end hotels, tasty restaurants, and enough California charm to keep it fun for you and your family—or just you if you're road-tripping with friends. Each of these schools has a vibrant sports culture, so see if you can catch a game depending on the season!
Stop 1: Los Angeles – UCLA & USC
Los Angeles has sunny weather almost all year, and campus life is as lively as the city itself. Pick a base between UCLA (Westwood) and USC (Exposition Park), so you can check out both campuses without spending too much time getting around. ☀️🌴
Hotels:
- Conrad Los Angeles – luxury in Downtown LA, closest to USC (about 2 miles away, quick Uber/Metro).
- CitizenM Downtown LA – hip, comfy; convenient for USC.
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Beverly Hills – chic, modern, boutique vibes (closer to UCLA).
- The Line Hotel, Koreatown – rooftop pool, trendy (midway between UCLA and USC).
- Hotel Angeleno, Brentwood – boutique, perfect if you want to stay near UCLA.
- Loews Hollywood Hotel – upscale and central (midway, good for exploring LA).
Places to grab food:
- Broxton Brewery & Public House – burgers and beer, classic college vibe.
- Pinches Tacos – casual and delicious.
- Holbox – trendy Mexican seafood, near USC.
- Bestia – Italian, perfect for treating yourself after exploring the city.
Stop 2: Santa Barbara – UCSB
Drive up Highway 101 or the PCH for some serious California scenery. UCSB sits right on the coast, and the surrounding town has cafés, bars, and boutiques. Some campuses have quads… this one has the Pacific. Rows of surfboards lined up outside the dorms say everything you need to know about the place. Don't let the laid-back atmosphere fool you—students spend as much time in the library as they do catching waves. 🌊🏄♂️
Hotels:
- The Goodland, a Kimpton Hotel – fun and colorful (about 10 minutes from campus).
- Palihouse Santa Barbara – boutique, stylish, and artsy (about 12 minutes from UCSB). Perfect if you want a modern, Instagram-worthy stay while still close to campus.
Food spots:
- The Lark – fun, farm-to-table dinner.
- Los Agaves – casual Mexican, student-friendly.
- D'Angelo Bakery – brunch, pastries, coffee.
Stop 3: San Diego – UCSD & SDSU
San Diego has two very different student vibes. Nestled in La Jolla, University of California, San Diego offers a scenic, coastal campus ideal for focused study sessions or relaxing ocean-side breaks. San Diego State University, closer to downtown, pulses with energy, diverse student events, and a vibrant campus life.
Hotels near UCSD / La Jolla:
- La Jolla Shores Hotel – beachfront, casual upscale (closest to UCSD).
- Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa – boutique, chill vibe.
- Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines – modern and convenient.
Hotels near SDSU / downtown San Diego:
- The Guild Hotel – modern and comfortable (closest to SDSU).
- Hotel Indigo Gaslamp Quarter – stylish and central.
- Omni San Diego Hotel – classic and family-friendly.
Where to eat:
- George's at the Cove – ocean views.
- Herb & Wood – modern California cuisine.
- Las Cuatro Milpas – legendary Mexican.
- Puesto – tacos done right.
Stop 4: Silicon Valley – Stanford University
Heading into the heart of Silicon Valley, the historic campus of Stanford University meets the vibrant downtown of Palo Alto. Tree lined streets, cozy cafés, and boutique shops blend seamlessly with the energy of the tech hub, giving Stanford its reputation as one of the world's most coveted universities. 🌿☕
Hotels:
- Graduate Palo Alto – boutique, fun vibes near Stanford.
- Hotel Citrine Palo Alto – modern comfort (short drive to Stanford).
Food options:
- Evvia Estiatorio – Greek, casual upscale.
- Tamarine – modern Vietnamese, refined.
- Oren's Hummus – quick bites.
- Il Fornaio – Italian, polished but approachable.
- Orenchi Ramen – student-friendly ramen.
- Puesto – elevated Mexican dishes.
Stop 5: Bay Area – UC Berkeley & San Francisco
End your tour in the Bay Area at University of California, Berkeley, a campus with edge, intellect, and unbeatable views of the San Francisco Bay. Check out the Greek Theater schedule; you might want to plan your visit around seeing top musical performers at this iconic outdoor campus amphitheater.
You may also choose to stay in San Francisco (12 miles west of Berkeley campus) to experience iconic architecture, steep hills, and the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.
Hotels near UC Berkeley (college-friendly):
- Graduate Berkeley – boutique, quirky, closest to campus; fun vibe, perfect for snapping pics and feeling the student energy.
- Hotel Shattuck Plaza – historic but casual; central location for exploring downtown Berkeley.
- Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel – higher-end if you want to treat yourself, just a short drive from campus.
Hotels in San Francisco (hip and fun for students):
- Argonaut Hotel – historic waterfront with cool nautical vibe; easy access to Fisherman's Wharf.
- W San Francisco – trendy, rooftop restaurant, great city views, perfect for college-age visitors who want a lively vibe.
- 1 Hotel San Francisco – a spacious modern hotel on the Embarcadero, with views of the city skyline and the San Francisco Bay.
Where to eat:
- Chez Panisse – famous farm-to-table, great for a special dinner (Berkeley).
- Jupiter – casual pizza, outdoor seating, fun atmosphere (Berkeley).
- Gather – modern California cuisine, approachable and tasty (Berkeley).
- Swan Oyster Depot – legendary seafood, local favorite (SF).
- Tony's Pizza Napoletana – award-winning pizza for the ultimate cheat day (SF).
- Boudin Bakery – classic sourdough, perfect for a quick bite (SF).
- San Francisco Ferry Building – marketplace for local eateries, artisan shops, and top cuisine.
If you need help planning your itinerary or travel logistics, please contact Lauren Sorof, a California-based travel advisor.
