Soka University of America Tours and Activities

Can you believe this fountain? It is right there in the central plaza next to the Founders Hall I posted in my first discovery. The detail is astounding.

[Note: I've posted a large gallery of shots on my blog, some of which will appear here on Trover. If you're looking for the full set, just follow this link: http://www.shootthesun.com/weblog/?p=2223]

Wood Canyon as seen from the rear gardens of the Aetheneum.

[Note: I've posted a large gallery of shots on my blog, some of which will appear here on Trover. If you're looking for the full set, just follow this link: http://www.shootthesun.com/weblog/?p=2223]

Soka University is probably the best-kept secret in all of Orange County, and probably all of California itself. You mention it to the locals and they just give you blank stares.

But it is the kind of place that will stick in your memory for the rest of your life. The grounds of the campus are situated at the ridge between Aliso and Wood Canyons, and command a view of the area that can only be described as staggeringly beautiful.

To say those canyons have competition from the scenery inside the grounds is to make the understatement of this young century.

Established just fifteen short years ago, the university seems to have spared no expense to build a campus worthy of its purpose. Here, you will find a delicate balance of architectural styles - heavily influenced by the very early European Renaissance, but containing elements of post-modernism, classical Greek, medieval Italian and even a hint of Empiric Spain.

But it isn't just a pretty face. The school has been consistently voted best in its treatment of its freshman class. It requires one semester study abroad, and has partnered with universities all over the world to make that a reality.

I'm afraid I didn't do too much looking into the academic side of the house. I was really too overwhelmed by its beauty.

And its calm. Come here on a weekend day and you'll spend most of the time in solitude. This was a welcome change from the parking lot called Highway 1, which took up the bulk of my late afternoon a day earlier.

I could breathe in this place, move from one astounding sight to another and just feel the calm descend over me.

That no-one in Southern California seems to know it exists is almost a comfort, really. It might mean that my second visit, whenever that may happen, will be as blissfully free of the tourist trappings as the first.

Either way, though, I just can't wait to go back.

I've posted a large gallery of shots on my blog, some of which will appear here on Trover. If you're looking for the full set, just follow this link: http://www.shootthesun.com/weblog/?p=2223

Visit Soka University of America

Activities

Aliso Viejo travel guide

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Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel

NZ$1,649

per person

19 Mar - 26 Mar

found 3 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX)

8.2/10 Very Good! (1,622 reviews)

Clean room, easy parking and convenient

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

The Huntley Hotel

Wilshire Montana

Save 100% on your flight

NZ$3,576

per person

19 Mar - 26 Mar

found 3 hours ago

Return direct flight included

Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,214 reviews)

The room was spacious and very clean, which made for a comfortable stay. The front desk staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating throughout my visit. The hotel is also in a great, quiet location, perfect for a relaxing getaway. I would definitely return for another stay!

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

JW Marriott Anaheim Resort

Anaheim Resort

NZ$2,578

per person

17 Mar - 24 Mar

found 21 hours ago

Return flight included

Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,526 reviews)

Everything was great. Scott the Guest Relations Manager was awesome

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Tours & day trips

See all 31 activities

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 16 activities

Private Full day Los Angeles Tour from Irvine

Free cancellation available

Water activities

See all 9 activities

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities

Private Temecula Wine Tour from Irvine

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

After visiting Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Aliso Viejo. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its cosy cafes.

Woods Cove

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Woods Cove during your trip to Laguna Beach? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Soka Performing Arts Center

You can enjoy a show at Soka Performing Arts Center during your stay in Aliso Viejo. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the surfing spots.

Orange County Natural History Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Orange County Natural History Museum in Laguna Niguel. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Alta Laguna Park

Alta Laguna Park is just one of the places to see in Laguna Beach, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its acclaimed art galleries.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park Tennis Center

Catch an event at Laguna Niguel Regional Park Tennis Center during your trip to Laguna Niguel. Stroll along the beaches or discover the area's sunsets.

Top Soka University of America Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

110 Vantis Drive Aliso Viejo CA

Laguna Beach House

475 N Pacific Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

50 Enterprise Aliso Viejo CA

Pacific Edge Hotel

647 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA

Capri Laguna on the Beach

1441 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach)

211 N Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Montage Laguna Beach

30801 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA

La Casa del Camino

1289 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

See all 3,290 properties in Soka University of America

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Soka University of America Tours and Activities

Visit Soka University of America

Plan a trip to see Soka University of America

Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel

The Huntley Hotel

JW Marriott Anaheim Resort

Tours & day trips

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Private & custom tours

Private Full day Los Angeles Tour from Irvine

Water activities

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Food, drink & nightlife

Private Temecula Wine Tour from Irvine

Popular places to visit

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Woods Cove

Soka Performing Arts Center

Orange County Natural History Museum

Alta Laguna Park

Laguna Niguel Regional Park Tennis Center

Top Soka University of America Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Check availability on hotels close to Soka University of America

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach House

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

Pacific Edge Hotel

Capri Laguna on the Beach

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach)

Montage Laguna Beach

La Casa del Camino

The Annual Holiday Sale