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

Top Hotels Near Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo from NZ$176

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Our top choices for Soka University of America hotels

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

3 km from Soka University of America

TODD

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

2.9 km from Soka University of America

Andrea

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Laguna Surf

4.6 km from Soka University of America

Kristen

Ayres Hotel Laguna Woods - Aliso Viejo

6.1 km from Soka University of America

John Edward

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

The Tides Laguna Beach

5.3 km from Soka University of America

Marc

includes taxes & fees

18 Jan - 19 Jan 2026

Beach nearby, beach umbrellas, beach towels

Laguna Beach House

5.3 km from Soka University of America

Alexa Eugena

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

4.4 km from Soka University of America

Kelly

Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach

4.7 km from Soka University of America

Rosanna

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Deluxe Room, Ocean View | View from room

Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels

4.5 km from Soka University of America

robert

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

3 outdoor pools, pool cabanas (surcharge), pool umbrellas

Montage Laguna Beach

4.9 km from Soka University of America

jacci

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026

Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

10.5 km from Soka University of America

Michael

3 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Californian cuisine

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

4.8 km from Soka University of America

Amelia

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace, Beachfront | Terrace/patio

Capri Laguna on the Beach

4.5 km from Soka University of America

Melisa

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

SCP Seven4One

4.5 km from Soka University of America

Tyler

includes taxes & fees

14 Jan - 15 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Mission Viejo

6.1 km from Soka University of America

Robert

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Outdoor pool, open 8 AM to 9 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Hotel Joaquin

5.8 km from Soka University of America

Dakarai

includes taxes & fees

25 Jan - 26 Jan 2026

Laguna Hills Lodge

7 km from Soka University of America

Jane

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Courtyard Irvine Spectrum

11.4 km from Soka University of America

Reza

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

The Resort at Pelican Hill

10.5 km from Soka University of America

Kimberly

includes taxes & fees

25 Jan - 26 Jan 2026

Outdoor pool, open 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers

Tiller House, Laguna Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

8 km from Soka University of America

James

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026

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Top Soka University of America Hotel Reviews

Capri Laguna on the Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Price, amenities, and service exceeded my expectations. Would do it again!"

Montage Laguna Beach

10/10 Excellent

"First class from check-in to check-out. I didn’t expect this level of hospitality here. Matt at the front desk and everyone else made us feel very at home. The property is very nice to walk am the facials at the spa (Brittany) were top notch. I forgot the name of the bartender/barista that makes the coffee in the mornings but he is going to put the local coffee shops out of business. Thank you for a great time. "

Hotels near other Soka University of America attractions

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

4.6/5 (17 reviews)

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 seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

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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 seaside or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Soka University of America?

Soka University of America is located in a welcoming area of Aliso Viejo known for its cosy cafes and surfing. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 7 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

Where is the best place to stay close to Soka University of America?

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers free breakfast and an outdoor pool. It's located 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Soka University of America. Other good choices within a few miles include Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel and La Casa del Camino.

How many hotels are there close to Soka University of America?

Expedia has 7 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Soka University of America.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Soka University of America, will I receive a refund?

Yes! Most hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of your arrival date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and receive a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Add dates, click "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals available near Soka University of America.

What can I see and do near Soka University of America?

You'll want to browse the exhibits at Orange County Natural History Museum and Laguna Art Museum. You can check out the local talent at Festival of Arts, Laguna Playhouse and Rivian South Coast Theater. Spend some time exploring the the natural beauty of Main Beach Park, Heisler Park and Crescent Bay Point Park.

Top Hotels Near Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo from NZ$176

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Treat yourself

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Our top choices for Soka University of America hotels

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

Laguna Surf

Ayres Hotel Laguna Woods - Aliso Viejo

The Tides Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach House

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach

Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels

Montage Laguna Beach

Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Capri Laguna on the Beach

SCP Seven4One

Hampton Inn & Suites Mission Viejo

Hotel Joaquin

Laguna Hills Lodge

Courtyard Irvine Spectrum

The Resort at Pelican Hill

Tiller House, Laguna Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Top Soka University of America Hotel Reviews

Capri Laguna on the Beach

Hotels near other Soka University of America attractions

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

Orange County Natural History Museum

Frequently asked questions