Soka University of America

Lilies in commemorative plaza.
Lilies in commemorative plaza.
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
Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The LEEF Hotel

The LEEF Hotel

2 out of 5
Citrus Grove
Price was P108,602, price is now P85,629 per person
P85,629
per person
Mar 16 - Mar 21
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Doha (DOH) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.4/10 Very Good! (326 reviews)
Clean, cozy, comfy and they provide lots of towels, tissue, etc.

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026

Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles

Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles

5 out of 5
Price was P149,255, price is now P118,049 per person
P118,049
per person
Mar 16 - Mar 21
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Doha (DOH) to Los Angeles (LAX)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Excellent room and service. Gift shop closed before it was supposed to, even though employee saw me standing there. Food was bad, so I would stay there again, but would venture out to eat.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Hotel Angeleno

Hotel Angeleno

4 out of 5
Brentwood
Price was P119,215, price is now P96,186 per person
P96,186
per person
Mar 16 - Mar 21
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Doha (DOH) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,942 reviews)
Amenities stood out the most!

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Tours & day trips

See all 33 activities
Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching With Underwater Viewing

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,566 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Laguna Beach Backroads Electric Bike Tour

Laguna Beach Backroads Electric Bike Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 8,788 per adult*
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Water activities

See all 9 activities
Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Newport Beach: Luxury Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
7.8 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,447 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities
Wine Tasting Around the World

Wine Tasting Around the World

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
8.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,515 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park hiking paths in Laguna Beach

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 savor its charming coffeehouses.

Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Nothing like a beautiful sunset to wind down the day. This at Woods Cove, amazing place to watch sunsets

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.

Woods Cove

Soka Performing Arts Center

You can make plans for a show at Soka Performing Arts Center during your trip to Aliso Viejo. Stroll along the seaside or seek out the surfing spots.

Soka Performing Arts Center

Orange County Natural History Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Orange County Natural History Museum during your trip to Laguna Niguel. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Orange County Natural History Museum

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 scene.

Alta Laguna Park

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.

Laguna Niguel Regional Park Tennis Center

Top Hotel Deals

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

3 out of 5
110 Vantis Drive Aliso Viejo CA
Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach House

Laguna Beach House

3 out of 5
475 N Pacific Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA
Laguna Beach House
Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
50 Enterprise Aliso Viejo CA
Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel
Pacific Edge Hotel

Pacific Edge Hotel

3 out of 5
647 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA
Pacific Edge Hotel
Capri Laguna on the Beach

Capri Laguna on the Beach

3 out of 5
1441 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA
Capri Laguna on the Beach
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

5 out of 5
1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach)

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

3.5 out of 5
211 N Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA
Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach)
Montage Laguna Beach

Montage Laguna Beach

5 out of 5
30801 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA
Montage Laguna Beach
La Casa del Camino

La Casa del Camino

3.5 out of 5
1289 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA
La Casa del Camino
See all 3,287 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.