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

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Top 10 Hotels Near Soka University of America

"Nice place to stay . Good size rooms . Will definitely comeback to this place."

RM683 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Oct - 1 Nov

"Pool are was nice and patio dining great atmosphere "

RM863 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

"Excellent, unique boutique property that captures the essence of Laguna Beach "

"Nice stay for quick access to Beach towns and shopping very comfortable relaxing time! "

"Wonderful staff, quiet and clean hotel. Happy hour everyday and breakfast is great with omelette and everything!! "

RM692 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

"Awesome convenient motel. Staff was friendly and accommodating and we really enjoyed our stay!"

RM817 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Nov - 6 Nov

"Stayed here many times, always great."

RM557 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Nov - 4 Nov

"Excellent value especially ocean view for the price"

Beach nearby, beach umbrellas, beach towels

"Nice Hotel. Very close to the beach and city."

RM1,221 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

"The best stay I’ve ever had that’s not even hyperbole "

RM712 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

"Fantastic ocean view and location."

RM1,756 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Oct - 10 Oct

"Love the proximity to the beach and the beautiful view"

RM859 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

"Staff were very friendly and helpful."

1 bedroom, Frette Italian sheets, premium bedding, down duvets

"Wonderful hotel, excellent location and friendliest staff! Loved it!"

RM1,167 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

"Amazing place to stay. "

RM1,013 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Oct - 29 Oct

"the room was very nice and a great price "

"Great room, views, service and amenities. "

RM2,775 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Oct - 11 Oct

"Great accommodations great stay!"

RM488 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

"Great location for access to the main beach and restaurants in Laguna Beach."

RM1,629 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Nov - 6 Nov

"It was a nice stay"

RM577 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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Top Soka University of America Hotel Reviews

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

10/10 Excellent

"The beach was incredibly beautiful and clean. Hotel rooms are modern, clean, and the views are to die for. 11/10 would come back!"

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 Pacific Edge Hotel.

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, Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas and Soka Performing Arts Center. Spend some time exploring the the natural beauty of Main Beach Park, Heisler Park and Crescent Bay Point Park.

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Hotels near Soka University of America

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Top 10 Hotels Near Soka University of America

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

Laguna Hills Lodge

Laguna Hills Lodge

Ayres Hotel Laguna Woods - Aliso Viejo

Ayres Hotel Laguna Woods - Aliso Viejo

The Tides Laguna Beach

The Tides Laguna Beach

Hampton Inn & Suites Mission Viejo

Hampton Inn & Suites Mission Viejo

Laguna Cove Hotel

Laguna Cove Hotel

Laguna Beach House

Laguna Beach House

Studio in Quiet Gated SFR Community

Studio in Quiet Gated SFR Community

Capri Laguna on the Beach

Capri Laguna on the Beach

La Casa del Camino

La Casa del Camino

14 West Hotel

14 West Hotel

Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach

Le Petit Pali Laguna Beach

SCP Seven4One

SCP Seven4One

Crescent Bay Inn

Crescent Bay Inn

Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels

Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels

Comfort Inn & Suites Irvine Spectrum

Comfort Inn & Suites Irvine Spectrum

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

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

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Mission Viejo / Orange County

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Mission Viejo / Orange County

Top Soka University of America Hotel Reviews

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

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