5 Most Scenic College Campuses Near Sacramento
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
(209) 946-2011
www.pacific.edu
Step foot onto the UOP campus, and you'd think you were touring an Ivy League school. All around, you'll find yourself in the midst of brick buildings with large Romanesque columns with greenery to match. If you've been on your feet the entire day, don't be surprised to find yourself amidst one of their many rose gardens for a quick break. If you're already a student at UOP, consider yourself among the lucky to be part of such a beautiful campus.
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-1011
www.ucdavis.edu
The beautiful UC Davis campus is located right next to the city of Davis, CA. Before UC Merced had its first crop of students back in 2005, UC Davis was the UC of choice if you wanted a world-class education with a small-town feel within driving distance of some of California's best cities and destinations. Although country roads, the smell of farmland, and wide-open tracts of land might be off-putting for a few, there's something that has to be said about the pastoral beauty that is UC Davis. The students, alumni, and surrounding community revel in the beauty of UC Davis during their annual open house aptly dubbed "Picnic Day."
400 W 1st St.
Chico, CA 95929
(530) 898-4636
www.csuchico.edu
Located well within driving distance of Sacramento in the most populous city in Butte County, Chico State is nestled within a rich agricultural valley floor. With Big Chico Creek running right through the center of campus, CSU Chico facilities management have their hands full making sure many of the big trees lining the sidewalks are properly cared for. CSU Chico is a responsible community in that they do their best to take care of all the different types of trees, shrubs, and small gardens surrounding their campus. Building architecture takes its cues from a Romanesque style with Elizabethan gables.
Related: Best Scenic Drives Near Sacramento
6000 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 278-6011
www.csus.edu
Cal State Sacramento has the distinction of being called "Tree Campus USA," boasting more than 3,000 trees of various varieties around campus. You'll be hard pressed not to find a nice place to enjoy your time between classes. Set among 300 acres of tree-lined scenery you'll find the American river to the east with the American River Bike Trail directly running parallel to the river. Students in the know aren't lacking private studying areas with a view, as CSU Sacramento is literally full of them. If you find yourself on campus, take a visit to their arboretum, which is always updating their growing floral inventory.
5200 N. Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343
(209) 228-4400
www.ucmerced.edu
Although this newest and smallest California UC has been in existence for a little over ten years, it's garnered a reputation not only for being a top-notch university but for boasting a green and scenic campus both in how they use their energy and in what the campus looks like. Located smack dab in the middle of the San Joaquin Valley and well within driving distance of the capitol, this small campus packs a scenic punch with the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range visible for most of the year and Lake Yosemite right next door. Have a seat in an armchair on the third floor of Kolligian Library and get ready to be amazed by the stunning sunrises and sunsets as you study. Stick around long enough during the day and you'll get to see UC Merced transform into a beautiful nighttime campus with starlit landscapes above.
