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

Book a hotel near Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo

Name: Laguna Beach House
Price range: $260 total

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Top hotels close to Soka University of America

Located above the Village . Ocean Views from every level, amazing bird sanctuary

Laguna Beach CA

1.64 mi from Soka University of America

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This villa features an outdoor pool and a gym. Enjoy the hot tub and conveniences like a garden and laundry facilities.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach

110 Vantis Drive Aliso Viejo CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

1.79 mi from Soka University of America

$147 nightly

$162 total

Mar 8 - Mar 9

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features an outdoor pool and a gym. Business travelers can take advantage of the free WiFi in public areas. Enjoy the free buffet breakfast each morning.

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

50 Enterprise Aliso Viejo CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

1.88 mi from Soka University of America

$215 nightly

$237 total

Mar 13 - Mar 14

Total with taxes and fees

Free water park access, a full-service spa, and 3 outdoor pools are all featured at this smoke-free hotel. There's fun for all ages with a children's club and a children's pool, and babysitting is an added bonus. Enjoy a meal from the restaurant and perks like free WiFi.

Pool

Hot Tub

Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa

2510 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

2.73 mi from Soka University of America

$249 nightly

$284 total

Mar 1 - Mar 2

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. A coffee shop, a terrace, and a garden are also on offer.

Pool

Spa

Capri Laguna on the Beach

1441 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

2.77 mi from Soka University of America

$285 nightly

$325 total

Mar 9 - Mar 10

Total with taxes and fees

An outdoor pool, free self parking, and laundry facilities are featured at this hotel. Guests will appreciate free perks like on-the-go breakfast and WiFi in public areas. A business center, a terrace, and a lobby fireplace are also on offer.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

2.79 mi from Soka University of America

$770 nightly

$879 total

Mar 15 - Mar 16

Total with taxes and fees

A full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant are all featured at this smoke-free hotel. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the express check-out, laundry service, and valet parking. Make the most of the gym and hot tub, and relax with drinks at one of the 2 bars/lounges.

Pool

Hot Tub

La Casa del Camino

1289 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

2.8 mi from Soka University of America

$136 nightly

$155 total

Mar 2 - Mar 3

Total with taxes and fees

A restaurant and a bar/lounge are featured at this hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. A lobby fireplace, luggage storage, and wedding services are also on offer.

14 West Hotel

690 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

2.8 mi from Soka University of America

$135 nightly

$154 total

Mar 4 - Mar 5

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features an outdoor pool and a gym. Business travelers can take advantage of the 24-hour business center. Self parking, concierge services, and barbecue grills are also on offer.

Pool

Pet friendly

Pacific Edge Hotel

647 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

2.82 mi from Soka University of America

$179 nightly

$204 total

Mar 1 - Mar 2

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features 2 restaurants, 2 outdoor pools, and a hot tub. Spend a day at the beach surfing, or relax with sun loungers and beach umbrellas. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the conference space and valet parking.

Montage Laguna Beach

30801 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA

3.04 mi from Soka University of America

$885 nightly

$1,011 total

Mar 12 - Mar 13

Total with taxes and fees

A full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and 3 outdoor pools are all featured at this luxury hotel. Enjoy beachfront dining and relax with sun loungers and beach umbrellas. There's fun for all ages with a children's club and a children's pool, and families will appreciate the onsite laundry facilities.

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

211 N Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

3.06 mi from Soka University of America

$284 nightly

$324 total

Mar 29 - Mar 30

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features an outdoor pool and a hot tub. WiFi in public areas is free. Self parking, a terrace, and dry cleaning are also offered.

Laguna Beach House

475 N Pacific Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA

Free Cancellation

Reserve now, pay when you stay

3.28 mi from Soka University of America

$228 nightly

$260 total

Mar 29 - Mar 30

Total with taxes and fees

This hotel features an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Traveling on business? Take advantage of the business center and free WiFi in public areas. Self parking, a terrace, and a garden are also offered.

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Soka University of America hotels essential information

Accommodation	3,334 hotels
Lowest Price	$154
Highest Price	$1,011
Popular hotels	Pacific Edge Hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton Aliso Viejo - Laguna Beach, Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel, Located above the Village . Ocean Views from every level, amazing bird sanctuary, Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, Capri Laguna on the Beach, Casa Loma Beach Hotel (formerly The Inn at Laguna Beach), Laguna Beach House, La Casa del Camino, Montage Laguna Beach, Casa Laguna Hotel & Spa, 14 West Hotel

Recent Soka University of America hotel reviews by fellow wanderers

Laguna Beach House

5 out of 5

Posted 4 days ago

Travelocity Verified Review

"This is a quiet, comfortable hotel with spacious rooms. The top floor offers a beautiful panoramic ocean view, and the staff is courteous and welcoming. Parking is also conveniently available. My only concerns were the use of unsecured websites for posting reviews, some confusing pre‑check‑in email communication, and a flat amenities fee that was charged without considering weather conditions that made certain amenities unusable. Addressing these issues would make the overall experience even better."

A verified traveler stayed at Laguna Beach House