Soka University of America

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
This is a view of the Athletic Center. That's right, the Athletic Center. [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]
Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The LEEF Hotel

The LEEF Hotel

2 out of 5
Citrus Grove
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Price was HK$4,354, price is now HK$2,389 per person
HK$2,389
per person
22 Apr - 25 Apr
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.6/10 Excellent! (540 reviews)
Great place to stay! It would be even better if there was a microwave in the room for added convenience.

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026

Glendale Hotel

Glendale Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Somerset
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Price was HK$4,155, price is now HK$2,515 per person
HK$2,515
per person
22 Apr - 25 Apr
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,076 reviews)
Clean and great service Location great Large rooms Fantastic beds

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Beverly Laurel Hotel at West Hollywood

Beverly Laurel Hotel at West Hollywood

3 out of 5
Beverly Grove
Save 100% on your flight
Price was HK$5,395, price is now HK$3,501 per person
HK$3,501
per person
22 Apr - 25 Apr
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Vancouver (YVR) to Los Angeles (LAX)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,023 reviews)
There was constant background noise. But other than that, everything else was great. And if it had been explained better, we wouldn't have used the valet service since there are plenty of parking spots nearby.

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026

Tours & day trips

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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 HK$744 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Newport Beach: Scenic Air Tour over OC Beaches

Newport Beach: Scenic Air Tour over OC Beaches

Activity duration is 25 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$2,491 per traveller*
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Water activities

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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 HK$562 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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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 HK$470 per adult
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Top Soka University of America Hotel Deals

Pacific Edge Hotel

Pacific Edge Hotel

3 out of 5
647 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA
Pacific Edge Hotel
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
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
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

5 out of 5
1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
Located above the Village . Ocean Views from every level, amazing bird sanctuary

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

Laguna Beach CA
Located above the Village . Ocean Views from every level, amazing bird sanctuary
La Casa del Camino

La Casa del Camino

3.5 out of 5
1289 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach CA
La Casa del Camino
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
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)
Laguna Beach House

Laguna Beach House

3 out of 5
475 N Pacific Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA
Laguna Beach House
See all 3,327 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.

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