san francisco university tours

Javascript is currently disabled...

This page requires a browser feature called JavaScript. All modern browsers support JavaScript. You probably just need to change a setting in order to turn it on.

Please see: How to enable JavaScript in your browser .

If you use ad-blocking software, it may require you to allow JavaScript from this site. Once you've enabled JavaScript you can try loading this page again.

Verify Your Address

Please confirm your address and complete any missing information below.

Take an On Campus Tour! Registration

Thank you for your interest in visiting SF State!

We offer a 1-hour guided walking tour of campus for prospective undergraduate students and families. Please note: Our campus tours are completely outdoors and do not include indoor spaces (no classroom or housing interiors). For a look inside a furnished room, please visit our virtual 360 tour online. 

What do we consider to be the best part of our tours?

You'll hear everything directly from an SF State student's perspective. Our amazing student tour guides will guide you along campus pathways and can answer your questions about what life is like at SF State.

Explore the campus community, learn about the many academic programs and resources we offer, and explore the several unique Bay Area attractions nearby.

Select a day below to sign up for a tour!

Registration is limited to three (3) people per registration, (student and two guests). Thank you for understanding!

Primary Phone Country Code +1 : Canada; United States of America; Virgin Islands (U.S.) +7 : Russian Federation +20 : Egypt +27 : South Africa +30 : Greece +31 : Netherlands +32 : Belgium +33 : France +34 : Spain +36 : Hungary +39 : Italy +40 : Romania +41 : Switzerland +43 : Austria +44 : Guernsey; Isle of Man; Jersey; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland +45 : Denmark +46 : Sweden +47 : Norway +48 : Poland +49 : Germany +51 : Peru +52 : Mexico +53 : Cuba +54 : Argentina +55 : Brazil +56 : Chile +57 : Colombia +58 : Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) +60 : Malaysia +61 : Australia; Christmas Island; Cocos (Keeling) Islands +62 : Indonesia +63 : Philippines +64 : New Zealand; Pitcairn +65 : Singapore +66 : Thailand +76 : Kazakhstan +77 : Kazakhstan +81 : Japan +82 : Korea (Republic of) +84 : Viet Nam +86 : China +90 : Turkey +91 : India +92 : Pakistan +93 : Afghanistan +94 : Sri Lanka +95 : Myanmar +98 : Iran (Islamic Republic of) +211 : South Sudan +212 : Morocco; Western Sahara +213 : Algeria +216 : Tunisia +218 : Libya +220 : Gambia +221 : Senegal +222 : Mauritania +223 : Mali +224 : Guinea +225 : Côte d'Ivoire +226 : Burkina Faso +227 : Niger +228 : Togo +229 : Benin +230 : Mauritius +231 : Liberia +232 : Sierra Leone +233 : Ghana +234 : Nigeria +235 : Chad +236 : Central African Republic +237 : Cameroon +238 : Cabo Verde; Cape Verde Islands +239 : Sao Tome and Principe +240 : Equatorial Guinea +241 : Gabon +242 : Congo +243 : Congo (Democratic Republic of the) +244 : Angola +245 : Guinea-Bissau +246 : British Indian Ocean Territory +248 : Seychelles +249 : Sudan +250 : Rwanda +251 : Ethiopia +252 : Somalia +253 : Djibouti +254 : Kenya +255 : Tanzania, United Republic of +256 : Uganda +257 : Burundi +258 : Mozambique +260 : Zambia +261 : Madagascar +262 : Mayotte; Reunion +263 : Zimbabwe +264 : Namibia +265 : Malawi +266 : Lesotho +267 : Botswana +268 : Swaziland +269 : Comoros; Mayotte Island +290 : Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha +291 : Eritrea +297 : Aruba +298 : Faroe Islands +299 : Greenland +350 : Gibraltar +351 : Portugal +352 : Luxembourg +353 : Ireland +354 : Iceland +355 : Albania +356 : Malta +357 : Cyprus +358 : Åland Islands; Finland +359 : Bulgaria +370 : Lithuania +371 : Latvia +372 : Estonia +373 : Moldova (Republic of) +374 : Armenia +375 : Belarus +376 : Andorra +377 : Monaco +378 : San Marino +379 : Holy See +380 : Ukraine +381 : Serbia +382 : Montenegro +383 : Republic of Kosovo +385 : Croatia +386 : Slovenia +387 : Bosnia and Herzegovina +389 : Macedonia (the former Yugoslav Republic of) +420 : Czech Republic +421 : Slovakia +423 : Liechtenstein +500 : Falkland Islands (Malvinas); South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands +501 : Belize +502 : Guatemala +503 : El Salvador +504 : Honduras +505 : Nicaragua +506 : Costa Rica +507 : Panama +508 : Saint Pierre and Miquelon +509 : Haiti +590 : Guadeloupe; Saint Barthélemy; Saint Martin (French part) +591 : Bolivia (Plurinational State of) +592 : Guyana +593 : Ecuador +594 : French Guiana +595 : Paraguay +596 : Martinique +597 : Suriname +598 : Uruguay +599 : Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba; Curaçao; Netherlands Antilles +670 : Timor-Leste +672 : Antarctica; Norfolk Island +673 : Brunei Darussalam +674 : Nauru +675 : Papua New Guinea +676 : Tonga +677 : Solomon Islands +678 : Vanuatu +679 : Fiji +680 : Palau +681 : Wallis and Futuna +682 : Cook Islands +683 : Niue +685 : Samoa +686 : Kiribati +687 : New Caledonia +688 : Tuvalu +689 : French Polynesia +690 : Tokelau +691 : Micronesia (Federated States of) +692 : Marshall Islands +850 : Korea (Democratic People's Republic of) +852 : Hong Kong +853 : Macao +855 : Cambodia +856 : Lao People's Democratic Republic +880 : Bangladesh +886 : Taiwan +960 : Maldives +961 : Lebanon +962 : Jordan +963 : Syrian Arab Republic +964 : Iraq +965 : Kuwait +966 : Saudi Arabia +967 : Yemen +968 : Oman +970 : Palestine, State of +971 : United Arab Emirates +972 : Israel +973 : Bahrain +974 : Qatar +975 : Bhutan +976 : Mongolia +977 : Nepal +992 : Tajikistan +993 : Turkmenistan +994 : Azerbaijan +995 : Georgia +996 : Kyrgyzstan +998 : Uzbekistan +1242 : Bahamas +1246 : Barbados +1264 : Anguilla +1268 : Antigua and Barbuda +1284 : Virgin Islands (British) +1345 : Cayman Islands +1441 : Bermuda +1473 : Grenada +1649 : Turks and Caicos Islands +1664 : Montserrat +1670 : Northern Mariana Islands +1671 : Guam +1684 : American Samoa +1721 : Sint Maarten (Dutch part) +1758 : Saint Lucia +1767 : Dominica +1784 : Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; St. Vincent and The Gren +1787 : Puerto Rico +1809 : Dominican Republic +1829 : Dominican Republic +1849 : Dominican Republic +1868 : Trinidad and Tobago +1869 : Saint Kitts and Nevis +1876 : Jamaica +1939 : Puerto Rico +4779 : Svalbard and Jan Mayen

I'd like to receive text and voice messages to this number and I have read the opt-in policy .

• Privacy Policy
• © 2024 San Francisco State University
• 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
• p: (415) 338-6486
• e: [email protected]

High School Search

Enter your location info below to find your high school (Home schooled? Click here ).

Alternatively, enter your high school code:

College Search

Alternatively, enter your college code:

Text and Voice Message Opt-in Policy

Your web browser is not supported.

You're using a web browser that we currently do not support. You will need to download the latest version of a supported browser.

We recommend the following browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Internet Explorer

• Skip to main content
• Skip to local site navigation
• Skip to sidebar
• San Francisco State University
• A–Z Index
• Search Tools
• Search SF State

Future Students

Admitted students: attend sneak preview on april 8th.

• How to Apply
• Application Central
• Dates + Deadlines
• Costs + Financial Aid
• Degrees + Majors
• Campus Life
• Visit SF State
• Campus Tours
• College Portrait
• Famous Alumni

Word on the Street

Visiting the campus.

• Ask a Question
• Student Success Measures

Search Future Students

Find us on Facebook and Twitter

More Word on the Street ...

Printable e-brochures in .pdf format are available for download on the Student Outreach Services website.

Website Feedback

Email: [email protected]

Last Update: 08-03-2016

SF State is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood in the southwest corner of San Francisco, just minutes away from downtown and the Pacific Ocean. Take a look at our campus map to get oriented.

The address of the main campus is 1600 Holloway Avenue, at 19th Avenue, near the Stonestown Galleria Shopping Center and Lake Merced. SF State is easily accessible by public transportation or private vehicle . Keep in mind that parking lots fill early when the University is in session, so be sure to plan ahead.

If you're looking for SF State souvenirs or need to purchase a textbook, visit the SF State Bookstore .

• Public Transportation

Stuff to Do around San Francisco

As an SF State student, you'll get to experience one of the world's best-loved cities for yourself. There's so much to do here that it's hard to know where to start. But here are a few suggestions:

Hop on a cable car, grab a pole and hang on for one of the wildest rides of your life. Jump off near Ghirardelli Square and indulge in a piece of chocolate. Wander down toward Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf and say hello to the sea lions, nibble on crab cocktail and check out the wacky street performers.

Take a stroll through Golden Gate Park , enjoy an art or film festival, and check out the latest IMAX film at the Metreon .

The Bay Area is big on sports, so you'll be able to catch the Golden State Warriors , San Francisco Giants , Oakland Athletics , San Francisco 49ers , Oakland Raiders , and the San Jose Sharks in action.

Check out one of the best science museums you'll ever visit, the Exploratorium , as well as fabulous art exhibits at the de Young | Legion of Honor and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art .

San Francisco is a city that loves music, so you'll find plenty to listen to whether you're into the symphony and ballet or the club scene .

When you're ready to explore beyond San Francisco, the Bay Area is full of exciting destinations for daytrips or weekend getaways.

Throw a Frisbee at one of Marin County's breathtaking beaches. Wander the wine country of Napa and Sonoma counties . Camp, hike and climb at spectacular Yosemite National Park . Go tubing or kayaking on the Russian River . Hike up Mt. Tamalpais . Ski and snowboard at Lake Tahoe. There's more to explore than any student has time for!

Nearby Hotels and Motels

If you're planning to stay overnight while visiting the main campus, consider these nearby options. The following list is presented for information only, and is not as an endorsement for any specific commercial enterprise:

• Alpine Inn & Suites, 560 Carter St., Daly City 94014, (415) 334-6969
• Beach Motel, 4211 Judah @47th Ave. SF 94118, (415) 681-6618
• Days Inn*, 2600 Sloat Blvd. SF 94116, (415) 665-9000
• FlipKey Vacation Rentals
• Great Highway Motor Inn, 1234 Great Highway SF 94122, (415) 731-6644
• Hampton Inn, 2700 Junipero Serra Blvd., Daly City 94015, (650) 755-7500
• Ocean Park Hotel, 2690 46th Ave. SF 94116, (415) 566-7020
• Seal Rock Inn*, 545 Point Lobos Ave. SF 94121, (415) 752-8000

*Wheelchair accessible

• SF State Home
• 1600 Holloway Avenue . San Francisco . CA 94132 . Tel (415) 338-1111

• Search SF State Search SF State Button SF State This Site

Group Campus Tour Program

Group Tours

The  guided campus tour  is a walking tour on pathways  outside academic buildings  that takes approximately one hour. The guided campus tour encompasses the central academic part of the campus. Tours of other facilities are arranged through that specific department/office. (Email addresses and phone numbers of SF State departments and programs are available in our A-Z directory .) Tours are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and must be made by an adult group leader/chaperone.

Bringing Groups of Students

The Group Campus Tour Program is designed for schools, organizations, and community groups interested in bringing a group of K-12 or college-level students to learn more about what SF State offers.

Chaperone Responsibility

We require one chaperone for every ten minors on our campus, at minimum (i.e., a group of 50 students requires five chaperones. We ask that chaperones be involved with the visit--participating in the group tour and monitoring student behavior).  Chaperones must provide ongoing supervision for the group at all times.

Student Responsibility

SF State expects students to respect each other, our student guide, staff, presenters, and property. The purpose of this tour is for students to explore options in higher education and learn about some of what SF State offers. Though this is a fun experience, and our students welcome the opportunity to ask questions and engage, students must know that they are guests on our campus.

Submit a Group Tour Ticket

Book a group tour with the Admissions Welcome Center. 

If you have any questions regarding an existing scheduled tour, please email us at  [email protected]  or call us at (415) 338-7168.

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: (415) 338-2355

Office Hours

Quick links.

• Undergraduate Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Office of International Programs
• Gator Smart Start

The Complete Guide to Touring San Francisco’s Top Universities

As a national hub of the country’s best culture, fine arts, restaurants, and iconic scenery, it’s no surprise that San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area also boast some of the U.S.’s top colleges and universities.

Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, a personal charter bus rental is the perfect way to keep your tour group organized. From small groups of friends to a class trip with your school, GOGO Charters will make sure everyone travels comfortably on your tour of the Bay Area’s best universities.

As you’re narrowing down your college choices, planning can quickly become overwhelming. We talked to a few universities to make your bus tour run smoothly. Keep reading below to find out how to make the most of your trip at each of these top schools:

University of California, Berkeley

Known for its programs in social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, engineering, and even English language and literature, Berkeley is one of the top-preferred schools in the U.S.

Load into your minibus for a day trip over to this beautiful campus. If your party is greater than 10, you’ll need to reserve a spot for a private tour two weeks in advance of your date. Or, if you want to take a self-guided tour, Berkeley provides a few maps of their must-see campus spots.

Parking can be a little tricky since buses are not allowed to park on campus during business hours (Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm). Outside of these hours, though, space is available at the Southwest Crescent, which can be entered at the intersection of Center Street and Oxford Street. Parallel parking is also available along the street by the crescent– just remember that you’ll need to pay per hour per space that your bus takes up.

During business hours, buses may load and unload at the Southwest Crescent, but they may not park. If you’re concerned about where to store your bus during the day, our reservation agents will seek out parking and staging areas after you make your reservation! Call us any time at 1-855-826-6770 for more information.

University of California, San Francisco

Another branch of the state’s extensive University of California system, UC San Francisco is a top choice for many aspiring medical students. This university is entirely dedicated to health sciences and is home to the oldest medical school in the western United States.

UCSF includes multiple locations across the city, with their main campus located at Parnassus Heights. Since all campus locations are very urban with limited space, the school advises that private tour buses do not drive directly through campuses when they can avoid it, particularly at their Parnassus location. Private buses are not allowed to park on any campus, though they may quickly pick up or drop off passengers as long as there is enough room for cars to pass.

Tour bus parking is available through San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency . Golden Gate Park’s areas 7, 8, are the closest bus parking areas to the main Parnassus campus, according to SFMTA’s Citywide Tour Bus Loading and Parking Map .

To schedule a tour, contact your campus of choice to set up a time.

Due to limited space, we recommend keeping it small with an 18-passenger minibus for your group tour of UCSF.

University of San Francisco

Image Source: Michael Fraley, Wikimedia Commons

Not to be confused with the University of California at San Francisco, the University of San Francisco is located in the heart of the city, with all of San Francisco’s best destinations, restaurants, landmarks, and more within about a 4-mile radius.

Group tours for 5 or more can be scheduled through the university’s website . Private buses can drop off passengers 24 hours a day in the white zone in front of the War Memorial Gym, at 2335 Golden Gate Avenue.

Buses can park for the day at the nearby Ocean Beach lot, located at Great Highway and Balboa Street.

Stanford University

Though it’s about a 45-minute drive from San Francisco, Stanford is still one of the top school choices for many bay-area students. With its close proximity to Silicon Valley and its reputation as a leader among science, engineering, and humanities education, Stanford is one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Tour groups are allowed to visit Stanford as long as they follow their tourist visit policies. Groups are allowed to visit but must not disrupt daily activities. They must adhere to a few simple rules, such as refraining from roaming through private campus buildings, leaving trash on campus, or talking loudly or smoking in front of campus buildings.

You can request access for your private bus prior to your visit to avoid ticketing, towing, or other fees. Bus loading zones are available on Lasuen Street. While bus access to the Oval is usually prohibited, your group can request authorization to access this historic campus location!

Scheduling your Campus Tour

Let us make it easy for you to visit your favorite campuses. While you’re busy making a million other school-related choices, we’ll help make sure your college tour experience is comfortable and efficient.

Get started by checking out our minibus pricing guide or our complete guide to charter bus rentals. Or, simply call our reservation specialists any time at 1-855-826-6770 to book your bus for your next campus tour!

Recent Posts

• Your Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide
• Average Vacation Costs in 2024: Transportation, Entertainment, and Budgeting Tips
• 20 Best Multigenerational Travel Destinations in the U.S.
• 88 Must-Know Travel Statistics by Age Group for 2024
• Top 25 Affordable Warm Weather Destinations in the U.S. for Winter Travel
• 15 Best Corporate Retreat Locations in California
• The Benefits of Shuttles for Healthcare Workers
• Top 30 Offsite Locations for Large Groups in Washington, D.C.

GOGO Social

Do you need to rent a charter bus, do you need a long-term shuttle service.

We offer contracted shuttle services for businesses, schools, hotels, and more. Contact our experts at 1-844-897-5201 to discuss your long-term transportation plans.

Overall Rating : 10 out of 10 from 416 unique reviews

Our website requires JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. Not sure how?

Home » Admissions » Visit Us

Seeing our urban campus in the heart of San Francisco in person is an experience you don’t want to miss. It is also one of the best ways to preview what it’s like to be a student here. Our campus and housing tours have it all, including personalized information from our tour guides. We also hold open house events in cities across the nation for those who want to see what makes the Academy an ideal place to get an art and design degree.

Talk to an Admissions Rep

Explore more about the Academy with a virtual consultation that will include:

• Personalized overview of your area of interest
• Your learning preferences for online, onsite, and hybrid options
• Our industry-standard facilities and campus housing
• Receive guidance on the application and next steps

Visit Our Campus

Our campus tours staff invites you to join us in person in San Francisco for guided walkthroughs every Wednesday through Saturday. Schedule your tour(s) to learn more about programs that interest you as we show you through our academic buildings, lab spaces, residence halls, and student galleries. Each tour takes about 1 hour and may include walking, stairs, ramps, riding one of our shuttles, or using a ride-share service; please share any accommodations you may need so that we can provide the best experience for you and any guests.

Please schedule a tour using the link below or contact [email protected] if you have questions and to arrange large-group visits.

Open Houses

Discover your creative potential at one of our Open Houses.

• Meet academy alumni & get portfolio feedback (optional)
• Learn about accredited degrees in one of our many areas of art & design, admissions, campus life & more
• View demonstrations of flexible online classes
• Attend financial aid workshops and meet with Financial Aid Representatives
• Enroll in Pre-College Art Experience programs for high school students
• Complete your application & registration with an Admissions Representative

Spring Show 2024

Explore the 2024 virtual spring show.

Spring Show is a dizzying array of boundless creativity, showcasing the best portfolio work from Academy of Art University graduating students across 22 different schools. The show is a stunning testament to the Academy’s commitment to hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring and networking opportunities, and real work experience. Spring Show is also a fantastic recruitment opportunity for employers; Academy graduates are well-prepared to enter the working world. View this year’s outstanding work.

• Search SF State Search SF State Button SF State This Site

Take a Tour of Housing

VIRTUAL TOUR  | Our interactive 360° virtual experience provides you and your family a chance to explore each of SF State's 3 residential neighborhoods, 8 communities, and residential dining locations at your convenience. Click the link on the rotating image to get started.

IN-PERSON TOURS  | In-person housing tours will be available this summer for students attending orientation. 

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR  | Coming to campus and want to take a self-guided walking tour? Download our tour map to help you navigate through our 3 housing neighborhoods. When you stop at each building, simply scan the QR code on the map to take a virtual tour of the inside of select units and common areas.

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: (415) 338-1067

Office Hours

Quick links.

• Employee & Family Housing
• Conference & Event Services
• Residential Life
• News @ SF State
• Document Reader

Request a Group Visit

This form is intended for a school faculty/staff member requesting a group visit for 10–50 high school students or transfer students. If you are a student, or if you have a group of nine or fewer, please schedule a campus visit . We do not offer guided group visits for elementary or middle school groups. If you are interested in bringing your group of students to campus, you can register for a self-guided tour .

We look forward to having you on campus!

California’s campus: Discover a trove of UC experiences that are open to the public

UC campuses are some of California’s true  treasures. From stunning natural reserves to internationally lauded museums, many campus resources are open to the public. Whether you are on a road trip, checking out colleges or just visiting town, you’re invited to dip your toes in the UC experience.

In addition to the experiences listed here, each UC campus has a full slate of performances, exhibitions, talks and sporting events throughout the school year. Check campus event calendars to see what’s on.

Click the links for a shortcut to each campus.

UC Berkeley UC Davis UC Irvine UCLA UC Merced UC Riverside UC San Diego UC Santa Barbara UC Santa Cruz

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Located in downtown Berkeley, BAMPFA’s head-turning Diller Scofidio + Renfro building houses rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and a robust slate of art-house film screenings, with family-friendly admission and a drop-in, all-ages art lab.

$14 general; $12 students, seniors and disabled; FREE for members, youth 18 and under, one adult per child 13 and under, UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff. Pacific Film Archive screenings require a separate paid ticket.  Hours and info  

Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life

Explore the history, vibrancy and diversity of Jewish life through exhibitions and public programs at one of the world’s preeminent Jewish museums. 

FREE. Hours and info  

Campanile tours and carillon concerts

An elevator ride and 38 stairs take you up 200 feet to the observation platform of UC Berkeley’s iconic Campanile, the third-tallest bell-and-clock tower in the world. Take in spectacular views of the Bay Area, see the giant carillon bells up close and get a front-row seat for daily noontime concerts. (P.S. — Don’t forget to look up before you enter the tower. You might see Annie and Archie, UC Berkeley’s resident peregrine falcons , or one of their brood).

$5 general; $4 seniors, alumni and youth; FREE for kids under 3 and UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff.  Hours and info  

Campus ramble

Whether you choose to follow the woodsy banks of Strawberry Creek, take in grand Beaux-Arts buildings or just relax in Memorial Glade, a walk through UC Berkeley’s 200-acre core campus does not disappoint.

FREE. Get the campus map  

Doe Library

You might think you’ve landed at Hogwarts when you peek in Doe Library’s spectacular upstairs reading room. Don’t miss the ground-floor exhibits from the library’s special collections.

Valley Life Sciences Building

A bony Pteranodon soars above a giant T-Rex skeleton ambling through the Valley Life Sciences building, where you can get a close view of these and other dinosaur fossil casts.

FREE. Hours and location  

Botanical Garden

From the Redwood Grove to the Carnivorous Plant House, the Chinese Medicinal Garden and much more, discover the natural treasures of this 34-acre research garden with over 13,000 plants from around the world.

$18 general; $12 seniors and students; $8 youth; FREE for children 4 and under and UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff.  Hours and info  

Lawrence Hall of Science

The Lawrence Hall of Science is all about engaging kids in science — from climbing on the beloved giant fin whale sculpture outside to meeting live animals and exploring hands-on exhibits. Dramatic views of campus and the San Francisco Bay are a beautiful bonus.

$20 adults and children 3+; FREE for kids 2 and under, UC Berkeley students, faculty and staff. Planetarium and 3D theater shows are extra.  Hours and info  

Book a campus tour

Back to top

California Raptor Center

Dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds of prey, the Raptor Center cares for hundreds of birds each year, successfully returning most of them to the wild. You’re likely to meet some of the resident ambassadors when you visit — non-releasable raptors with permanent disabilities.

No visit to UC Davis would be complete without hitting the main Quad. With acres of grass, big shade trees and even hammocks, it’s a perfect place to stretch out and relax.

Eggheads Tour

The UC Davis community takes its Eggheads very seriously. Find out why on a self-guided walking tour of the iconic public sculptures by California artist Robert Arneson.

FREE. Get the tour  

UC Davis Arboretum

Wander through shady groves and flower-filled gardens or picnic near Lake Spafford: 100-plus acres of exploration await. Programs include guided tours, plant sales and drop-in folk and ukulele jam sessions where you’re invited to bring your instrument.  

FREE. More info and visitor map  

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve

Part of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, Putah Creek is a rare stream and grassland ecosystem managed for teaching, research and habitat protection. As you enjoy a hike or swim, think of the reserve as a natural time machine to help us imagine what this area was like before UC was born. 

FREE. More info  

UC Davis Bee Haven

Learn about bees and the plants they rely on and find out how to make your own pollinator garden at this unique outdoor museum.

Design Museum

Explores how design shapes, improves and makes viable the objects, technology and environments we use, inhabit and experience every day.

Gorman Museum of Native American Art

Founded over 50 years ago and unveiling its new, LEED Gold certified building in 2023, the Gorman Museum features contemporary Native American and Indigenous art in changing exhibitions, with a special commitment to showing work by living artists. 

Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

The Manetti Shrem’s curators want to change the way you see the world. Thought-provoking, rotating exhibitions feature art from the university’s Fine Arts Collection in a new context, from teaching prints to works by UC Davis faculty and alumni like Wayne Thiebaud, Robert Arneson, Bruce Nauman and Deborah Butterfield.

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

Set in the steep folds of the California Inner Coast Range, Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve offers miles of trails and spectacular ridgetop views. An ecological preserve for teaching and research, it’s one of the few UC Natural Reserves that is fully open to the public. Due to summer heat, it’s best enjoyed in spring and fall.

Maya Lin water table

Designed by celebrated artist and architect Maya Lin, the Arts Plaza at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts is an environment that embraces the senses, featuring one of Lin’s signature water sculptures and colorful lighted pathways.

FREE. Get directions  

Langson Institute and Museum of Contemporary Art

From California Impressionism and  plein air  painting to Post-War and contemporary art, the Langson IMCA celebrates artists responding to the California experience, presenting a diversity of voices, genres and media.

Beall Center for Art and Technology

Delving into interdisciplinary thought, the Beall Center’s exhibitions and public programs explore new relationships between the arts, sciences and engineering, promoting new forms of expression using digital technologies.

Performing and visual arts

During the school year, student dance, drama and musical performances and exhibitions abound at campus venues like the Claire Trevor Theater and the Contemporary Arts Center and Gallery .

Check the campus box office for shows (note that student productions take a pause for the summer).  

Aldrich Park

The UC Irvine campus was designed with 19 acres of inviting gardens at its heart. Aldrich Park is a great place to relax or stroll, with 51 types of trees (some over 100 feet tall), a sculpture garden and more.

FREE. Get a campus map  

The Hammer Museum

Known for critically acclaimed exhibitions and prized as a hub for Los Angeles’ creative community, the Hammer presents both historically overlooked and emerging contemporary artists along with a full slate of public programs.

Fowler Museum at UCLA

Explore global arts and cultures past and present, with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Indigenous Americas.

Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

Spanning five acres of the UCLA campus, the garden includes more than 70 sculptures by artists such as Hans Arp, Deborah Butterfield, Alexander Calder, Barbara Hepworth, Jacques Lipchitz, Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin and David Smith.

Self-guided campus walking tour

From its iconic, stripey Romanesque Revival buildings to more modern facilities, UCLA’s sprawling main campus reflects its history and its future-facing commitment to innovation. Spoiler alert: Your Instagram will thank you. 

FREE. Get the map  

UCLA Meteorite Collection

At 1,500 meteorites, UCLA’s collection is the largest on the West Coast. About a hundred of these cosmic specimens are on display in the Geology building’s Meteorite Gallery for you to enjoy.

Mathias Botanical Garden 

A living museum of unique plants from all over the world, the botanical garden offers a tranquil respite amid a large, urban campus. Wander through the themed garden collections featuring California native plants, cycads, palms, lilies and more.

“Beginnings”

Walk through “ Beginnings ” and feel the UC Merced spirit. Two enormous, curving steel arms each 40 feet high rise from a large circular base in this iconic sculpture. Created by artist Aristides Burton Demetrios, it’s a metaphor for the embrace of a caring university that values its students and community.

The Labyrinth

For a few moments of mindfulness, try walking the labyrinth overlooking Little Lake.

Vernal Pools

Part of the UC Natural Reserve system, the beautiful Merced Vernal Pools appear in winter and spring, bringing a wildflower bloom and a haven for all kinds of animals. By summer they disappear. The pools are protected and only open to the public in spring for special guided tours.

Art exhibitions

Art is a part of campus life at UC Merced. Stop by La Galería , the Art Gallery and the exhibition spaces in the library to see what’s on.

Shakespeare in Yosemite

Every April, UC Merced students and faculty join with park rangers to put on a Shakespearean production in nearby Yosemite, adapting the Bard’s works to address contemporary environmental issues. 

Under one roof, UCR Arts brings together the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts and the Sweeney Art Gallery along with the California Museum of Photography, an invaluable collection that includes half a million photographic prints, negatives, books, cameras and more.

UC Riverside Botanic Gardens

Stop and smell the roses — or the 3,500 other plant species from around the world — on a stroll through the Botanic Garden’s 40 enticing acres.

Annual Pow Wow

A spring tradition going on 42 years, the UC Riverside Pow Wow is an intertribal celebration of Native American culture with singing, dancing and drumming. UC Riverside sits on land where Cahuilla, Tongva, Luiseño and Serrano people have lived for thousands of years, and the pow wow is a reflection of the school’s thriving Native American Student Programs .

The Eaton Collection of Science Fiction & Fantasy

Check out the world’s largest publicly accessible collection of science fiction, fantasy, horror and utopian literature, housed in the UC Riverside library special collections. 

Rupert Costo Library of the American Indian

With thousands of books, documents and audio recordings documenting Native American history, the Costo Library is a center for studies of the Native people of inland Southern California, the Southwest and North America.

Stuart Collection

Unlike a traditional sculpture garden, sculptures in the acclaimed Stuart Collection are site-specific works fused into the campus landscape. The collection includes works by Niki de Saint-Phalle, Ann Hamilton, John Baldessari, Mark Bradford and more. In Do Ho Suh’s “Fallen Star,” a small house clings precariously to the edge of the Engineering building — discover a hidden garden outside its front door and enter, if you dare!

Geisel Library Take a tour of UC San Diego’s architecturally indelible Geisel Library. Named for Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), it’s one of the top-ranked public academic libraries in the country. The library is also the primary repository for original Dr. Seuss works, and it happens to looks like it might have come straight out of the pages of one of his picture books.

Chicano Legacy Mural

Students from Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán created this mural honoring people (César Chavez), cultural icons (the Corn Mother) and local places (Chicano Park).

Birch Aquarium

The public face of UC San Diego’s world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography , the Birch Aquarium is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. Get a close-up view of underwater creatures in turtle and sea dragon exhibits, hands-on tidepools, the Hall of Fishes and much more. The adorable Little Blue Penguins are a visitor favorite.

$29.95 adults; $27.95 students and seniors; $24.95 children 3–17; FREE for kids 2 and under. Advance reservations required. More info  

Coastal Meander Trail

Located on the campus of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Coastal Meander Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego coastline from La Jolla Cove to Torrey Pines State Beach. Be sure to check out the coral reef succulent garden along the way.

ArtPower energizes UC San Diego year-round with a dynamic lineup of performing and media arts presentations.

Ticket prices vary. More info  

Coal Oil Point Natural Reserve beach

Part of UC’s Natural Reserve system, Coal Oil Point protects a wide variety of coastal and estuarine habitats for research and education. Its pristine beach is accessible from the UC Santa Barbara campus and a popular spot for student surfers.

Art, Design and Architecture Museum

Set alongside the campus lagoon, the museum offers rotating installations of its collections along with special exhibitions. Holdings range from Old Master paintings to American Realism and contemporary California art — not to mention one of the largest and finest architecture and design archives in North America.

UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures

From critically acclaimed concerts and dance performances by world-renowned artists to talks by groundbreaking authors and film series, Arts & Lectures presents more than a hundred public events each year.

The Labyrinth Trail

Nestled between the UC Santa Barbara Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, the Labyrinth offers a slice of serenity amid the bustle of campus. Unlike most other labyrinths, it is built to ADA specifications to accommodate wheelchairs.

The REEF at the Marine Science Institute

Have you ever wanted to hold a sea hare or a lobster? Head over to UC Santa Barbara’s teaching aquarium every Friday and Saturday to get up close and personal with sea creatures.

The Porter Squiggle

Take in a panoramic view of the Pacific and snap a selfie on the iconic “squiggle” sculpture by Kenny Farrell at Porter College (technically named “Untitled”).

Campus walking paths

From redwood groves to meadows overlooking the ocean, the beauty of UC Santa Cruz is legendary. Take it all in as you meander along the network of trails that connect the school’s 10 colleges.

FREE. Get the walking map  

Upper Campus Trail

Eager to explore more? For hiking enthusiasts, the  Upper Campus Trail gives you access to the special spots and gorgeous vistas of the wildlands just above the central campus. Mountain bikers will love this trail, too. (Note that bikes are not allowed on the Seven Springs trail and remember to leave your dog at home.)

FREE. Get the trail map  

Campus art galleries

The Sesnon Gallery and other campus art spaces are a cultural resource for the university and the region. Rotating exhibitions feature artwork by students, local artists and international luminaries.

Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Tucked away on the western edge of campus, the Arboretum and Botanic Garden hold a world-class collection of plants from California and the Southern Hemisphere, including a magnificent succulent garden.

$10 adults; $8 seniors; $5 youth 4–17; FREE for UC Santa Cruz students and kids under 4. More info  

UC Santa Cruz Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden

Two of the unique jewels of UC Santa Cruz, the 30-acre Farm and Alan Chadwick Garden are internationally known sites for training and research in organic horticulture and agriculture. Set at the base of the spectacular Great Meadow, they're also a peaceful oasis to visit. Download a self-guided tour map in advance or grab one at the entrance to the Farm.

Institute of Arts and Sciences

Located in downtown Santa Cruz, the Institute of the Arts and Sciences presents wide-ranging exhibitions and programs that bring the arts together with the sciences, social sciences and humanities as a catalyst for social change.

Seymour Marine Discovery Center

Gray and blue whale skeletons and life-size elephant seal sculptures greet you outside the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, located off campus near the bluffs in Santa Cruz. Inside, meet octopus, eels, rockfish, jellies and other creatures that inhabit the Monterey Bay. You can even touch a swell shark — no worries, they don’t bite! Behind-the-scenes research tours are offered daily.

$12 adults; $11 seniors; $9 students and kids 3–17; FREE for members, UC Santa Cruz students and kids 2 and under. More info  

Keep reading.

How UC will you be?

Campus by campus, dive into clubs, classes and experiences you can only get here.

¿field curious? smashes barriers to outdoor science

An innovative program lowers barriers for first-gen and minority students to participate in scientific field research.

• Watch the latest ABC7 newscast here Full Story
• ABC7 Bay Area 24/7 live stream Watch Now
• Track wildfires across CA with this interactive map Full Story
• anthony fauci

Dr. Anthony Fauci talks HIV, COVID-19 during Bay Area book tour for his new memoir

The former head of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases was in San Francisco Tuesday promoting his new book "On Call."

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Dr. Anthony Fauci , the former head of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, was in San Francisco Tuesday promoting his new book "On Call."

Dr. Fauci spoke with a crowd of more than 100 at Manny's in the Mission District about his work on HIV, to then his work on the COVID-19 pandemic.

I remember it like it was yesterday," Dr. Fauci said when talking about the moment he learned about HIV. "A MMWR landed on my desk from the CDC which was a case of 5 curiously all otherwise healthy young gay men from LA with a very strange pneumonia, pneumocystis pneumonia."

He first thought it was just an anomaly, but soon more MMWR's came to him with more cases. He spent years working with nation leaders on ways to develop drugs, treatment and ways to limit the spread.

MORE: Dr. Fauci says he plans to retire by end of President Biden's current term

Following the discussion on HIV, he began discussing the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I found out about it on the first of January of 2020," he said. "A reporter called me up and said there is something strange going on in china have you heard about it? All of a sudden the phones started ringing and CDC and HHS were on the phone."

MORE: Should you wear a face mask? White House Coronavirus Task Force considering new guidance, Dr. Fauci says

When he was discussing the pandemic, he said mostly worked well with President Donald Trump, but things changed the closer it got to election day. Dr. Fauci says the work done on HIV led to the development of the COVID vaccine.

"The team that was working on an HIV vaccine were the ones that developed the critical immunogen for the success of the COVID vaccine," he said.

Dr. Fauci has a second event at Dominican University where he will be part of a discussion with former California Senator Barbara Boxer.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

Related Topics

• SAN FRANCISCO
• ANTHONY FAUCI
• CORONAVIRUS
• HEALTH & FITNESS
• U.S. & WORLD
• MISSION DISTRICT

Anthony Fauci

Fauci chokes up describing family death threats in COVID-19 hearing

Dr. Fauci says he plans to retire by end of Biden's current term

Dr. anthony fauci tests positive for covid.

Could there be a universal vaccine for any type of coronavirus?

Top stories.

Officials remind of dangers of illegal fireworks ahead of 4th of July

WATCH SUNDAY: 2024 SF Pride parade on ABC7

Orlando Cepeda, SF Giants great and Hall of Famer, dies at 86

Martin Mull, actor in 'Clue' and 'Arrested Development,' dies at 80

What CA leaders think of SCOTUS' homeless sleeping ban decision

New California laws going into effect July 1

Sharks take Macklin Celebrini No. 1 in NHL draft

SF bar behind $4.7 billion lawsuit won against NFL Sunday Ticket

Enter a Search Term

The Campus Experience

Eat in a dining hall overlooking downtown San Francisco. Cheer Dons basketball teams from the newly renovated War Memorial Gym at the Sobrato Center. Center your spirit in St. Ignatius Church. Looking to satisfy an appetite for food, fun, or faith? It’s all at your new home on the Hilltop.

Housing & Dining

Make new friends, share new adventures, and explore your new digs. 

Student Activities

Get involved, build friendships, and discover new interests.

Health & Wellness

Take care of mind, body, spirit. 

Arts & Culture

Destination museums, musical events for every ear — it's all here.

Find Yourself in San Francisco

New to USF? Here are 11 ways to make it your home.

Say Yes to Everything

Juliana Maldonado ’24 talks about her decision to transfer to USF — and how she found her community.

Student Events

25th Thacher Art + Architecture Annual

Getting Involved: USF Student Clubs and Recreational Sports

Leo T. McCarthy Award for Public Service

• Instagram (link is external)
• X (link is external)
• YouTube (link is external)
• Facebook (link is external)