5 California colleges ranked among ‘most beautiful’ in US. Is your alma mater on the list?

California is home to some of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation, according to Architectural Digest.

“With their vast collections of buildings, it’s no wonder that universities are architectural gems,” Stefanie Waldek, Katherine McLaughlin and Elizabeth Stamp wrote in an April 8 article titled “The 64 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America.”

With that in mind, Architectural Digest went in search of “the prettiest college campuses in the United States, taking into consideration both architectural legacy and setting.”

They found a total of 64 universities with everything from Gothic-style buildings to sleek modernist structures.

“From the entry arches to academic halls and manicured lawns, everything on these grounds works in harmony to create a place as beautiful as it is educational,” Waldek, McLaughlin and Stamp wrote.

These are the five California colleges that made the list — and why.

University of California, Berkeley

Architect John Galen Howard supervised the construction of 18 Beaux Arts-style buildings at University of California, Berkeley, including the Greek Theater, Wheeler Hall and the Campanile, according to UC Berkeley’s website.

Coupled with “unbeatable views” of the San Francisco Bay, those classical buildings form the foundation of one of the most gorgeous campuses in the Golden State, Architectural Digest and California.com said.

UCLA

“Though the campus now covers more than 400 acres, UCLA started with just four academic buildings,” Architectural Digest said.

Those graceful Romanesque Revival structures, which include Royce Hall and the College Library, were designed by local architects Allison & Allison.

Stanford University

You can thank Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York City’s famed Central Park, for creating the “general concept” for Stanford University’s stunning grounds and buildings, according to the Palo Alto college.

“One of the most beautiful areas on Stanford’s large campus is the Main Quadrangle, which takes on a California Mission style,” Architectural Digest said, crediting Olmsted and architecture firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge with the design.

University of California, San Diego

“Incredible weather” and a “pristine landscape” with views of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay give the University of San Diego, California, “a leg up” on the competition, Architectural Digest said.

“The beautiful collection of 16th-century Spanish Renaissance–style buildings certainly holds its own too,” the publication said.

University of California, Santa Cruz

Architectural Digest hailed the University of California, Santa Cruz, as “heaven for nature-loving academics.”

“Ten residential colleges are spread over the 2,000-acre campus, which is located in and around redwood groves,” the publication said.

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