On Location: Orange County
By Jim Moore
Because no one studies 24 hours a day.
Real estate agents dialed it in years ago: It's all about location. And it's hard to imagine a location better than the heart of sunny Southern California. Here, the default weather is clear and in the 70s. Miles of sandy beaches lie in one direction; rugged mountains for hiking or skiing rise in the other. In between is a lifestyle that understands the importance of a balance between work and play. And there's plenty of play to go around.
A Day at the Beach
It's like a magnetic pull—sometimes you just feel drawn to the beach. It's always there waiting for you, with another set of waves you can ride, boogie-board, bodysurf, or just watch them crash onto the shore or past a pier. Choose your vibe: the vitality of Huntington Beach, the elegance of Newport Beach, the art and culture of Laguna Beach, the rugged beauty of Dana Point. They're all just a short drive away, and great beaches are accessible by public transportation. Bring a blanket, a text book and a beverage. Or play volleyball, toss a Frisbee, organize a game of beach football. Eat the freshest fish tacos ever. And you've never seen better people-watching in your life. When the day is done and you're winding down, watch the sun sink into the water, lighting up the sky with the promise of more sun and fun tomorrow. Southern California has always been about the beaches; come here and you'll know why.
I'm Going to Disneyland...and Knott's Berry Farm...and Universal Studios...and Legoland...and Seaworld...
News flash: Disneyland is not a kiddie amusement park. OK, maybe you already know that, but do you have a true handle on the big picture? That it's a place where you can be an adult and a kid at the same time—and no one cares, because they're too busy doing the same thing? Twelve minutes from Chapman is the happiest place on earth, and it offers something for any mood. Test your fortitude on a head-whipping roller coaster, or use a water ride as an excuse to cool off on a hot day. Relive some childhood moments with the Starlight Parade, and stay for the late-night fireworks. Enjoy world-class food, shopping and just general hanging out at Downtown Disney. Just a few miles farther you'll find even more fun at Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios, or Six Flags. Or head south to Legoland, Seaworld, and the San Diego Zoo. It's all within a 90-minute drive from Chapman—like having the coolest backyard in anywhere.
Day Trip: L.A.
If Disneyland is your backyard, L.A. is the best neighborhood park ever. You're always just a short drive from the entertainment capital of the world, so set out on an adventure and pick your pleasure. Stroll among the human menagerie of Venice Beach, or see how much some people are willing to pay for things on Rodeo Drive. Take in the Getty, one of the best art museums in the world, for free. Catch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, the House of Blues or a crazy bar on Hollywood Blvd. Or, speaking of Hollywood, you know you want to look for stars' homes—it's okay; buy a map and be a tourist. Maybe you want to wander Santa Monica Blvd. Cruise the Sunset Strip. Drive up to Malibu. See the city lights at night from Mulholland Drive. It's L.A.—it's always showtime.
Living the Sporting Life
If professional sports are your thing, you don't have to go far to get your fix. Both Angels Stadium and the Honda Center (aka The Pond) are practically in the shadow of Chapman's campus. You can ride a bike to games if you want. Head over for some Los Angeles Angels baseball action: Walk through that stadium tunnel and emerge into the hallowed environment of sunshine, grass, dirt, hot dogs and popcorn. Buy a cheap seat in the outfield bleachers and work on your tan, or get up close to the players and the action. Bring a glove just in case, and practice your on-camera reaction for when they put you on TV. Other options: Catch the madness of an Anaheim Ducks hockey game. Join the frenzied fans as they pound on the glass, try to follow the puck and secretly hope for a good fight. And if you favor b-ball, the Lakers and Clippers are just up the 5 Freeway. Or cheer on the Galaxy, LA's pro soccer team. Here, you can let your fan out to play.
The Entertainment Capital of the World
Sure, you could drive to L.A., but the Metro train can carry you from the edge of campus to the heart of the entertainment capital of the world. Take in an extraordinary musical performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, or enjoy a show under the stars at the fabulous Hollywood Bowl. Check out a drama or musical at the Ahmanson Theatre, or discover something new when the LA Opera takes the stage.
Of course, you don't need to go all the way to L.A. for world-class entertainment. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is just a 10-minute drive from campus and annually welcomes a host of Broadway shows and performers to its stages. The South Coast Repertory, a Tony-winning regional theatre company, also performs there, while the Anaheim Ballet can be found just up the road—and all over the world.
A Peaceful Slice of History
Sometimes you want the bright lights... sometimes you might like a little tranquility. In the middle of the 24/7 action of Southern California is an oasis called Olde Town Orange. Back in the day – and we're talking a hundred years ago—this region was largely orange groves, and the circular town plaza was the heart of Orange, where the locals gathered as the city expanded outward over time. These days the area around the plaza is the largest National Historic Register district in California, and Chapman University is right there in the thick of it. What's that mean for you? It means tree-lined streets with beautifully restored homes, a strong sense of history, a certain calmness that's far removed from the hustle. It's the kind of place you can walk through on a warm evening, checking out the shops surrounding the plaza and having dinner in one of the many local restaurants. Campuses are almost always enclaves of peace and beauty, but at Chapman that just means fitting in with its surroundings.