How to Plan a Visit to Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University describes its grounds as the Mission campus and identifies itself as California’s oldest operating university. Friends, families and community members are welcome to explore campus and attend events, so a visit can suit more than prospective students and their families.

A guided campus walk covers the main campus points of interest. The university also identifies several sports facilities on the southeast side: Stephen Schott Stadium, SCU Softball Park, Degheri Tennis Center and Leavey Center. The de Saisset Museum, a free museum of art and history in the South Bay, is another campus destination to consider.

One stop on the tour is the Malley Fitness and Recreation Center, but tours do not go inside. After the tour, you can ask the center’s front desk about a visitor pass if you’d like to explore inside.

Book an in-person visit through Santa Clara University’s Campus Tours page. The visit starts with a presentation from an admission counselor and continues with a student-ambassador campus tour. Plan for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

If the session you want is full, the university accepts walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive a few minutes early and ask about availability or cancellations. Groups of 10–60 can request a group visit.

If an in-person tour does not fit your plans, the university offers virtual information sessions, virtual campus tours, self-guided options and a 360 virtual tour. For an accessibility accommodation, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at least 72 hours in advance by calling 408-554-4700 or emailing admission@scu.edu.

The tour is mostly outdoors, so bring water and sunscreen. Tours may be canceled for circumstances that include an air-quality index of 150 or higher or dangerous weather.

Santa Clara University is at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053. For GPS directions to an undergraduate campus visit, the university gives 407 Palm Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95053. The main campus visit check-in is at the Patricia A. and Stephen C. Schott Admission and Enrollment Services Building.

Before setting out, open the university’s campus map and its separate campus-and-parking map for visitors. The maps can help you locate the check-in building and understand where parking areas sit in relation to campus destinations.

For campus-tour parking, enter from El Camino Real and stop at the parking kiosk. Tour visitors are directed to the small visitor lot in front of the Main Parking Structure or to the structure’s third floor.

A campus parking permit is required for tour visitors. If the kiosk is unattended, get a pass from Campus Safety/Transportation or the Undergraduate Admission Office. The admission office advises tour visitors not to pay with the AMP Park app, as it cannot reimburse those charges.

On weekends, parking passes are not required; you can use the small visitor lot or any space in the Main Parking Structure. Monday–Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., permits are required. A free two-hour visitor permit is valid for two hours from issuance, with one permit per 24-hour period, and is restricted to designated Visitor and F spaces.

AMP Park half-day and full-day rates are $5 and $9 for the Main Structure and North Campus Garage, and $4 and $6 for the other listed zones.

Weekday daily-hang-tag permits are available at the Main Entrance Kiosk on Palm Drive and the Parking & Transportation Services Department, both open Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Campus Safety is listed as open 24/7.

From San José Mineta International Airport, take VTA Route 60 to Santa Clara Transit Center. From there, walk across El Camino Real at Palm Drive and continue up Palm Drive to the admission office.

Santa Clara University’s visitor resources include links to preferred hotels near campus, nearby accommodations and eateries. If you’re arranging a stay around your visit, those resources can help you plan lodging and meals alongside your campus itinerary.

Before you go: Parking details and visit arrangements can change, so check the official Santa Clara University site before you go.