Life in Southern California

To say there is something for everyone in Southern California would be an understatement.

From people-watching at Huntington Beach to strolling on Balboa Island, you will have no trouble finding entertainment venues when away from studying. Southern California is home to many cultures and possesses beautiful beaches, mountains, and great nightlife. Just six miles from Whittier Law School lies the Pacific Ocean coastline. Enjoying the sweet coolness of a Balboa ice cream bar, you stroll down a palm tree-lined path full of skaters, cyclists, and joggers winding their way along the shoreline. On the sand, volleyball players spike the ball as kite flyers run by. Look westward past the surfers, sailboats, and dolphins to the outline of Catalina Island. Look eastward past the office towers, home to high-tech firms and law offices, to the distant snow-capped mountain peaks. Grab your snowboard or skis and you are on the slopes of Mountain High or Snow Valley within a short time.

This is the quintessential essence of Orange County, where temperate weather, a sophisticated and dynamic business environment, and cultural and recreational opportunities combine to create a highly desirable location in which to live, learn, and work. Mild winters, warm summers, moderate rainfall and generally great year-round Southern California sunshine characterize the climate in Costa Mesa.

The campus is located in Costa Mesa, dubbed “City of the Arts,” for its world-class productions at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and South Coast Repertory Theatre. If your taste runs to contemporary music, a multitude of theaters routinely host mainstream large icons as well as smaller eclectic choices. The Grove of Anaheim Concert Theater, Galaxy Theater, House of Blues, the Coach House Concert Theater, Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, and Arrowhead Pond are only a few options that bring top performers to Orange County. World-renowned stores such as Emporio Armani, D&G Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Tiffany, and Hermés are within skipping distance from the campus at South Coast Plaza; and Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus are located at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island. As well, flagship chains such as Banana Republic, Forever 21, Pacific Sunwear, and Abercrombie & Fitch coexist to give the local area a diverse range of shopping options.

Please your palate at a host of award-winning restaurants in this cosmopolitan region. The highly rated Joachim Splichal’s Pinot Provence, along with Aubergine, Five Feet, and the Ritz, are examples of the variety of dining available. Enjoy local long-standing eateries such as Jerry’s Famous Deli, Karl Strauss Brewery, and Sam Woo Chinese BBQ. And for those interested in convenience, franchises exist in abundance from Starbucks to Baja Fresh to McDonald’s. Despite all these options, the campus cafeteria continues to keep our students happy and full.

Within a twenty-five minute drive from campus, you will come upon the “Happiest Place on Earth”—Disneyland, in addition to Disney’s new California Adventure theme park, and Downtown Disney with its vibrant nightlife inclusive of trendy restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. For you sports fans, watch the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at the newly constructed Angel Stadium.

Or drive north and partake in the diversity Los Angeles brings. The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers showcase their talents at the Staple Center. Enjoy the cultural sites in Los Angeles such as Exposition Park, the Getty Center, the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Bowl, the Norton Simon Museum, the Huntington Library, the Disney Concert Hall, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Or drive south to the second biggest city in California, San Diego. Visit nationally known theme parks such as the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld, and Legoland. Enjoy the nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter. Continuing farther south, Mexico is within an easy distance for you to enjoy the international cultural diversity.