Chapman University’s beautiful palm-treed campus is located in the city of Orange, a one-hour drive from Los Angeles in the heart of Southern California. Chapman is a mid size private university with a total enrollment of approximately 8,300 grads and undergrads. Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is recognized as one of the top ten film schools in the nation. Campus is just minutes away from the shops and restaurants of Orange’s Old Towne Plaza.

Visitor Information: Tour Chapman

Transportation: The closest airport to the Chapman University campus is Santa Ana Airport (SNA, also known as Orange County or John Wayne).  From there you can take a taxi or Super Shuttle for $10 each way. A taxi will cost approximately $25.  Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the next closest, and Los Angeles Airport (LAX) the next. The Shuttle costs $16 from LAX.  Cabs from LAX to Orange are very expensive, a rental car might be a better option.

Stay: Ayres is many Chapman families first choice; book well in advance if you’re visiting on a weekend. Embassy Suites by Hilton and the ALO Hotel are other popular spots for visiting parents.

Coffee: For ease and convenience, Chapman has a Starbucks right on campus and is most students’ go-to morning stop. Kimmie’s Coffee Cup is a cozy coffee shop where you can always expect to see friendly faces. One caffeine loving student told us: “If you don’t mind a drive, (10-15 minutes) my favorite coffee shop for fun flavors and an ideal workspace is The Lost Bean in Tustin.

Breakfast: For all you waffle lovers out there, head to Bruxie, the chain is well known for its gourmet waffle sandwiches. A bonus: they stay open all day, so you can have waffles for dinner as well. We were told: “If you go to Chapman, you’ve been to Bruxie. “The Filling Station is another must. Housed in an old gas station, all the students bring their parents here when they’re in town, expect a long line on the weekends.  Another student shared her favorite spot: “I prefer a place outside of Orange Circle-just head down Chapman Ave. to Cyrano’s for the best breakfast around."

Weekend Brunch: Citrus City Grille is fun, fun, fun with bottomless mimosas and a breakfast buffet on Saturdays.

Lunch: Watson’s and Ruby’s Diner serve excellent burgers! Urth Caffé’s menu offers a fresh, healthy, sustainable way of eating by using 100% natural ingredients. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar has a lively vibe, serving American pub fare amid modern decor. Green Tomato Grill is a fun, healthy option on Tustin Ave. If you're in the mood for a quick to go sandwich, head to Two's Company located in 'The Circle'.

Dinner

Casual: Head to popular Zito’s Pizza for pasta, calzones or a NY style slice. There’s always a line, but it typically moves fast. One student told us, “The Pizza Press has the popular vote, but I’m more of a Blaze pizza girl myself.” For healthy fare head to Rutabegorz, the menu features many vegetarian options. Looking for an ethnic fix? Dine at Felix Continental Café specializing in Spanish/Cuban cuisine or Orange Roll and Sushi.

A Step Up: Pricier than a student budget allows, students book a table at Italian Francoli Gourmet when their parents come to visit. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar is always a solid choice with delicious food, good atmosphere, and good drinks. For delicious Mexican food and excellent margaritas dine at Gabbi’s. Orange Hill is perfect for celebrations with sweeping views of the area.

Student Spotting: “ You’ll see everything in the piazza between classes. I had a class assignment to observe students, and I chose the piazza because there is so much activity when everyone is heading to their classes. You always run into people you know..”

Late Night Snack: Have fun watching liquid nitrogen in action at A La Minute. This creamy ice cream is made entirely from fresh local ingredients.

Local Attractions: Don’t leave Chapman without visiting nearby Disneyland, as one-student states: “It’s too close not to go! Many students I know even purchase a year pass. “ Laguna Beach is less than 30 miles away, perfect for an afternoon filled with good food, shopping, and of course, the beach. Try and snag a table at Nick’s Laguna Beach, the top table in town. If you want to add some R and R to your college visit, splurge on a room at the Montage Laguna Beach, considered one of the top hotels in Southern California.  Closer to campus the beaches of Newport are just a 15-minute drive; we hear it’s a must to eat at Bear Flag Fish Co. for seafood and sushi. Depending on the time of year, sports fan can attend an Angels baseball game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim or see the Anaheim Ducks play hockey at the Honda Center.