Field guide · Phoenix
Campus Gardens & Hidden Art Walk
A slow, meditative loop through UCI's lesser-known sculpture and rose gardens, capped with a stop at a small California art museum.
Start right on campus with the quiet, almost secret sculpture garden, then wander through the rose and rock gardens before finishing indoors at a museum dedicated to California art — a good way to cool off after the outdoor stretch. This route barely requires driving and rewards people who like discovering pockets of calm most students walk right past.
The stops
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1
Jao Family Sculpture Garden
Free to visit, tucked into campus — go early to avoid midday sun on the open paths.
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2
Laurel L. Wilkening Rose Garden
Short walk from the sculpture garden; roses are most fragrant in morning light.
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3
Aldrich Park Rock Garden
Small rock garden nearby — a nice five-minute pause spot, easy to combine with the rose garden.
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4
Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art
Indoor museum a short drive away — good midday break from the heat, check current exhibit hours before heading over.
This outing lives in Jaha
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