Walk UCSD at your own pace with a 45–75 minute self-guided audio tour that pairs architecture, public art, and campus culture. Download the VoiceMap app, start at the Town Square flagpole, and follow the route to Geisel Library.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Stand beneath the tall flagpole in UCSD’s Town Square with the Pacific’s marine layer hovering off to the west and a student skateboard rattling past. The campus unfolds in concrete and green: modernist piers of Geisel Library rising like an open book, serpentine walkways that guide you to tucked artworks, and clusters of colleges that feel like small neighborhoods.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–75 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires basic mobility for walking short distances
Wildlife
History
UC San Diego was established in the 1960s as a research-focused campus; its colleges system and public art program (Stuart Collection) reflect an experimental approach to higher education.
Conservation
The campus promotes sustainable landscaping and stormwater management; visitors are encouraged to stick to paths, dispose of waste properly, and respect campus plantings.
Reserve your spot on the Discover UCSD: A Self-Guided Tour for Students, Parents and Staff today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before arrival
Redeem your eight-character VoiceMap code and download the tour to avoid spotty cell service on campus.
Bring headphones
The tour includes narrated segments best heard through headphones so you don’t miss location cues and stories.
Comfortable footwear
Paved walkways and short stair sections make supportive shoes a smart choice for the 45–75 minute route.
Mind campus events
Check the UCSD events calendar—large campus events can alter access and increase crowds around Price Center and Library Walk.
Headphones
Necessary to hear the audio narration and location cues clearly.
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated while walking between points, especially in sunny afternoons.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear for paved routes and occasional steps.
Phone with VoiceMap app
Required to redeem the tour code, run the audio, and follow turn-by-turn directions.