It’s that time of year! The temperature is rising and the UV index is at its peak. If you’re looking for a nice spot to settle down and tan, read a book, hang with friends or study outdoors, this gallery is what you need. I ventured out to find UCLA students’ top outdoor spots on campus and it came down to: Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, Janss/Kuruvungna Steps, the Mathias Botanical Garden and, of course, the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden.
Sunset Canyon Recreation Center
The entrance sign in front of Sunset Canyon Recreation Center, otherwise known as “Sunset Rec."
Students enjoy the pool located at Sunset Canyon Recreation Center at the top of the Hill near Hedrick Summit.
Four students play spike ball on the grass of Sunset Rec. From left to right: Janet Louie, a fourth-year student majoring in economics and minoring in Asian American studies; Katie Lai, a second-year student majoring in human biology & society and minoring in entrepreneurship; Grace Deng, a fourth-year psychobiology student; and Jolene Chan, a second-year bioengineering student.
Court of Philanthropy, Janss Steps
A picture of Janss Steps. The steps are located in the middle of campus, making it a popular spot for Bruins.
Students walk on the pathways between the grassy hills next to Janss/Kuruvungna Steps. Students come to lie out and even study on the grass during the day.
Sonja Cayetano, a fourth-year world arts & cultures student, sits on the grass along Janss Steps and reads a book. Royce Hall stands in the background.
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
Entrance to the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden off Tiverton Drive. The Botanical Garden is a popular spot for Bruins to walk, sit and relax.
A wooden bench and two wooden chairs sit next to walkways lined with rocks. Seating can be found all throughout the Botanical Garden, such as these cute wooden benches.
Chloe Millar, a fourth-year student studying political science and anthropology, sits on a bench studying at the Botanical Garden.
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden entrance sign hangs on a brick wall. The sign includes a face sculpture of Franklin Murphy that protrudes out of the wall.
A long elliptical statue stands near the walkways in the Sculpture Garden. Found in North Campus, the garden is a popular spot for art students, as it is close to their classes and is often bathed in sunlight.
Five students lie on picnic blankets together in the Sculpture Garden. From left to right: Dani Garrido, a second-year psychology student; Aidan Gottdiener-Tan, a second-year student with an undeclared major; Connor Gilbert, a third-year global jazz studies student; Zoe Yee, a second-year student majoring in microbiology, immunology, & molecular genetics and minoring in Asian American studies; and Keira Prouty, a second-year ecology student.
