California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is a public university in Carson, California, where prospective students and their families can take outdoor campus tours. Plan ahead for parking and access: campus rules and facility hours can affect what you can visit.
- Address: 1000 East Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747.
- Campus size: 346 acres.
- Prospective-student tour: 55 minutes, outdoors, led by a current student.
When a campus visit makes sense
A campus visit is especially useful for prospective students and their families who want to see the grounds on foot. CSUDH offers a 55-minute outdoor walking tour led by a current student, as well as a 90-minute outdoor campus-and-housing tour.
The university was founded in 1960, and its permanent campus opened in October 1968. The land was once part of Rancho San Pedro; Juan José Dominguez received the original 75,000-acre grant in 1784.
Find visitor parking and campus access
Visitor parking is available in Lot 3, on the north side of Welch Hall, and in the Gymnasium Lot. The published daily permit rate is $10.00. Permits are sold at parking permit dispensing machines and must be displayed plainly on the dashboard. Designated 30-minute visitor spaces do not require a permit for stays of 30 minutes or less.
Parking enforcement is in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a permit is required daily during summer sessions. Guest day permits need advance arrangements through a request sent by departmental memo to Parking Services 72 hours ahead. Because parking requirements and access rules can change, check the official site before you go.
Most campus buildings are open to the public during daytime and evening hours when classes are in session. When the university is officially closed, buildings are locked and access is limited to authorized faculty, staff, and students. University rules generally prohibit entering or remaining on campus between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. without an applicable exception or authorization.
Check events and public facilities
CSUDH has public-facing recreation facilities, though access and hours depend on the location and campus schedule. The Health, Wellness and Recreation Center has an indoor gym court, fitness areas, day-use lockers, restrooms, and a third-floor lounge and terrace. Hours may vary with holidays, academic breaks, events, or maintenance closures.
The center’s Experiential Learning Center is available for wellness-related events by reservation only. The outdoor terrace on the third floor may also be reserved as an event space. Confirm arrangements directly with the university before planning around these facilities.
Plan the trip from Gardena
CSUDH is about a 12-minute drive and 3.4 miles from Gardena Terrace Inn. The inn offers guest rooms in Gardena for a campus visit.
Public transit to campus involves an additional bus ride, using the Toro Express Shuttle and/or accessible bus-transit routes. If you need a physical transit map because you do not have a smartphone, the Office of Transportation Services is at Welch Hall 105.
For organized group tours, submit a request at least 2 weeks in advance. They are scheduled Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays, exam weeks, and closures, so leave room in your plans for the university’s schedule.
Gardena offers more to explore around a campus visit, and a Gardena neighborhood guide for hotel visitors provides local context.
FAQs
Can prospective students take a campus tour?
Yes. Prospective students and their families can register for an outdoor walking tour led by a current student, or choose a longer campus-and-housing tour.
When are group tours scheduled?
Group tours are scheduled Monday through Thursday, with exclusions for holidays, exam weeks, and closures. Requests need to be submitted at least 2 weeks ahead.
Can the public enter campus buildings?
Most buildings are open to the public during daytime and evening hours while classes are in session. Access is limited when the university is officially closed.