Student-led tours detail undergraduate academic and student life and are appropriate for prospective students who are considering Caltech for their undergraduate education. Students' families are encouraged to join the tours as well.
Tours depart daily from the Admissions Office Monday through Friday.
January, February, May, June, September, October, November and December
Campus Tour: 10:00 a.m.
Information Session: 11:15 a.m.
Please note that tours and information sessions will not be offered on April 12, 13, and 20.
March, April, July, and August
Campus Tour: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Information Sessions: 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Register for a tour and information session at the Online Event Calendar. Once registered, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with detailed parking directions. We will also keep you updated if there are special events that you may want take advantage of during your visit.
Group Tours
Group tours are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tours include a general campus tour for high school students and focus on the undergraduate experience at Caltech.
To schedule a tour, please complete our online request form at least three weeks in advance. Therein we will ask the name of the school, number of students expected to attend, and day/time preferences. We will get back to you as soon as possible regarding availability. The tour does not include lab tours or science experiments. We do not give tours arranged by travel agencies. Since the tour is geared towards students interested in studying at Caltech, all students on the tour must speak English. We cannot accommodate tours if a translator is necessary.
The Caltech Public Events office presents,"Reel Science" on selected Fridays for younger audiences. The programs highlight educational science films and discussions to complement curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students. For more information on how your school can participate, please call Mary Herrera at (626) 395-6059.
Self-Guided Tours
Want to explore Caltech on your own time? If you are unable to attend a student-led tour, you are welcome to download a copy of our Self-Guided Tour Booklet (PDF) or if you are on campus, stop by the Admissions Office and pick up a copy. The booklet is a reader-friendly way to help you navigate around campus while learning about Caltech.
Observed Holidays for 2011 -2012
Before planning your trip to campus, please note that tours are not conducted on Institute holidays or some national holidays, but you are welcome to go on a self-guided tour at those times. Institute-observed holidays and events:
- Memorial Day, May 30
- Fourth of July, July 1 -4
- Labor Day, September 5
- Thanksgiving, November 24-25
- Winter Break, December 10 - January 3
- Martin Luther King Day, January 16
- President's Day, February 20
Special Accommodations
To arrange any special accommodations, please call us in advance at 626-395-6341.