<p>I agree with Sequoia. Although there might be an express bus from Pico Blvd. in downtown LA to Santa Monica, but figure around 3 hours each way by bus. My son complains about the terrible traffic in LA and that it takes a long time even by car to get from one place to another in LA. If surfing is your son’s biggest passion, I would suggest going to UCSD which is almost on the beach. Also, I suggest that you consider choosing the college based upon best academic fit and tell your son he has something to look forward to when he comes home to visit during vacation. USC has some great academic programs. What does he want to study?</p>