Best College and University Towns for Campus Visit Road Trips

Great Specific Colleges and Universities to Visit

• Adams State University (Alamosa, CO): With one day in Alamosa, you can summit the tallest dunes in North America, wrestle local alligators, hike waterfalls, and hit the hot springs by sunset. One of the largest alpine valleys in the world, San Luis Valley's high elevation, wide open spaces, and arid climate, make it perfect for stargazing.
  
  What students say: "[Alamosa has] the sand dunes and the gator farm, plus [it has] that fun, close-knit town feeling."
• Appalachian State University (Boone, NC): In Boone, you can find it all—whether you're looking for mountain sports and cozy mountain cabins, or festivals, art galleries, and the Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park. Boone is where adrenaline and leisure mix for the perfect getaway any time of year.
  
  What students say: "[There are] so many cool little places to visit!"
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• Arizona State University—Tempe (Tempe, AZ): Tempe is a vibrant city offering a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and a lively entertainment scene. It also boasts sunny weather year-round, making it a fantastic destination for exploration.
  
  What students say: "Tempe is a total college town, and ASU is a big school with a lot of students, so there are fun areas for students to hang out."
• Ave Maria University (Ave Maria, FL): Ave Maria has small-town charm with resort-style amenities including, top shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Whether you're spending a day at the water park oe enjoying a hike on the trails, fun and heart-pumping activities are available for everyone.
  
  What students say: "This University in Florida is part of a little town which is a really fun environment to explore."
• Baylor University (Waco, TX): Founded by and named after the Huaco Native American tribe, Waco is guaranteed to offer a fun visit to the heartland of Texas! Explore five historic homes, seven recreational venues, and nine arts organizations, staging theater, musical productions, and art exhibitions.
  
  What students say: "Baylor is in Waco, and Waco has so many places to eat, entertainment options, and places to hang out with others. Specifically, I love going to Magnolia Market."
• Belmont University (Nashville, TN): Known as Music City, Nashville is a great place to explore, experience creative energy, and find inspiration through live music, festivals, and other events all year round. The city offers a wide range of cultures as showcased through its cuisine, businesses, entertainment, and more.
  
  What students say: "It's Nashville so there is so much to explore!"
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• Brenau University (Gainesville, GA): In Gainesville, you can hike trails with beautiful lake and mountain views, stroll through gardens, and get creative with art classes, exhibits, and public tours. You could also catch annual events such as the Chicken Festival, Jingle Mingle, Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, Beach Bash, Food Truck Fridays, and more.
  
  What students say: "It's a historic town nestled near the mountains."
• Colorado State University Pueblo (Pueblo, CO): With 300 days of sunshine each year, Pueblo offers outdoor recreation, museums, farmers markets, local cuisine flavors, and more. You can also attend annual events like the Grassroots Gravel Cycling Event, the Colorado State Fair, or the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival.
  
  What students say: "Unique town with a small feel and outdoor activities."
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• Delaware Valley University (Doylestown, PA): The Borough of Doylestown is recognized by USA Today as the "best small-town cultural scene" in the nation for its rich history, passionate community, and eclectic mix of businesses, restaurants, and services. Doylestown offers world-class museums, a restored art-deco theater, and a vibrant nightlife downtown.
  
  What students say: "Doylestown and the surrounding area is where I group up, so I know all the spots for great food, fun, and needs."
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• Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA): Cheney is a unique community that boasts two historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Cheney offers an abundance of outdoor activities with city parks, soccer fields, and more; and there's plenty of entertainment on EWU's campus with two college theaters, an art gallery, and sporting events.
  
  What students say: "They (EWU) have free ice skating that comes with their tours of the campus and plenty of amenities along the way."
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• Grove City College (Grove City, PA): Grove City is a charming small town known for its historic character, shopping, and proximity to outdoor activities. When visiting, you can explore quaint shops, local boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants in the historic downtown area.
  
  What students say: "Grove City has more than just the College, including lots of dining and shopping experiences."
• Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): Cambridge is a place where all are welcome to pursue their passions for everything— whether it's Bauhaus architecture, antique bikes, sriracha pickles, glass-blowing, international law, or post-rock cover bands. Whatever your interests, you'll find it here.
  
  What students say: "[Harvard is] my #1 school. [It's] a 10-hour drive from my house [with] plenty of pretty stops along the way, nice hotels right near campus, plenty of sightseeing in the area, and lots of little shops and restaurants in Harvard Square. Picturesque college town vibe!"
• Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID): Known as the “Gateway to the Northwest,” Pocatello and its sister town Chubbuck offer world-class outdoor recreation, dining options, entertainment, and lodging options. Whether you’re passing through or going to college, these towns have a long tradition of welcoming visitors from everywhere.
  
  What students say: "Idaho State University is the best for campus tour road trips because it's large enough that you have lots to visit, and it's also out of the city so it's good to visit with my avid class. It's large enough that we can visit several areas, and there's so much right next to it."
• Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN): Bloomington offers something for everyone, whether it's spending a day on Monroe Lake, shopping at stores downtown, hiking through Hoosier National Forest, eating at incredible restaurants, or listening to live music. When it comes to IU Bloomington football games, the whole town is bound to show up to support the team.
  
  What students say: "It's such a fun atmosphere with great shopping and restaurants!"
• Keene State College (Keene, NH): Keene is a picturesque New England town known for its historic downtown character and outdoor activities. Explore unique shops, bookstores, art galleries, restaurants, or The Colonial Theatre—beautifully restored for live performances, movies, and concerts.
  
  What students say: "This town has a lot of history and a really fun older downtown [area]."
• North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC): Raleigh boasts more than 9,000 acres of parkland for year-round recreational activities and a diverse art scene—see a touring Broadway show, attend original plays at theatres or parks, or listen to the North Carolina Symphony. The city also offers cuisine to satisfy almost any craving, from upscale dining to pubs to traditional Southern cooking.
  
  What students say: "Raleigh is diverse, and there are tons of things to do: festivals, concerts, and art museums."
• Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR): Corvallis is nestled between the Portland metropolitan area, the Cascade Mountains, and the Oregon Coast. Visit for signature events like the Corvallis Fall Festival or the da Vinci Days Festival; go hiking or biking along 60+ miles of trails; or enjoy the theatre, take in a concert, and tour displays of public art.
  
  What students say: "It's a total college town that isn't a big city but is still big enough to have activities not college related."
• PennWest California (California, PA): The small, quiet town of California is nestled along the Monongahela River with plenty of enjoyable activities around the area. Go boating or fishing on the river; visit popular local eateries; walk the picturesque trails; or enjoy an exciting local seasonal or PennWest event.
  
  What students say: "It is right at the edge of the town and has access to everything."
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Edwardsville, IL): Edwardsville is home to a great mix of restaurants, shopping, festivals, parks, sports activities, historic sites, educational centers, concert and entertainment venues, hotels and events spaces, and much more.
  
  What students say: "Edwardsville is nice, and you do have things to do. Plus, it isn't far from St. Louis, which has tons of things to do!"
• Southern Utah University (Cedar City, UT): Known as "Festival City, USA," Cedar City offers a unique balance of outdoor adventure and the arts, with world-class cultural attractions, National Parks, and year-round events like free music festivals, parades, and more. The Historic Downtown is lined with local shops and eateries and boasts a welcoming community.
  
  What students say: "The nature is beautiful, and [the town] is small."
• Texas A&M University—College Station (College Station, TX): College Station offers Southern hospitality with comfortable hotels, delicious dining, and exciting attractions. Explore the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, catch an Aggies football game at Kyle Field, throw some axes, play laser tag, ice skate, enjoy live music, and much more.
  
  What students say: "It's so big that you can see a lot by driving around, and there are many [main] streets through the campus."
• The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): Columbus offers cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a thriving food and arts scene. Visit local attractions such as the Columbus Museum of Art, the Center of Science and Industry for interactive exhibits, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and more.
  
  What students say: "Ohio State is in Columbus, which is a relatively big city. It was quite fun to experience the city vibes while still being on a college campus. Also, a unique feature to explore is their massive stadium which holds over 100,000 people."
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• The University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK): Spend your day in Norman by eating at The Diner (featured on The Food Network), visiting locally owned shops, and enjoying lunch at the hot spots—featuring Asian, Italian, German, Thai, and more food options. In the evening, catch a show at any of Norman's live music venues for a day of fun from sunrise to sunset.
  
  What students say: "It’s super fun there because it’s in Norman, and there’s football, shopping centers, awesome food, and so much more."
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• The University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX): Tyler offers a variety of things to see and do—like antique shops, specialty stores, engaging museums, and delicious cuisine—along charming brick streets. The city is also abundant in natural beauty including lakes, gardens, trails, and campgrounds.
  
  What students say: "The campus is really pretty and the layout of it was very adventurous. I felt like I was in a movie the grass was green and there were little ponds with ducks."
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• University of Central Arkansas (Conway, AR): Known as the “City of Colleges,” Conway offers many cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and a vibrant downtown area. Downtown features boutique shops, art galleries, local restaurants, community events, and live entertainment—including at the Lantern Theater where local talent performs.
  
  What students say: "[There is] so many things to do!"
• University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (Champaign, IL): The Champaign-Urbana area offers an unparalleled variety of cuisine, claiming the title of Midwest Living’s "Greatest Midwest Food Town." Visitors also discover new bands at live music venues and outdoor concerts, enjoy public art spaces, take in the beauty of parks and preserves, and more.
  
  What students say: "There are a lot of cool places to explore around [campus], and it has a very active community that's supported by Champaign and Urbana."
• University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA): Iowa City is an art-centric community with modern and historical attractions, including the Old Capitol Museum and the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History. Downtown is bike- and pedestrian-friendly with many restaurants, boutique shops, and a legendary independent bookstore.
  
  What students say: "[Iowa City has] plenty of history and stuff to do."
• University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI): Ann Arbor is a bustling university town, culinary hotspot, destination for world-class arts and culture, and tech hub with a walkable downtown. The city features over 170 parks and park facilities, which host a variety of amenities and activities for all ages, abilities, and interests.
  
  What students say: "This campus is very spread out and driveable and has so many great restaurants to try."
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• University of Missouri—Columbia (Columbia, MO): Columbia is nestled between three college campuses, offering students a vibrant hub of business and culture. The city offers 110 unique boutique shops, 70 bars and restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops, dozens of concerts each week, festivals, cinemas, and more.
  
  What students say: "There are so many hidden gems in the town! We ate at a good restaurant and found a super good coffee shop downtown."
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• University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA): Who hasn't heard of Los Angeles? Considered the "Entertainment Capital of the World," LA is a trend-setting metropolis filled to the brim with things to do—whether it’s visiting the Space Shuttle Endeavour, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Getty Center, urban art galleries, and so much more.
  
  What students say: "It is very alive and being in LA is always fun!"
• University of Tennessee at Martin (Martin, TN): Martin is home to many delicious eateries and local boutiques and offers something for the whole family to enjoy. Spend an afternoon in Festival Park, throw axes at The Angry Axe, shop and support local businesses, or just enjoy the scenic beauty of Tennessee.
  
  What students say: "It is a small town, but has the best eating places. Blake's at Southern Milling is close [to campus], and the best burger place in West Tennessee [is] The Grind Mac and Cheese Burger Bar."
• Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY): Bowling Green offers unique local attractions like the Aviation Heritage Park, Historic Railpark & Train Museum, Corvette Museum and Beech Bend Raceway, and more. The city is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and cave explorers, as it's known as the hub of Kentucky's Cave Country.
  
  What students say: "The Hill was really fun part of campus."
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• Wichita State University (Wichita, KS): Wichita offers exciting attractions and museums, including the Sedgwick County Zoo—one of the top 10 largest zoos in the US and the state’s most-visited outdoor attraction. There are tons of fun experiences in every neighborhood, from cultural events to shopping and delicious local restaurants.
  
  What students say: "They have a plethora of things to do when you're not in class."
• William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA): Williamsburg is known for its historic sites, but it also offers accessible hotels, restaurants, museums, and more for everyone to enjoy. The city is also home to iconic theme parks with world-class roller coasters and high-speed go-karts to make a visit even more thrilling.
  
  What students say: "Colonial Williamsburg is a cool place to visit."

Great Towns and Cities With Multiple Schools to Visit

• Arlington, Texas: Home to Arlington Baptist University and The University at Arlington Texas, Arlington offers numerous events and a ton to do and see throughout the year. It's home to the popular Texas Rangers baseball team, The International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame, and the soon-to-be National Medal of Honor Museum.
  
  What students say: "It has Six Flags, the Dallas Cowboys stadium, and the Texas Ranger Stadium. It is also directly in the [middle of the] Dallas-Fort Worth metro [area]."
• Boise, Idaho: Home to Boise Bible College and Boise State University as well as conveniently located near The College of Idaho, Boise considers itself a meeting place for wanderers, creators, and adventurers. Whether you're biking The Greenbelt that connects downtown to areas along the Boise River or eating at local restaurants and food trucks with farm-fresh ingredients and international flare, there's always something to do.
  
  What students are saying: "I love all the restaurants around here!"
• Boston, Massachusetts: Home to Boston University, Emerson College, Northeastern University, and more, Boston is a historic city that offers something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, sports fanatic, music lover, or cultural traveler. The city offers world-renowned museums, storied sports stadiums, star-studded concert venues, distinguished theaters, and both the Freedom Trail and Black Heritage Trail. Explore all of Boston's amazing colleges!
  
  What students say: "There's so much to do, especially in neighboring cities like Salem. The people are mostly friendly, and there are so many landmarks and small hidden places to enjoy."
• Boulder, Colorado: Home to the University of Colorado Boulder and Naropa University, Boulder offers the perfect balance of urban and outdoors, known for a stellar food scene, arts community, downtown area, and abundance of outdoor activities. Events are hosted year-round, such as art fairs, festivals, and markets, that take place along Boulder Creek and all over town.
  
  What students say: "It is a very welcoming place with a great community, and it's near lots of places."
• Colorado Springs, Colorado: Home to Colorado College, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and more, Colorado Springs offers exciting things to do in the Pikes Peak Region, including whitewater rafting, parks and trails, museums, and a mountain zoo. Wheel the World and Colorado Springs work together to make attractions highly accessible to those with disabilities to travel and enjoy the region too. Explore all the amazing colleges in Colorado Springs!
  
  What students say: "Downtown is very lively and fun!"
• Dallas, Texas: Home to Dallas Christian College, Dallas Baptist University, and more, Dallas offers the nation's largest urban arts district, world-class shopping, countless restaurants and eateries, outdoor trails, and live entertainment. From the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to the Design District, there are endless ways to fill your trip. Explore all the amazing colleges in Dallas!
  
  What students say: "Dallas has many experiences toward the arts that make it a memorable place to be."
• Greenville, South Carolina: Home to Furman University, Bob Jones University, and more, Greenville offers a tremendous variety of venues, facilities, amenities, restaurants, recreation, and entertainment that meet every need and budget. The city prides itself on being affordable and convenient for visitors, locals, and students alike.
  
  What students say: "[It's a] huge city with lots of fun places to explore and several local colleges."
• Ithaca, New York: Home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, Ithaca provides opportunities to hike waterfalls, taste cuisine from around the world at the Ithaca Farmer's Market, and learn on The Discovery Trail—a partnership of top attractions including the Sciencenter, the Cayuga Nature Center, the Cornell Botanic Gardens, the Museum of the Earth, the History Center, the Tompkins Public Library, and more.
  
  What students say: "[There are] so many beautiful gorges and great food!"
• Knoxville, Tennessee: Home to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Johnson University, and more, Knoxville is known for its vibrant downtown and Market Square, a rich history and culture, live music and concert venues. and outdoor adventures in the Smoky Mountains. You can also visit the Sunsphere, the World’s Largest Rubiks Cube, the Zoo Knoxville, the Farragut Museum, and more. Explore all of Knoxville's amazing colleges!
  
  What students say: "It is just one of the best college towns around!"
• Lynchburg, Virginia: Home to Randolph College, Liberty University, and more, Lynchburg is quintessentially Virginia with culturally-rich neighborhoods and a strollable city. You can explore 40 miles of urban trails and riverfront, visit art galleries and historical sites, wander through historic neighborhoods, local cuisines, and much more. Explore all of Lynchburg's amazing colleges!
  
  What students say: "Lynchburg is a very pretty town. The people are so welcoming."
• San Diego, California: Home to University of San Diego, San Diego State University, and more, San Diego offers near perfect weather year-round, miles of coastline, world-class attractions, a sophisticated art scene, and quality dining options. This City is the definition of a beach town with all the excitement of an urban hub. Explore all of San Diego's amazing colleges!
  
  What students say: "San Diego is just a great city. There's a lot to do and a few schools to visit."
• Seattle, Washington: Home to Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, and more, Seattle is a place to enjoy artisan creators, indie boutiques, priceless works of art, karaoke clubs, and plenty of nature—all without leaving the city. Seattle also loves its sports, home to five men's teams and two women's professional teams. Explore all of Seattle's amazing colleges!
  
  What students say: "There are a lot of things to do outside of [college] campuses!"