College Campuses With the Most Beautiful Spots to Share on Social Media

Northeastern Elegance

• Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY):
  Scenic spots: Bard’s campus includes numerous meadows and wooded trails to explore the local flora and fauna, especially beautiful during fall. The Sawmill Creek also runs through campus, providing peaceful spots to enjoy the water and surrounding forested areas, including a picture-worthy waterfall.
• New York University (New York, NY):
  Scenic spots: Washington Square Park is the heart of NYU's campus with its famous arch, fountain, and vibrant street performances. Away from the New York hustle and bustle, you can also enjoy Silver Center Courtyard—a peaceful, hidden courtyard that's perfect for studying or taking a break.
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• Pace University—Westchester (Pleasantville, NY):
  Scenic spots: The Kessel Student Center Patio overlooks Choate Pond and is surrounded by lush landscaping—a scenic spot to meet friends or enjoy a meal outdoors. The campus also features wooded walking trails for students to immerse themselves in nature while staying close to campus.
  
  What students say: "We took a picture right next to the lake that’s there. There’s like an open lake!"
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• PennWest California (California, PA):
  Scenic spots: The Quadrangle is a central gathering space surrounded by well-manicured lawns, walkways, and historic buildings like Old Main. The Old Main building and clock tower is an iconic structure on campus, surrounded by colorful flowers and a picturesque view of campus.
  
  What students say: "The courtyard in the center of campus is beautiful."
• Plymouth State University (Plymouth, NH):
  Scenic spots: The Langdon Woods community is an eco-friendly residence hall surrounded by trees and walking paths with scenic views of the nearby forest. The PSU Trails around campus are also perfect for hiking, running, or just enjoying the beauty of New Hampshire.
  
  What students say: "You can take a picture in front of the panther on the quad with the mountains in the background."
• SUNY Fredonia (Fredonia, NY):
  Scenic spots: The Reed Library is an architectural highlight of campus, surrounded by inviting green spaces and seating areas, perfect for studying or enjoying the view. The campus also has a variety of outdoor sculptures and art installations, giving students the chance to appreciate the intersection of art and nature.
  
  What students say: "There is a big sign that says FRED to take pictures in front of."

Southern Beauty

• Belmont University (Nashville, TN):
  Scenic spots: Belmont's iconic bell tower is a centerpiece of campus, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a fountain. This relaxing, lovely location is a favorite spot for photos and campus traditions. The McWhorter Hall Rooftop Terrace offers sweeping views of the Nashville skyline, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
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• Bob Jones University (Greenville, SC):
  Scenic spots: The elegant fountain in front of Rodeheaver Auditorium is surrounded by landscaped greenery and flowers and is big enough to include a walking bridge to cross from one side to the other. The expansive front lawn of campus is framed by Georgian-style academic buildings, picturesque especially in spring when the flowers are in bloom and often used for events.
  
  What students say: "The Serpentarium is perfect for a freak-out pic!"
• Emory University (Atlanta, GA):
  Scenic spots: The Emory Gate and Entrance Plaza is a historic landmark, surrounded by manicured lawns, trees, and flowers—a welcoming introduction to the beauty of the campus. Further into campus is the Lullwater Preserve, a 154-acre wooded area featuring walking and running trails, a lake, a waterfall, and the historic Lullwater House, home of the University president.
• Georgetown College (Georgetown, KY):
  Scenic spots: Giddings Hall is the centerpiece of the campus, an iconic Georgian-style building with a clock tower and surrounding trees and one of the most photographed spots on campus. The campus also includes an arboretum with 23 varieties of trees that highlight the beauty of all four seasons.
  
  What students say: "Their architecture is just gorgeous—huge gothic-style buildings with gorgeous stone facades and soaring peaks with plenty of windows, arches, and iron detailing. Beautiful! Most of the campus buildings look similar to castles or cathedrals."
• High Point University (High Point, NC):
  Scenic spots: The Butterfly Café features a small lake with a fountain and landscaped surroundings, a popular spot for students to relax or enjoy a meal. There's also The Mariana H. Qubein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which spans campus and includes more than 20 distinct areas—including a rose garden, bamboo grove, and seasonal plantings.
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• Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA):
  Scenic spots: Liberty’s campus is situated on Liberty Mountain, offering several panoramic views of the entire Blue Ridge Mountain range as well as hiking and walking trails to explore. Campus is also home to the Snowflex Center for winter sports, which features artificial snow and more amazing scenic views of the mountain vistas.
  
  What students say: "The Freedom Tower where you overlook the whole campus is beautiful."
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• North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC):
  Scenic spots: The Memorial Bell Tower is architecturally beautiful and offers stunning views of campus and Raleigh. In front of the Football Center, a monument featuring six bronze wolves—named Confidence, Passion, Spirit, Courage, Pride, and Strength—standing atop a stone mountain accompanied by waterfalls, lighting effects, and pathways for viewers.
  
  What students say: "There’s this cool plaza with wolf statues and a graffiti tunnel."
• Texas A&M University—College Station (College Station, TX):
  Scenic spots: Located in Academic Plaza, the Century Tree is a majestic oak tree with sprawling branches, a favorite spot for engagements, weddings, and photography, as it symbolizes enduring love and tradition. Kyle Field is home to the Aggie football team, both a centerpiece for school spirit and a striking architectural feature.
  
  What student say: "There was not a specific location. All of the buildings were just so beautiful."
• The University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX):
  Scenic spots: The Planetarium at UTA is surrounded by landscaped flowers and trees, providing a picturesque spot to sit or take photos. The UTA Community Garden is student-run and features many plants and flowers that showcase the University’s commitment to sustainability.
  
  What students say: "I don't have Instagram, but this University has many maverick statues around campus that are Instagram-ready."
• The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX):
  Scenic spots: A modern architectural feature, the Dell Medical School Skybridge offers stunning views of Waller Creek and downtown Austin. Waller Creek runs right through the University, adding a natural feature that has been revitalized with trails and landscaping for a quiet escape in the middle of campus.
• University of Houston—Downtown (Houston, TX):
  Scenic spots: Located near the main entrance, the UHD fountain—a picturesque focal point of the campus center plaza surrounded by flowers—is a great place to study, socialize, and take photos. The North Walkway also offers a fantastic view of the Houston skyline, with trees and benches along the path for a juxtaposition of the city's urban and natural beauty.
• University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY):
  Scenic spots: The Lucille Little Fine Arts Library & Learning Center features unique architecture, creative outdoor sculptures, and landscaped gardens. Adjacent to campus, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is a 100-acre arboretum that features walking trails, seasonal gardens, and native landscapes.
  
  What students say: "Every picture [of campus] is like something out of a magazine!"
• University of Mississippi (University, MS):
  Scenic spots: The Grove is the heart of Ole Miss, known for its sprawling grassy area shaded by large oak trees. The "Walk of Champions" arch on the east side of The Grove is where the Rebel players begin their walk for every Saturday home game, given as a gift by the 1962 Rebel football team—the only University squad with a perfect-record season.
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• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC):
  Scenic spots: The Old Well, the University's most iconic landmark, is surrounded by bricked pathways and greenery, and people believe it brings good luck to students who drink from it on the first day of classes. Open from dawn to dusk year-round, the five-acre Coker Arboretum is a tranquil space filled with blooming flowers, shaded pathways, and benches.
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, NC):
  Scenic spots: The modern design of The Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts and its green spaces make it both an architectural and natural highlight of campus. The Lynch Observatory provides scenic views of the sky, making it a unique and peaceful spot during stargazing events.
• University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC):
  Scenic spots: The Horseshoe is one of the most scenic spots on campus, featuring beautiful, centuries-old oak trees draped with Spanish moss and classic university buildings. In front of Davis College is an over six-foot statue of Cocky sitting on a bench with a stack of books, embodying the Carolina spirit and the Mascot's unique role as a literacy leader around the state.

Midwestern Charm

• Concordia University Wisconsin (Mequon, WI):
  Scenic spots: Siting over Lake Michigan, The Bluff Overlook offers spectacular views of the water and surrounding landscape—a favorite spot for students and visitors to take photos. Near the bluff's edge stands a large cross symbolizing the University's Christian mission and offering a stunning backdrop at sunrise or sunset.
  
  What students say: "They have a really nice view of Lake Michigan, which my parents really love."
• Franciscan University of Steubenville (Steubenville, OH):
  Scenic spots: The Portiuncula Chapel on campus—a replica of St. Francis of Assisi’s original in Italy—is a serene spot surrounded by lush gardens and a favorite place for students to pray and reflect. There's also the Finnegan Fieldhouse Terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the Ohio River Valley, especially at sunrise or sunset.
  
  What students say: "Franciscan University has a beautiful chapel which is breathtaking."
• Illinois State University (Normal, IL):
  Scenic spots: The Quad, at the heart of campus, is surrounded by historic buildings and an expansive grassy area perfect for relaxing, studying outside, or attending events. One of the University's most interesting buildings and the oldest one still standing on the Quad, Cook Hall is often referred to as "Old Castle" due to its Castle-like appearance modeled after classic Gothic Architecture.
  
  What students say: "The quad has so many spots [to take pictures:] In front of the trees, the plants, the big clock on one of the halls, and even a castle-shaped hall."
• Iowa State University (Ames, IA):
  Scenic spots: Central Campus is the heart of the University and one of the most scenic spots, including both The Reiman Gardens and the Campanile Bell Tower. Offering stunning views of the grassy lawns and mature trees, it's a great place for students to relax or enjoy a leisurely walk.
  
  What students say: "They have beautiful trees and a very note-worthy statue."
• Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL):
  Scenic spots: A centerpiece of SIU, Campus Lake is surrounded by walking and biking trails, providing beautiful views year-round and a great beach area for enjoying sunsets over the water. The University also features sculptures across campus, blending creative works into the landscape for a gorgeous exhibition of art and nature.
  
  What students say: "As much as I hate it, the hiking trail at Carbondale is beautiful, and I saw one tree with the prettiest orange and red leaves on it once. It looked like a flame."
• The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH):
  Scenic spots: One of OSU's oldest buildings, Orton Hall features Romanesque architecture and a Geological Garden. Students can also enjoy the views from the Thompson Library and Reading Room, which overlooks the Columbus skyline and the Oval, the tree-lined space at the center of campus.
  
  What students say: "As someone super into aviation, I think their airport is the picture-perfect location. Their mascot, the Buckeye, is decked out in a pilot suit, and you can take a picture with him and tag Ohio State on Instagram."
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• The University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK):
  Scenic spots: Memorial Park is a tranquil spot near the center of campus with walking paths, fountains, and open green spaces, perfect for studying or hanging out. The Museum of Natural History Courtyard is also surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and a peaceful area with sculptures and benches.
  
  What students say: "Right outside the library is beautiful. It has almost like a garden hole in the middle by the tower."
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• University of Central Arkansas (Conway, AR):
  Scenic spots: The Harding Centennial Plaza features a central fountain and benches for gathering and taking photos in an appealing circular design. The Estes Football Stadium stands out with a striking purple and gray turf, making it a scenic venue for sports fans and a unique spot for campus photos, especially during game days.
• University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI):
  Scenic spots: The Law Quad is one of the most picturesque spots on campus, with Gothic Revival buildings, moss-covered walls, arched walkways, and tranquil courtyards. UMichigan is also home to The Big House, the largest football stadium in the US, which offers sweeping views of the field and surrounding campus.
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• Wichita State University (Wichita, KS):
  Scenic spots: Witchita State is home to The Ulrich Museum of Art Outdoor Sculpture Collection, boasting over 80 public art installations, including iconic pieces like Millipede by Tom Otterness and Shockers by Luis Jiménez.
  
  What students say: "They have a big sign with their logo on it that I think is pretty spectacular."

Western Glamour

• California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA):
  Scenic spots: With dramatic hills, winding paths, and breathtaking views, Poly Canyon is home to the Architectural Walk, a collection of student-designed art and projects. The campus also features Rodeo Grounds—with beautiful views of the natural surrounding hills—which hosts the annual Cal Poly Rodeo, one of the largest student-run rodeos in the US.
• Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA):
  Scenic spots: Showalter Hall is the oldest building on campus and features classic architecture and well-maintained green spaces, perfect for photos or quiet reflection. Roos Field is known for its vibrant red turf against the backdrop of Washington hills, standing out as one of the most visually striking features of campus.
  
  What students say: "[EWU is] straight out of The Giver. Beautiful trees and scenery everywhere and lots of hammocks and places to study outdoors and enjoy it."
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• Laramie County Community College (Cheyenne, WY):
  Scenic spots: LCCC’s outdoor amphitheater provides a scenic venue surrounded by greenery for campus events and performances. The Equestrian Center's outdoor arenas and trails showcase stunning views of Wyoming’s open skies, rolling plains, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets during practices or competitions.
  
  What students say: "I absolutely loved the arena for their equestrian and rodeo team. It was well maintained and everything seemed aesthetically pleasing."
• Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA):
  Scenic spots: One of LMU's most scenic spots is the Sunset Plaza and the Bluffs, offering sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline and vibrant California sunsets. The William H. Hannon Library is a campus architectural landmark, featuring beautifully designed reading areas and large windows with a view of the ocean on clear days.
  
  What students say: "At the edge of campus is a bluff that overlooks LA!"
• Occidental College (Los Angeles, CA):
  Scenic spots: The top floor of the Oxy Tower offers incredible panoramic views of the campus, with the San Gabriel Mountains visible to the north and downtown Los Angeles to the south. The campus is also home to several garden spaces, including the Native Plant Garden and the Rose Garden—both great for enjoying vibrant flowers and lush greenery.
  
  What students say: "The whole campus is gorgeous!"
• Regis University (Denver, CO):
  Scenic spots: The Quad is a spacious lawn surrounded by historic buildings, including the Dayton Memorial Library, and a popular place for students to gather for events. On the other end of The Quad, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rockies is an architectural gem of the University, sitting atop a small hill with panoramic views of campus and the nearby Rocky Mountains.
• Southern Utah University (Cedar City, UT):
  Scenic spots: Located against the backdrop of Cedar City’s red rock cliffs, the Eccles Coliseum and football field offer spectacular views during games and events. Campus also features artistic sculptures surrounded by landscaping that add to the charm and create a harmonious blend of art and nature.
  
  What students say: "The amphitheater is a beautiful spot!"
• University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO):
  Scenic spots: The iconic Flatirons mountain range forms the backdrop for the entire campus, offering breathtaking views from virtually anywhere on campus. This includes the views at the open-air amphitheater that offers a charming, well-landscaped, and intimate setting for performances or quiet reflection.
  
  What students say: "Right in the center of campus, next to the main administration building, is very beautiful in the fall!"
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• University of Washington, Seattle (Seattle, WA):
  Scenic spots: Located near the center of campus, the Drumheller Fountain offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Red Square is a bustling hub for student activity with striking views of the surrounding architecture of Suzzallo Library, Kane Hall, and Odegaard Library.
• Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA):
  Scenic spots: In the center of campus, Red Square is surrounded by brick buildings and trees, creating a picturesque and vibrant spot for outdoor events and student activities. Located near the Performing Arts Center, the Sculpture Garden features a variety of outdoor installations surrounded by native plants and flowers.
  
  What students say: "The courtyard where the giant [sequoia] tree was changing colors looked so pretty in the fall because of how pretty the leaves are."
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